Business Spotlight: Lake Region Animal Hospital

Providing full scale and professional veterinary services since 1976, Lake Region Animal Hospital,
located at 554 Roosevelt Trail, is still going strong and growing with one celebratory change to announce. Dr. Doug Griffin, who has owned and operated the clinic for the past 43 years, has recently retired and handed the reins of ownership to Dr. Andrine Belliveau to continue the expert and compassionate care to our four-legged friends. Dr. Belliveau purchased the clinic on November 27, 2019.

Dr. Belliveau, who grew up in Bolton, MA knew from a very early age that working with animals was her calling. “I grew up on a farm and I loved being around and taking care of the animals,” Dr. Belliveau began. “As I got older, I was involved in 4H, working with our goats and sheep. At the age of 15, I started as a kennel assistant at a clinic in Lancaster, MA, eventually working as a veterinary technician until I was 25 during school breaks and summer months.”

Dr. Belliveau received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at Cornell University within three years and went on to obtain a DVM degree from Tufts University in 2011. For one year after graduation, she worked at a small-animal clinic in upstate New York.

Wanting to be closer to her family, Dr. Belliveau moved to Maine and began working at Lake Region Animal Hospital in 2012.  A few years later, she transitioned to emergency medicine.  “I have seen almost every situation imaginable,” she explained. “The experience of working in an emergency vet clinic taught me many things that I wouldn’t have ordinarily seen if I had only worked in a general practice veterinary hospital. The experience exposed me to the depth and breadth of the many extraordinary situations that occur. This helped me expand my experiential knowledge I wouldn’t have otherwise gained. There are very few emergency situations I can’t handle now as a result.”

Although customers will no longer see the caring face of Dr. Griffin, they will continue to see all the other familiar, talented and friendly staff that have been a part of the Lake Region Animal Hospital Team for quite some time.

Dr. Andrine Belliveau with Chief Doggo, Bennett

In fact, many customers have expressed their loyalty and satisfaction. “I have been taking my animals to Lake Region Animal Hospital in Windham for over 15 years,” began Jinja Rosendahl. “I have been seeing Dr. Belliveau for my latest two dogs. While one of my dogs, would be happy with most people, my other dog is leery of most. He wears a muzzle into the office, both for his protection and for others. He has known Dr. Belliveau since I first adopted him at about three months of age. Dr. B has one of the techs take him out back and while they are treating him, they remove the muzzle and he is fine. For that seemingly simple act, I am forever grateful. I would highly recommend Dr. Belliveau for your pet’s needs [as well as] the entire staff at Lake Region Animal Hospital.”

Another customer, Julie Largay concurs. “My family has been taking our dogs to Lake Region Animal Hospital since at least the 1980's. The front desk staff is friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable.  We talk to Paula a lot and the techs are amazing and make you feel like your pet is their's.  I have known Leah for a number of years, and she is smart and dependable. A few years ago, we were paired with Dr. Seavey.  As our basset hound got older, we started seeing her more and more. She was always very honest with what his issues were, and she always gave us a few plans for care, in case one was too expensive. It was nice knowing that if we didn't want to pay a lot of money for a test, there was always another direction to take. Towards the end of our basset's life, she would email regularly to check in on him and even made a special trip to our house to drop off medication he needed. We have taken our pets to other vets now and then, but you cannot get the customer service, knowledge base or compassion that you get from the team at Lake Region Animal Hospital.”

You can expect the same great service by the same friendly faces. “Dr. Griffin owned this business for 43 years,” stated Dr. Belliveau. “He did a wonderful job and we are going to continue in this manner in his honor.”

For more information about Lake Region Animal Hospital, check out their website at www.lakeregionanimalhospital.com/ or call 207-892-7575.

Business Spotlight: Bob’s Seafood

Located in North Windham on Route 302 as one enters the greater Sebago Lakes Region, residents and visitors alike will find a seafood gem. Bob’s Seafood has been a local favorite and vacationer destination since 2002. 

Bob’s is a small family owned business now operated by second generation siblings Travis, Derek and Tarah Mathieu. Bob’s original concept was to provide Windham and surrounding areas with a fresh seafood market and offer some fried local favorites. It’s been a vision of Travis, Derek and Tarah over the past 10 years to expand on the business their parents began.

In September of 2018, their vision became a reality as Bob’s Seafood was transformed into a full-scale restaurant, bar and seafood market.  An additional 2,000 square feet was added which permitted a large kitchen expansion, dish room, restrooms and a taproom. 

The design was to give customers a modern industrial look while providing them with a casual, warm and cozy atmosphere. The original building was completely remodeled, but some of the original charm and quaint atmosphere was persevered for the guests that prefer that New England style, too. 

Bob’s new expansion added more than 25 new jobs for seasonal, part-time and full-time positions.

One of the missing components of Bob’s in the early days was adult beverages. With the addition of the Taproom; beer, wine and spirits offer another stream of revenue that has not been part of the equation in the past.  The Taproom is very spacious with an eighteen-seat u-shaped bar as the focal point and nine additional tables accommodating up to 38 guests. 

Sibblings Travis, Tarah and Derek Mathieu are
second generation owners of Bob's Seafood

The tap lines consist of 8 hand-picked craft beers, many of which are local to Maine. Maine Beer Company Lunch IPA, Allagash White and Bells Amber are amongst the most poured beers followed by the rotating IPA. There is a rotating specialty cocktail menu that changes with the seasons. Bob’s Seafood is currently highlighting Tiramisu Martini, Pumpkin White Russian and Maple Walnut Old Fashion.

