Business Spotlight: Asphalt Experts

As the business name implies, Asphalt Experts are the go-to licensed specialists and top industry professionals for both home driveway and commercial asphalt paving and repair. Offering services in the Greater Portland and Sebago Lakes Region areas, 

Owner Joe Sparks is a third-generation paving expert. He was trained and inspired at an early age by both his father and his grandfather, who owned and operated an asphalt paving company in the Kennebunk area over 60 years ago. Sparks’ father followed in the family business, building his own successful company in Northern Maine.

“I began in the asphalt industry as soon as I could begin working,” explained Sparks. “As a young boy, I would go to work with my dad during summer months and school breaks. Eventually, I realized that I could take that experience and build my own company in the Southern Maine area. I love what I do, and it is a business goal that my experience and dedication to a company that has supported my family for generations will continue in the same manner as my father and grandfather.” That is - to provide high-quality service and product to satisfied clients.

It seems he may be reaching his objective. Sparks and his company of Asphalt Experts have received many accolades. “I can’t recommend Joe Sparks and Asphalt Experts enough,” stated one testimonial on the company’s Facebook page. “Joe did my driveway and my neighbor’s driveway last year. Joe showed up on time and did exactly what he promised he was going to do. I waited until we got through the winter to write a review to see how our driveway held up. Both my driveway and my neighbor’s driveway held up great. I have already recommended Asphalt Expert to friends and family.”

Another satisfied customer wrote: “Joe was nice enough to take his time to notice that we had some issue with our parking lot and paved for free. He is a super nice guy, as are his employees. Great company and people!”

What makes Sparks and Asphalt Experts stand out among the rest is that this company is an owner/operated business. With Asphalt Experts you get personal care. “You do not go through a sales manager – you talk directly to me - the owner - who has experience in the field and can give the client exactly what they want and need,” Sparks stated.

Another outstanding feature is Sparks takes great care to give an accurate estimate. “We don’t simply submit for the paving project itself,” Sparks continued. “We take the time to fully understand the unique paving situation a client has. I listen to their requests and needs, and from there I can determine what they want and find the best method to accommodate that specific project.”

Sparks and the rest of the Asphalt Experts team will make sure the preparation and finished project is done correctly. “We take our time and do it right,” Sparks said. “If it takes us an extra day or day and 1/2 than we had anticipated to complete the unique needs of the project, we do not tack on an extra charge to our customers. We do not sacrifice quality for quantity of hours.”

This level of the company’s integrity is an assurance to all home and business owners. After all, your home and business are the two largest investments one can make and Sparks and his team treat your home and business as if it were their own.

Asphalt Experts’ work ethic is unmatched, and their pricing is highly competitive. Whether you’re in need of a residential driveway or a commercial parking lot, count on this professional company for quality workmanship and attention to detail resulting in a durable, long lasting and aesthetically pleasing asphalt surface. Call Joe Sparks today and speak directly with him for a free estimate at (207) 252-9821. <

Business Spotlight: DockWorld of Maine

Much has changed since DockWorld of Maine was launched more than 25 years ago, but its emphasis on quality work and being of service to customers has never wavered.

Located at 976 Roosevelt Trail in Windham, DockWorld is owned by Del Wescott and its focus remains on the sales and service of docks in the Lakes Region of Maine.

“If it’s on the lake, we’re there,” Wescott said. “We service anything on the waterfront. We build and remove boat lifts, mooring systems and perform remodels, along with the manufacturing and sales of docks.” 

Wescott’s business philosophy differs from the competition and it’s what keeps DockWorld successful after all these years.

“The difference for us is our people,” Wescott said. “In our industry everybody that does what they do is subcontracted. Our employees are full time, year-round employees and they take pride in their work. They work in manufacturing in the winter and are out in the field in the summer. We have great relationships with our customers and our employees demonstrate their care for our customers always.”

Because DockWorld manufactures the products that they sell, the company stands behind each item and guarantees its quality.    

“We offer fair pricing for quality workmanship,” Wescott said.  

DockWorld has six fulltime employees, and that number can swell to as many as 12 in the summer as the workload increases, Wescott said.

“They have the skills and the expertise for what we do,” he said.

In today’s market, older wooden docks are being replaced by more aluminum and maintenance-free products.

“Aluminum is the trend, but right now only 15 percent of docks in this area are made of aluminum,” Wescott said. “We do a lot of upgrades, but our service for other types of docks will never go away.”

The company does its own metal fabrication and welding when a dock needs repairs such as when a boat runs into the dock or for other structural issues that may arise. DockWorld also manufactures wooden docks tailored to meet customer specifications.