We are also proud of our outdoor patio which displays a beautiful natural granite wall and a custom-built natural gas fire pit.  It’s the perfect spot to “wine” down and enjoy a great outdoor dining experience during those warm summer nights. 

Although the addition of beer, wine and spirits has brought in new customers, the food quality keeps people coming back for more. Previously recognized for their award-winning lobster roll, Bob’s is also known for their fried clams, scallops and haddock dinners along with hand cut fries and onion rings. 

As the building took on a new look the menu did much of the same. With a much larger kitchen, the menu now boasts baked stuffed haddock, sautéed scallops, teriyaki salmon, lobster mac-n-cheese, fish tacos, salads and much more. All menu items are homemade including appetizers, chowders and daily specials.  All food is locally sourced, fresh and made from scratch.  Bob’s Seafood takes pride in preparing all their guests’ food by hand and as ordered.

A one of a kind, eco-friendly lobster tank was custom built which includes a deep end holding tank and a waterfall to hold and sustain over 1,000 live lobsters as needed.  Bob’s sells live and cooked lobsters ranging in size from one to four-pound jumbo, in any quantities.

Bob’s Seafood takes pride in the seafood selection - offering wild caught, chemical free, local, natural and organic seafood. The fresh seafood case is stocked with fresh haddock along with Wester Ross natural salmon fillets, fresh swordfish, dry sea scallops, day boat halibut, lobster meat, crab meat, homemade crab stuffed mushrooms, stuffed clams, native steamers, mussels, oysters and more! 

Bob’s Seafood can bring in special order fish or customize an order with advance notice.  There is a Frozen market as well offering Alaskan king crab legs, native shrimp, clam cakes, crab cakes, crab meat stuffing, shrimp cocktail, tiger shrimp, local smoked mussels, and chopped sea clams. Bob’s Seafood has all the supplies in house and the ability to pack fresh seafood for road trips and overnight traveling trips whether the customer is flying or driving.

Bob’s Seafood is now open year-round. Winter dining hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Summer hours from Memorial Day through Labor Day are Monday through Saturday 11 a.m to 9 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The fish market opens daily at 9 a.m. or by appointment. If you’re traveling for the holidays or need a great gift idea, Bob’s Seafood also ships live lobsters and fresh seafood via Fed-Ex next day air anywhere in the United States.  For more information call Bob’s at 207-893-2882 or visit their website at lobsters-shipped.com

Business Spotlight: Erin Flett, Textile Designer

From a small start in her basement to a thriving studio, showroom and manufacturing operation in the heart of Gorham, designer Erin Flett has grown her business tremendously over the past ten years. Flett was a successful graphic designer when she began creating illustrations on some of her design projects.  “I’m an artist, an illustrator, at heart,” Flett said. 

A visit to New York city opened Flett’s eyes to the realization that people were willing to pay for

pattern design. She started to make a name for herself designing patterns for others, including Pottery Barn. But these bigger companies didn’t use some of the patterns Flett felt were special, instead choosing safer styles for their lines. That’s when Flett realized she wanted to sell her work on her own.

Flett began drawing and hand printing designs on pillows in her basement at night with her husband, when her daughters were two and five. After two years of hand printing and using local sewing talent, Flett’s business was featured in a full page profile in O Magazine as part of a spread called “Women who make beautiful things.” 

This exposure caused Flett’s operation to quickly grow out of the basement, moving into a space at the Dana Warp Mill in Westbrook. In each of the first four years in her new location, Flett’s business doubled. Flett gained national and international exposure and has been featured in over 60 magazines in the past decade.

Four months ago, Flett opened a retail and manufacturing location in downtown Gorham.  “It is the first time people have the opportunity to buy something and walk upstairs to see how it is made,” Flett said.  The shop showcases Flett’s work with one-of-a-kind products not available online, including wallpaper, rugs and wall art.  Flett believes it is important to have a price point for everyone, so the shop contains items priced from $5 and up. 

Flett also has a thriving online business at www.erinflett.com.  The company has over 200 wholesale customers, including many hotels. Flett said they are beginning to branch out to interior design companies and become a lifestyle brand. They recently received an order for custom, exclusive patterns from LL Bean. 

“Pattern and color is what we do best,” Flett said.  “Everyone is bringing their joy and energy to the piece you are buying.”

Flett said the company prides itself on their American woven fabrics that are handprinted one at a time and sewn by a team of extremely talented local stitchers. The company employs about 15 people, including stitchers, manufacturing staff, and customer service/shipping representatives.

Every year, Flett holds two big sales in the community.  The 2019 annual holiday sale will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Robie Gym, 42 South Street in Gorham.

The sale will be a festive affair, with a large tree, music, and hundreds of hand-printed textiles perfect for gift-giving, including many items designed specifically for the sale.  This event, Flett said, is about celebrating the year they’ve had, and giving local people a chance to find one-of-a-kind gifts. Buying at the sale means giving a unique, locally made gift rather than something mass produced in China, Flett said, as well as supporting a Maine business. 

Erin Flett favorites will be on display, along with new surprises and new ornaments priced at just $5 while supplies last.  The new retail location at 2 Main Street in Gorham will also be open to the public on the day of the sale.  This is an event for everyone, and families are encouraged to attend.

On her website, Flett describes herself as “a visual collector of dreams, thoughts, ideas, funky vintage gems that capture my heart and bring a bold sense of color and design,” she added, “I think about what brings me joy and I try to work that into my drawings and compositions. I want things to be happy, peaceful, mindful and truly a reflection of inspired living.”

Flett personally designs all the bold, unique patterns for the products she sells.  All printing is done in their studio, and local stitchers put pieces together.  “Our goal is to continue the long tradition of making and designing here in Maine. The energy here is just different—from the old cobblestone streets and brick buildings to the trees that speak to you on long walks in the woods,” Flett said.

To learn more about what Flett has to offer, peruse her website at www.erinflett.com or call 207-839-2814. Her studio shop is open Tuesday through Friday 10a.m. to 2p.m. and weekends from noon to 4p.m.

             

Business Spotlight: Lice Clinics of America® - Portland

The word, “lice” conjures up many stigmas and fears which contribute to a parent’s worst nightmare; discovering their son or daughter’s scalp is populated with the head-scratching bug the size of a sesame seed. Because CDC reports between six to 12 million cases of headlice are diagnosed in children between the ages of three and 11 every year, Lice Clinics of America in Portland is here to educate, inform, prevent and demystify many of the assumptions and false information surrounding this most feared childhood pest.

Located at 640 Brighton Avenue in Portland and serving all of southern Maine including Windham and Raymond, Lice Clinics of America in Portland (also known as Nits End) works to empower parents with the safest, most successful methods to clear the family of head lice and provide education and prevention.

“It is our mission to not only offer a lice removal service option that is 99 percent effective, but to be a community resource to inform parents, and the public in general, on scientific and factual data to prevent or rectify lice outbreak,” stated Owner Christine Cherry. “But perhaps more importantly, we want to be here for parents who feel isolated and don’t know who to talk to or where to turn during this often-frustrating time.”

Christine knows this feeling all too well. As a parent of small children, she found herself working tirelessly trying to rid her child from headlice. “Everything I tried, from chemical shampoos to organic methods, wasn’t working,” she began. “I opened this clinic because it was the option I wanted for myself but could not find in my area. I was spending so much time trying to eliminate the headlice but to no avail, it was extremely defeating and frustrating. I also was nervous to talk to other parents about my situation because of the stigma that comes with headlice. I didn’t want to isolate myself or my child.” 

The fact is, lice is an equal opportunity bug, choosing anyone from all social and economic backgrounds as its host. Also, poor hygiene does not play a role in infestation. In fact, clean hair is what lice prefer as it is easier to climb from one hair strand to the next.

But whatever the circumstance, remaining quiet about a headlice situation due to embarrassment only perpetuates the problem. “This is where Lice Clinics of America in Portland comes in,” Christine said. “We are here to help parents with an empathic ear – guiding and helping them choose the best option for their personal situation.”

Education about lice prevention is the first and foremost measure to keep lice from spreading. Close interactive play, a hug, sharing clothing or hair items and that ever fun-loving selfie are examples in which headlice can crawl from one host to the other.

To rectify an infestation, Lice Clinic of America in Portland provides a variety of options that includes a medical device; the AirAllé®. It is an FDA-cleared medical device that blows heated air through its applicator tip along the scalp and hair shafts. “It is a dehydration process that kills lice and their eggs,” began Christine. “It is a quick louse removal method that is 99 percent effective and is non-toxic with no pesticides or other chemicals used.”

AirAllé® has been proven to be such a success that the clinic guarantees this service for 30 days after treatment.

There are other options available to meet individual needs and situations. They include the following:

Screening - Clinicians will carefully inspect the hair and scalp. If an active case of head lice is confirmed, an individualized treatment plan is chosen.

The Signature AirAllé® treatment - This is a three-step process which includes a 30-minute AirAllé® treatment, a 30-60-minute comb-out to remove the dead lice and eggs and an oil application. Due to the success of this option, the clinic offers a 30-day service re-treatment policy provided all family members have been checked for head lice and treated as necessary.

Express AirAllé® treatment - This option includes a 30-minute AirAllé^® treatment and a 10-minute comb-out to remove some of the dead lice and dehydrated eggs.

Comb-out treatment – This is a strand by strand traditional comb-out to remove lice and eggs using only non-toxic products.

Do-it-yourself lice removal kit – This option includes all the topical treatment products you will need, a professional lice comb, and detailed instructions on how to properly perform the comb-out.

There are many five-star reviews for Lice Clinics of America. A Portland parent recently stated, “Christine answered my questions before we even came for our appointment. They are cheaper than their competitor and offer the same exact service! I hope I don’t have to go back but I would if I need to!”

Lice Treatment of America also offers complimentary educational presentations for teachers and parent organizations/associations.

Whether you are in doubt about lice infestation, need someone to listen, looking for factual information, or wish to make an appointment for a professional screening or treatment, Christine and her staff will provide the service that best fits your needs. Call 855-648-7363 for an appointment or visit their website at www.liceclinicsportlandme.com for more information.

Business Spotlight: Veteran Tree Care, LLC

With ten years of experience under his tree climbing belt, Jonathan Wood of Raymond is making a
name for himself in the professional tree care business. Wood, who is a licensed utility and landscape arborist and owner of Veteran Tree Care, LLC provides knowledgeable, safe and professional tree care expertise – and provides it with a fast, reliable and personal touch.

Officially opening his entrepreneurial debut five months ago this past June, Wood is already at the helm of success as a tree “surgeon” and expert, answering many calls and requests that have come his way in the recent months. “I’ve been amazed and honored at how many requests I have received,” stated Wood. “Since I began my company in June of this year, 70 percent of my business has come from word of mouth by my customers who are elated by the work I’ve provided for them.”

Although Wood believes his ability to deliver high-standard customer service will win the hearts of his clients and prove his level of professionalism, he also knows that branding his skill, competence and dependable expertise will set him apart from the rest. “I have noticed recently that there are other tree care companies that are forming their own small enterprise efforts,” Wood stated. “I applaud them because I know what it takes to start a new business on your own. But I wish to set myself apart from the rest by proving my ability as a trustworthy, ethical , honest and professional business owner and arborist. Because - that is who I am.”