 A large portion of DockWorld’s business are the sales and installation of boat lifts, with the company installing up to 80 lifts each year.

“We sell Sunstream Boat Lifts and they’re the best in the business,” Wescott said. “They minimize the hassle and frustration of getting your boat in and out of the water.”

Sunstream is the industry leader for boat lifts offering exceptional engineering along with style, accessibility and convenience.

Wescott first launched DockWorld more than two decades ago in South Windham and then moved the business to North Windham to take advantage of manufacturing opportunities there. He also operates DockWorld’s sister company, Sebago Marine.

“The best thing about what we do happens when we walk away from each job with the satisfaction of knowing that we’ve paid attention to detail and done the very best we can for our customers,” Wescott said. “Finishing a job is very gratifying and who wouldn’t want to be outside on the lake every day for your work?”

He said that the toughest aspect of the job is trying match DockWorld’s scheduling into such a condensed time frame.

“Working from Ice Out in the lake to Memorial Day is difficult and always a juggling act, but we do our utmost to accommodate every customer’s needs,” Wescott said. ““Our customers have no time for service issues and summertime here is so short. They don’t want to be without their dock for weeks,” he said. “Using the best products that are available to us guarantees that local boat owners won’t have to miss prime water time when they hire us for a job no matter how large or small it may be.”

But to DockWorld employees, it’s more than just offering superior products and having the knowledge and experience of working on docks, it’s really about forming outstanding relationships with customers in the community.

“We understand as a team that it’s truly all about service and doing good work that’s what separates us from the competition,” Wescott said. “Quality work propels our business and is at the heart of everything we do. We’re a family company and we are driven by our work ethic.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment with DockWorld of Maine, call 207-892-5500. <

Spotlight: Windham Farmers’ Market

Now its fourth year, word of mouth, quality and outstanding values have helped propel the Windham Farmers’ Market into a savvy shopper’s go-to destination for healthy fresh food and hand-crafted artisanal items in the Lakes Region of Maine.

Sponsored by the Windham Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and Baker Brook Farm Creamery, the market remains committed to supporting local farmers, food producers, and artisans in their pursuit of economic viability and to provide a vehicle for improved community access to fresh and healthy local foods and products.  

The market will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Saturday from May 22 through Oct. 2.  It is located just off the Route 302 and River Road intersection, at the end of Turning Leaf Drive in North Windham, adjacent to the Stockhouse Restaurant and Sandbar Pub.

“One of our hopes, when we were organizing that first year, was to have a space that was relaxing and welcoming to be in. We weren’t sure how much interest there would be, but we decided to step into the void and see what happened,” said Lisa Fisher of the Windham Farmers’ Market. “Support from our vendors and customers has been overwhelming! They are amazing and the market is really about them.  It is so satisfying to be a part of something that is having a positive effect.”

Fisher said that the Windham Farmers’ Market participates in various programs to help meet a founding goal of the market, to improve community access to fresh local foods. The market accepts SNAP and participants will also receive Maine Harvest Bucks, which are vouchers for the purchase of fruits and vegetables.

Bumper Crop is an employee gift voucher program with participating local businesses providing gift vouchers to their employees, which can be used to purchase food at the market. Vendors also accept a variety of payment types.

The ambiance at the market is casual, friendly and inviting and features farmers, artisans, and food producers who are seasonal vendors attending each Saturday or visiting vendors who attend for just a few days over the season. Their offerings are always changing, and you never know what you’ll find.

Siochanta Farm owners, Suzy and David Palmer stated, “The market is filled with positive energy…from the farmers and artisans to the customers visiting!  Laughter and smiles abound.  A real community experience!”  Carol Milliken, of Carol’s Creations, characterizes the market community as a “great group of people.”

This year’s lineup of seasonal vendors includes:

Baker Brook Farm – locally raised beef, steaks, rib eyes, tenderloins, T-bones, porterhouse, steak tips, strip steaks, New York sirloin, top sirloins, tasty lean ground beef, roasts; stew beef; and dog bones.  Also matted photographs of unique animals, landscapes, and still-lifes.

Carol’s Creations – handmade quilts, blankets, cloth bags, microwave cozies, and shopping cart handle bands.

Cates Cache – plantings, bird houses, and décor for your home and garden.

Fox Run Gifts – knit and crocheted baby sweaters, booties, and hand knit mittens, Wrap n Zaps, and clothing protectors.

Hailey’s Kitchen – whoopie pies, cookies, pies, confections, and more baked favorites.

Jennifer’s Things – handwoven reed baskets, Russian Punch-Needle craftwork, primitive paintings, and décor.

Legna Woodcrafts – hand crafted charcuterie boards, bowls, tables, and custom works.