Jonathon Wood doing what he does best

There are many reasons why Wood stands out from the rest. First, it takes courage to start a new business and Wood knows a thing or two about courage. “I was always intrigued by the GI Joe enthusiasm of my youth,” stated Wood. “As soon as I graduated from high school in 2000, I joined the Maine Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion in Westbrook and was sent to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for basic training and A.I.T (military job training).".  Within four years after his training at Fort Leonard Wood, Wood was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He returned to Maine a different man. He tried to find himself and his calling by exploring a variety of job opportunities. Wood discovered what that vocation was when he worked for a well-known tree company. “I was hooked as soon as I climbed my first tree,” Wood stated. "Once I decided this was the career I had been looking for, my focus turned to educating myself in all aspects of  the job with the aspiration of owning my own tree care business one day."

“Between my love of climbing trees and seeing how happy people are when they see the completed job. I knew I had found the profession I was meant to do. I really love what I do for a living.”

His passion translates in doing the best, most professional job possible. But just as importantly, as a husband and father of two children, he appreciates today’s busy lifestyle and does his best to accommodate his customers. “I understand busy lives,” Wood said. “I am flexible and do my best to meet the needs of potential customers. I work with future and returning clients to schedule meeting times for free quotes and do my best to provide fast, professional services when it’s needed most.”

Then, of course, are the Maine winters. They are notorious for cold temperatures, ice, snow build up and wind. These factors make winter a stressful time for trees, bushes and shrubs. Veteran Tree Care, LLC will help customers prepare for the winter by offering the following services and providing advice to protect property from tree damage.

Wood offers the following advice as we head into the winter months:

•Be mindful of pine trees near or over your home and driveway. Wet, heavy snow and ice buildup could cause limbs to break, potentially causing property damage.

•Does the heating fuel delivery truck touch the branches over your driveway? They will hang much lower with snow and ice on them. Consider having them pruned back and raised over your driveway to help prevent scratching your vehicle.

There is so much more that Jonathan Wood of Veteran Tree Care, LLC can offer. “I am already booking for the spring,” Wood explained. “I am making appointments to meet with customers now to prepare for the spring and summer months so that homeowners can enjoy their yards all summer long – or to help them prepare to sell their homes.”

Whatever the case may be, Jonathan Wood of Veteran Tree Care, LLC can improve the safety and beauty of your landscape and help homeowners reach their tree care goals. For more information, contact Wood by phone at 207-939-3839 or email at veterantreecare207@gmail.com.

Business Spotlight: Sportsman’s Kitchen and Keg

Nestled in the heart of Sebago among eight quaint cottages you will find the community’s newest  
food and drink hot spot, Sportsman’s Kitchen and Keg restaurant. Although the restaurant is new this year, Paul and Rocco Severino, the father and son owners, are no newbies to the industry. Longtime area residents may remember Paul, who owned the well-known Sportsman’s Grill in Portland for many years with his father and uncles, closing the doors in late 1999.

The Severino’s have taken the same passion, dedication, creativity and family recipes that made them successful then, to the new Sportsman’s Kitchen and Keg. Their menu boasts eclectic dishes you won’t find elsewhere in the Lakes Region. Their “upscale pub fare with Italian roots” includes mouthwatering appetizers such as crispy pork rinds, mini Maine lobster rolls in three varieties, scrumptious crispy brussel sprouts and wild west egg rolls with siracha ranch.

Choose from dishes like handcrafted burgers and pulled pork sandwiches to perfectly cooked steaks, lamb or seafood. If Italian dishes is what you crave you won’t be disappointed. They bring their family’s made from scratch Sicilian red sauce recipe to top entrees such as their chicken, eggplant or veal parmigiana, which has become a local favorite.

“We serve a fresh variety of creative dishes,” began Paul. “In fact, we offer just as many home-grown and locally produced, high-quality food options that one might find in Portland – but without the drive and crowds.”

Rocco added that the crave-worthy variety of foods and drinks served at Sportsman’s Kitchen and Keg meet the everyday budget - without breaking the bank. “We offer an opportunity for those in the area to eat at our kitchen every day or several times a week while eating good, locally produced and healthy foods at reasonable prices.”

As they enter the fall, the restaurant provides a “wild game” menu. The wild game fare selections include the following until January: Duck, bison, deer, elk and Atlantic salmon. If you are a vegetarian, vegan or gluten free - there are local and wild selections for you too. “Our vegetarian option for last week was wild mushroom risotto,” explained Rocco. “It was a popular item and we almost couldn’t keep up with the demand, but we did succeed in order to satisfy our frequent vegetarian customers.” The fresh and wild menu options change during the spring and summer months to keep foods fresh and in-season.

There are many customers who love the authentic food options and personal service Sportsman’s Kitchen and Keg provide - and they just can’t get enough. Local resident, Scott Bartlett is one of those individuals. “I have known the Severino’s for the past three years or so,” Bartlett said. “Not only do I love the food they offer but I love the family atmosphere. They truly make you feel like you are at home. Both Paul and Rocco will come out to talk to you to see if you are enjoying your meal. The food is the truly the best Italian food options north of Boston’s north shore.”

In addition to the food - there are the amazing drinks, too. Sportsman’s Kitchen and Keg serves a variety of unique mixed drinks, wine, and beer “We have 12 rotating tap lines as well that consist of local and seasonal varieties,” Rocco said. “The most recent specialty drink options include a fall sangria, a cranberry vodka infusion and a meatball bloody mary.” Their fall and winter happy hour every Wednesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. will make this your new favorite meeting place with friends. They are offering $1.00 off all craft draft beers, $5 Jim beam and $7 Tito’s cocktails as well as long neck bottles for a mere $2.75 all day.

In the summer you can pull up from the lake at their 100’ dock and dine on their outdoor patio. But for now, come warm up in their cozy atmosphere and enjoy a fresh, satisfying meal at 46 Sebago Road, Route 114 in Sebago. Currently, they are open Wednesday through Sunday and closed on Monday and Tuesdays from Labor Day to Memorial Day. During the summer months, from Memorial Day to Labor Day – they are open seven days a week. They welcome you to call now to schedule your holiday party or reserve a cabin for your out of town holiday guests at the abutting Sebago West Shore Cottages.  For more information, call Paul or Rocco at 207-787-5209 or check out their websites at www.skksebago.com and www.sebagowestshorecottages.com

Business Spotlight: Treatmytickbite.com

A Maine physician has started a new online medical service in Maine designed to help prevent new
cases of Lyme disease by increasing patient access to early evaluation and treatment of tick bites. Dr. Catherine Lockwood has founded treatmytickbite.com, a first of its kind online service where anyone in Maine can use a secure online connection and have a video consult with a physician to have their tick bite assessed for the risk of Lyme disease and be treated with preventative antibiotics when needed.

Some cases of Lyme disease can be prevented when early medical care identifies which tick bites are worrisome so preventative treatment can be started as soon as possible - but timing is key. The goal of treatmytickbite.com is to decrease the barriers between people getting bites and getting care. The site's online services are available seven days a week during tick season which typically is March through November. Appointment times vary each day but are offered as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 9 p.m.

Online medical services make getting care easier by avoiding waiting rooms, avoiding waiting for return calls or delays in appointments and avoiding costly emergency room visits when people have nowhere else to receive care.

Dr. Catherine Lockwood

After having been a primary care provider and an urgent care physician locally, Dr. Lockwood now works to help people identify whether they should be concerned or not from a tick bite.  Lockwood said the idea for her online business grew out of her experience as an urgent care doctor in the lakes region. “During peak tick season, sometimes 20% or more of our visits would be related to tick bites,” she said. “People would often wait several hours and they or their insurance companies would be charged hundreds of dollars for the visit.  I was most concerned by the many people I imagined who didn't have hours to wait or hundreds to spend who rolled the dice, didn't have their bites checked and instead waited to see if they became sick. I just thought there really should be another option to help manage this need. So, treatmytickbite.com was born.”

Dr. Lockwood grew up in Connecticut and was trained in medical school at the University of Connecticut with a residency at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. “I married a native Mainer and we have settled here in Freeport for the past 13 years,” she stated. “As a teenager, I was drawn to science, writing and caring for people without thinking about where that would lead. It was simply what I enjoyed. After high school and college, studying science and writing, being a hospital volunteer and nurse's aide, I reached a point where I needed to make a career choice. Stumped, my father trying to help asked if I wanted to be a doctor. I said, ‘Doesn't everyone?’. ‘No,’ he said. ‘So, if you want to be one, it means something.’  Now, nearly 30 years later I still agree with him.”

Lockwood hadn’t been on the road to becoming a doctor very long when she first encountered Lyme disease. “I have been seeing cases of Lyme from early in my medical training as a medical student in Connecticut where Lyme disease was first identified,” Dr. Lockwood began. “I can remember as a medical student working with the Pediatric Rheumatology department and seeing dozens of kids sent there with swollen, painful joints, their doctors concerned they had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. 

Instead, they had Lyme disease and most parents would then ask what that was. This was 25 years ago. I don't think you could live in Connecticut or Maine now and not have some personal experience with Lyme disease. My mother and son and husband have all had early Lyme disease, were treated and fully recovered. Watching for ticks and signs of Lyme are a part of our daily lives at this point.”

Maine is the number one state in the country for Lyme disease with cases here being 10

times the national average for this potentially disabling illness including some of our more isolated island communities that experience cases at a rate 100 times greater than the national average.  Now, using this new service from home or work or even from a remote island accessible only by ferry, Maine residents and visitors can use a secure online connection to show a Maine physician the tick that bit them, the bite site, any rash that has developed and get direct medical advice and treatment tailored to their specific situation including medications if needed.

The site seeks to keep costs for patients affordable with a new patient video visit priced

at $29 and a returning patient visit priced at $15.

For further inquiries you can contact Catherine Lockwood MD at drlockwood@treatmytickbite.com

Business Spotlight: Sebago Metal Fabrication

By Briana Bizier

Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, an upgrade for your truck, or a more convenient way to
reach the water, Sebago Metal Fabrication has the answer! The sister company to Sebago Docks, Sebago Metal Fab of Naples builds aluminum docks for use all over New England. But this company makes much more than just docks.

From custom metal signs to staircases to new truck beds, Sebago Metal Fab can make it all. “We do

pretty much anything,” James Sullivan, of Sebago Metal Fab explained. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Many of the outdoor structures they build are made of aluminum, which is lightweight, relatively easy to maneuver, and comes with a fifteen-year warranty. “If you have a staircase, once it’s there, it’s there forever,” James says. “If a wood staircase gets out of level, there’s not much you can do about it. But our stairs, you can take them apart and move them, or just take a few bolts out and re-level them.”

In addition, an aluminum structure doesn’t rust or rot. In James’s words, “it's never going to not look nice.” And, if the idea of a gleaming silver staircase leading down to the water doesn’t appeal to you, the metal can be powder-coated with one of 50,000 different colors.

Sebago Metal Fab, which has been doing metal work for over ten years, services a very broad area. The metalworkers travel as far as northern Maine, or south to Martha’s Vineyard, where they frequently work with the trustees of Martha’s Vineyard. Recently, Sebago Metal Fab even constructed an outdoor staircase for a famous movie star (although I’m not at liberty to disclose which famous movie star).

The same aluminum used in docks and outdoor staircases can also be used to make handicapped accessible ramps for homes or businesses. “The handicap ramps are modular,” James explained, “so they’re not a permanent structure. They can be moved around.” These can also be powder-coated in one of those 50,000 different shades to match the house or the trim.

Because aluminum is lightweight and rust-proof, it can be used to make a new bed for a pickup truck. Replacing a rusted truck bed through a dealer costs several thousand dollars and, with all the salt our roads use in a Maine winter, the new truck bed will be just as likely to rust. An aluminum truck bed, in contrast, will never rust, and it’s easy to customize. The bed can have flat sides for hauling equipment, or fold-down sides, or even collapsible ramps to help load snowmobiles and four-wheelers.

“So, you can come here and buy a truck bed that’s going to outlive the truck,” James said, with a laugh. And, if the custom truck bed does outlast your vehicle, the bed can always be placed on the next truck. “If you work your trucks hard, and they’re always getting beat up, you can buy one truck bed and put it on every truck you own,” James says. “You’re protecting your investment."

If you’re looking for something a bit more artistic than a new truck bed, Sebago Metal Fab now owns a CNC Plasma Cutter for making customized metal signs for homes and businesses. “It does things we could never do by hand,” James explains.

These metal signs make a fantastic and unique gift for the holidays or other occasions and can be made from any material, from aluminum to stainless steel to copper, or even different layers of different metals. Signs with family names have been very popular, as have signs for camps, pictures of farm animals, and dogs. These creative signs can even include lighting. For the Fryeburg Fair, James tells me, Sebago Metal Fab made a backlit sign with color-changing lights.

“The signs are a treat to make for sure,” James declared. “We like to make sure everyone is 100 percent happy with what they’re getting, and we try to make it as personal as possible."

They also use the CNC Plasma Cutter to make decorative panels for staircases and fireplaces; their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/sebagometalfab, showcases several beautiful scenes on these decorative panels, including a tree, a forest, and even a family of loons.

“We’re a pretty small, tight-knit group here,” James told me. “We like what we do, and we like who we work for. We try to make as many people happy as we can.”

“Anything you can dream of,” he added, “we can make it here.”

It takes approximately two weeks to turn around custom signs so order early to have items in time for Christmas. To put in your order or learn more call 207-653-3766 or visit www.sebagometalfab.com. You can find them on Facebook.

Business Spotlight: Sebago Kyokushin Karate

By Lorraine Glowczak

The martial arts are a well-known exercise and art discipline for learning self-defense with a goal of
rank (belt) advancement to ultimately achieve black belt. But it offers additional benefits that can be used in everyday life - contributing to happiness and personal accomplishment. It is also something which one can participate in order to stay fit or incorporate as a new hobby.

“Perseverance, self-discipline, self-control, structure and confidence play a big role in one’s success and approach in Kyokushin Karate and, in turn, can also filter into one’s success in life,” explained Tom, who owns Sebago Kyokushin Karate with his wife, Casey.

Senpai Casey and Sensei Tom (Sensei means “teacher”) have recently opened Sebago Kyokushin Karate, holding classes at 756 Roosevelt Trail in Windham (also the home of Partners in Canine). They offer evening beginner classes for children, ages four and up as well as adult classes that include advanced lessons and seminars.

Casey and Tom have been teaching students of all ages for over 15 years. Tom has a 4th degree in Kyokushin Karate, a second degree in TaeKwonDo and Casey has a first degree in Kyokushin Karate, 3rd degree in TaeKwonDo and first degree in Hapkido. They find, however, that the traditional philosophies of Kyokushin are more in alignment with their personal growth and viewpoints.

Casey and Tom Bobb

Briefly, and according to Kyokushin Karate practitioner and writer, Scott Heaney, “Kyokushin is a style of stand-up, full contact karate, founded in 1964 by Korean-Japanese Masutatsu (Mas) Oyama. Kyokushin is Japanese for “the ultimate truth”, developed from the determination of the pursuit of ultimate truth of mind, technique, and body.

The foundation of Sebago Kyokushin Karate is rooted in the philosophy of discipline, training from the heart and the spiritual evolution of martial artists. Its general disciplines include kumite (sparring) and katas (forms) with a focus on preserving traditional karate principles while incorporating techniques from other disciplines.

Tom began his journey in the martial arts at the age of 17. He believes his participation at a young age helped him to choose a good life, one filled with personal fulfillment.  “I was at a point in my teenage years where I was at a crossroads,” began Tom. “I was a really angry person and I could have easily gone down a very dark and destructive path. But I was one of those lucky kids who had an observant mentor. She saw my anger and redirected it by introducing me to Karate.”

The perseverance, self-discipline and self-control that’s imbedded in the martial arts way, helped Tom through those early years, transforming him and improving the way he lived his everyday life, “Kyokushin Karate can help you control your mood, control your spirit and mold you into the person you want to become,” Tom said.

Casey stated she began participating in the martial arts at the age of 28 because she wanted to challenge herself and to be independent “I sought out the martial arts because I wanted to be a strong woman who could rely and take care of myself,” Casey stated. “I believed that if I could learn to be independent, then when I found my partner in life it would be because I loved him, not because I needed him to protect or take care of me.”

Both Casey and Tom point out that all one needs to participate in Kyokushin Karate is the desire and passion to learn. “You don’t need to look like you’ve walked out of a cover of a fitness magazine to participate in Karate,” Tom explained. “You don’t have to look or be a certain way and it matters not what age you are or if you have any previous experience. We are an island of misfits where there are no egos, no jealousies. In fact, Karate is the most accepting and sharing art there is.”

Casey, who is the board president of Riding To The Top Therapeutic Riding Center and the director of integrative marketing at IDEXX and Tom, who owns his own custom tile design company offer their classes at an affordable rate. While many martial art centers require contracts, memberships and enrollment fees, Sebago Kyokushin Karate does not. Instead, students simply pay $10 per class or punch cards that are available in $40 and $80 increments.

“We know how busy students and their families are,” Casey stated. “Life happens and we want to accommodate that. We are lucky to both have full-time jobs, so for us – this is about offering a discipline that is near and dear to our hearts. Making money is not our focus.”

It is so important for them to share the “ultimate truth” of Kyokushin Karate that they do not offer birthday parties or afterschool programs – but, instead, focus on the art itself, its transformational attributes and the way it can mold an individual for the better.

Whether you are an experienced martial artist or you simply want to explore something new and see what Sebago Kyokushin Karate can do for you, contact Senpai Casey and Sensei Tom at 207-272-2081 or to learn more visit www.sebagokarate.com.

Business Spotlight: Wyman Electric

By Lorraine Glowczak

Sporting the words “Wyman Electric” with the logo of a plug and outlet on each side of their
vehicles, the work trucks are recognized by many. “We’ve been told our trucks are like moving billboards,” joked co-owner, Jeff Wyman. The trucks are often spotted at both commercial and residential properties as Jeff, and co-owner Jim Malia, travel from place to place, providing professional electric repair services in the Greater Lakes Region area.

Established in 2012 by Jeff Wyman, the company has become a fast, local favorite for all electrical

repair services. Winning the Eagle Choice Award for the past two years, Wyman Electric prides itself on custom electrical work. They have a passion for quality electrical installations, generator installations and repairs that is provided by safe, experienced and talented electricians.

Although they offer just about any service that is asked of them, Jeff and Jim specialize in home renovations and generator installations. The two home rewiring specialists can install recessed lighting, upgrade existing wiring to accommodate new fixtures, and more. Whether you want to improve your living room’s lighting aesthetic or add lighting fixtures to brighten that dimly lit area, Jeff and Jim can turn your home into a space of your dreams.

“Most electricians don’t enjoy the dirty and difficult work it takes to upgrade electricity in an older home,” explained Jeff. “But for both Jim and I, we enjoy improving an existing living space and seeing the transformation that can occur.”

As for generators, now is the time to install this electrical saving device as the winter months approach and power outages are almost a certainty. Whether it’s your home or business, the two professionals can install stand-by generators with safety in mind. Having approximately 40 years of experience between them, Jeff and Jim are your trusted specialists.

Jeff began his career as an electrician in 1999. “I was working for an office furniture moving company. One day, as I was delivering furniture to a new office space, a friend of mine from high school who had become an electrician was wiring the office. We talked for a while and with his encouragement, I joined my friend and the company he worked for, gaining experience along the way.”

Jeff Wyman and Jim Malia

After working for various electricians and companies, Jeff decided to strike out on his own and became a sole-proprietor and entrepreneur, opening the doors of Wyman Electric in 2012. As his business grew, he decided he needed to hire another individual to help him. It was at this point that he reached out to a trusted friend whom he worked with for many years.

“I kept asking Jim to join me because I knew his work and professionalism,” began Jeff. “I trusted him enough to offer him co-ownership of the business. And he took me up on it.”

Jim, a 1999 Windham High School graduate, has been working in the field since 1997 – working while in high school during the summer months and on vacations. He joined Jeff and Wyman Electric as co-owner in 2017.

The two continue to impress those they serve. In fact, they have received many kudos from local individuals.  According to their social media page, one individual had this to say; “Another great job! Thanks again! I wouldn't call anyone else.”

And another satisfied customer: “Professional, personable and extremely efficient. In three hours, they installed my new laundry room light bar, three outside motion sensors and the last two ceiling fans with light fixtures in my basement. I have much needed light now and I look forward to having my remaining projects done by these two guys! Thank you so very much!”

What makes Jeff and Jim standout is their ability to communicate with their customers. “We always try to make sure that our customers are always happy with the end result,” explained Jim. “We do this by communicating with our customers each step of the way. We find out what their goals are and achieve that.”

For your next home renovation, generator installations and more, contact Jeff Wyman at 207- 415-5802 and Jim Malia at 207-776-5370 or message them on their Wyman Electric Facebook page.

Business Spotlight: Stryve College Planning

Guiding Families to Affordable Colleges Where Their Child Will Thrive

There’s nothing more heartbreaking for a parent, then for their child to fall in love with a college, and then figure out they can’t afford it, once he/she has been accepted. Bill and Stephanie have seen it happen and even worse, they’ve seen families try to make it work because they don’t want to disappoint their child. Neither option leads to a successful outcome.

Thoughtful planning is the only way to help families avoid making costly mistakes

As tuition costs began to rise over the last decade, more and more college graduates were coming to Bill with insurmountable amounts of loan debt, and asking for his advice on how to manage it. He was seeing firsthand the impact that the debt had on student’s lives and came to the sad but true realization, that once students’ accumulated the debt, he wasn’t able to offer them any real solutions. He decided that in order to truly help families, he needed to begin working with them at the beginning of the college process because thoughtful planning is the only way to help families avoid making costly mistakes.

At the same time, Bill and Stephanie were looking at staggering statistics… 1 in 3 students don’t return to the same college for sophomore year, and the average time it takes for a student to graduate is 5.5 years. They concluded that the typical approach of student’s beginning the college process with a list of colleges wasn’t working. More thought needed to be put into who the student is and identifying the colleges that will set them up for success.

Combining their skills and expertise along with the lessons they learned going through the college process with their own two sons, their mission became helping families find a college that they can afford and one where their child will thrive!

Stryve Founders Stephanie and Bill Whiting

When families work with Stryve, the very first step is for Bill to meet with them to devise a plan for paying for college. Using his expertise in taxes, financial planning and financial aid, Bill is able to determine a personalized strategy for the family to pay college costs for all four years, while minimizing loan debt and staying on track to meet their financial goals. This way a student begins the college process already knowing what their family’s budget is.

At the same time Bill is working with the family, Stephanie begins to work with the student. As opposed to the traditional approach of starting with a college list, Stephanie starts with helping students learn more about themselves, so they are able to identify the factors in college that are most important to them and will contribute to their long-term success. She then guides students through the college selection process to help them find an affordable college where they will thrive.

Few decisions that high school students have made in life so far, carry greater importance or cause greater anxiety than where to apply and attend college.

As a former teacher and parent of two adult sons and a teen-age daughter, Stephanie recognizes that few decisions that high school students have made in life so far, carry greater importance or cause greater anxiety than where to apply and attend college. When asked why she chose to become a College Planning Consultant, Stephanie’s response is always the same. “I get to combine my background in education and passion for supporting and guiding high school students during a very confusing and scary time in their lives. I watch them go from being unsure of themselves and their future to being empowered to take the lead and own the college process, all while learning how to make important decisions. It doesn’t get any better than that!”

If you are a parent of a high school student and would like to meet with Bill and Stephanie for a free 45 minute Introductory Meeting, they can be reached at 207-939-3979 or Stephanie@StryveToday.com. You can also visit their website, StryveToday.com to learn more!

Business Spotlight: Raymond RediCare

By Lorraine Glowczak

Raymond RediCare is celebrating five years of providing premium healthcare with a personal touch.
Located at 1278 Roosevelt Trail in Raymond, the rural area model of medicine the doctors and medical staff employ have saved patients time and money. The successful combination of their small town and hands-on approach along with cost savings experienced by the patient, Raymond RediCare is growing leaps and bounds since it opened its doors in 2014.

“Raymond RediCare has provided services to over 8,000 people in the Lakes Region area,” stated

Raymond RediCare Founder and Doctor, Richard Wilkins. “Over the past five years, we have developed a loyal following of individuals and businesses and we want to continue to provide top-quality healthcare in an in depth and personal way.”

In order to obtain their premium care and personal approach, Raymond RediCare is shifting away from their urgent care services. “We want to enhance the capacity in the way we serve our patients,” began Dr. Wilkins. “As our primary patient numbers increase, we are moving away from urgent care, wishing to focus and give priority to our established patients and businesses, ensuring their needs are met in a timely manner.”

Although Raymond RediCare is no longer offering urgent care services, they still provide same-day services as their schedule permits. Open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., they continue to provide minor urgent care needs such as small fractures, lacerations, x-ray services, etc.  “We do ask, however, that patients call in advance and make an appointment as their medical situations allow,” Dr. Wilkins said.

Another contributing factor to Raymond RediCare’s success and growth is the staff – which consists of not only Dr. Wilkins but Dr. Alan Bean, Family Nurse Practioner Brittany Ames, as well as highly qualified x-ray technicians, and front desk/medical assistants.

“Our medical staff and assistants are well-known for the compassion and concern they display to each of our patients,” Wilkins began. “People simply love our staff and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this highly motivated and caring team. Additionally, Alan, Brittany and I complement each other’s skills, so we are better able to meet the needs of everyone who walks through our doors.”

Patients who see Wilkins, Bean and Ames can expect to have the appropriate amount of time spent on their concerns and needs. “We will not compromise quality for cost,” Wilkins said.

In addition to the skilled and compassionate staff, Raymond Redicare offers preventative health care using state of the art digital systems and equipment which allows for efficiency for both medical staff and patient.

Their preventative healthcare services include yearly physical exams and health care assessments. In addition, they offer work injury, stitches, casts, sports exams, osteopathic manipulations and much more. Also included is a laser treatment machine to care for skin medical conditions such as acne, rosacea, pigment spots, hemangiomas, facial blood vessels, hair removal, etc.

Patients of Raymond Redicare appreciate the commitment to healthcare that the three clinicians and medical staff provide. If one peruses the Raymond RediCare Facebook page, the following testimonials can be found:

“Thank you, Dr. Wilkins and your wonderful staff, for helping me out today. So glad we decided to stop at your facility for help. You really do give premium service with a personal touch.  Would not hesitate to recommend you and your staff for anyone needing medical help in this area. Again, thank you so much!”

“The staff is helpful and courteous. They made me feel comfortable from the beginning and I'm not nervous or anxious to visit like I was at other doctors. Medical care is top-notch. I love this place!”

It is for these reasons that Wilkins is passionate about the services Raymond RediCare provides and its rural approach to healthcare that can not easily be found anywhere else. “I do this because I care and I love it,” Wilkins began. “People shouldn’t have to suffer needlessly or to take long trips to large cities to meet their daily medical needs.”

Raymond RediCare accepts most commercial insurances, although new Medicare and Medicaid patients are not being accepted at this time. To make an appointment or to talk to a medical healthcare professional at Raymond RediCare, call 207-655-6181 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.