Magnolia Flower Company – locally grown cut flower bouquets, featuring flowers raised from hand sown crops in Windham, also designs for wedding & other occasions, by request.

Maines Made –fabric accessories for your home, holidays, and special occasions.

Mulberry Farms – organic fruits and vegetables, jams, pickles, mustards, maple syrup, notecards.

PH Farms and Hidden Falls Farm – bacon, pork, rabbit, chicken, jams, eggs, fruits, vegetables, pickles, honey.

Samantha’s Fresh Produce – garden fresh fruit and vegetables, flower arrangements

Siochanta Farm (pronounced "she-HON-ta") – pure essential oil-based soaps, sprays, candles, lotions, scrubs, dog shampoo, and much more.

Small Woods Farm – vegetables, seasonal fruits, cut flower bouquets, freshly baked bread, treats, full moon apothecary items, botanical home goods, crafts, maple syrup, honey, and eggs.

Some visiting vendors attending the market this year are:

Captain Mowatt’s Hot Sauce – award winning hot sauces on June 12, July 17 and Aug. 14.

Rebecca Jean – Maine-inspired hats, jewelry, and faux fur bags on May 22, May 29, June 5, July 3, July 17, Aug. 7, Aug. 14, Sept. 11, Sept. 18, and Oct. 2.

Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village – culinary herbs, tea blends, herbal waters, Shaker-made crafts/soaps, candles, brooms, woodwork, honey, canned goods, bouquets, apples, and pears on June 5, July 10, and Sept. 4.

Warner Décor & More – earth-friendly woodcraft items for you and your home on May 22, May 29, June 19, July 24 and July 31, Aug. 21, Aug. 28, Sept. 18, Sept. 25, and Oct. 2.

The market also will feature live music by the Pond Lilies on July 10 and Sept. 11.

“We want to thank all the customers who have supported us over the years. It is really because of you that local artisans, food producers, growers, and specialty vendors can continue to do what they love and offer these services locally,” said Jen Kenneally of the Windham Farmers’ Market. “We thank you for your past support and really look forward to your help in supporting the market going forward. Without you, we couldn't do it. We look forward to seeing you rain, shine, hot summer days and cool autumn Saturday mornings from May to October, Saturday 8:30 to 12:30.”

Find the Windham Farmers Market on Facebook @WindhamFarmers Market or online at WindhamFarmersMarket.com. <

Business Spotlight: Maine Medical Partners Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Windham

Windham native Dr. Jeffrey Bean is a familiar face for many in the community growing up in town and having practiced medicine here for the past 12 years. His passion for sports medicine and healing has led Maine Medical Partners—Orthopedics & Sports Medicine to open a Windham practice with Dr. Bean as the provider. Recently opened on March 15, the practice includes physical therapists, Ryan Brown, PT, FAAOMPT, Director of Sports Therapy and Performance, and Eric Bouchard, MPT, CMP.

Located at 584 Roosevelt Trail in Windham, the MMP Orthopedics & Sports Medicine practice provides advanced, personalized care for conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles and soft tissues. Patients also benefit from the latest technology, enhanced care coordination across the MaineHealth system and a commitment to quality that is a hallmark of MMP, which is the largest network of primary care and specialty practices in Maine with more than 50 practice and outreach locations across Maine and New Hampshire.

Dr. Bean is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and attended medical school at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Maine. He completed residency studies in internal medicine at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois, and a fellowship in Primary Care Sports Medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“I like to diagnose people’s medical problems and formulate a treatment plan to get them better,” Dr. Bean said. “That gets them back to the lives that they enjoy leading.”

The new MMP Orthopedics & Sports Medicine practice in Windham serves the Sebago Lakes Region and beyond. Its level of expertise in orthopedics and sports medicine features a high-quality, specialty-trained staff that is dedicated to treating patients with issues ranging from torn ACLs to arthritic care to overuse injuries. Patients receive quality post-operative and non-operative treatment for conditions involving the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, foot, hand, wrist, ankle and spine and a customized care plan tailored for each different individual’s unique needs and goals.

“My goal is to provide an environment where patients feel comfortable, are listened to, and are treated with personalized care,” Bean said. “I enjoy treating patients of all ages and all activity levels, and developing individual treatment plans that best suit each patient’s needs and desires.”

“When people hear that I practice sports medicine, they assume all I deal with are athletes, which just isn’t true,” Bean said. “I take care of every orthopedic issue affecting people of all ages and all orthopedic conditions.”

Sports medicine is a growing field, and includes the promotion of exercise and health, the scientific assessment and understanding of human physical performance. It focuses on injury prevention and associated treatments, exercise for health and nutritional recommendations.

Common problems that Bean may see include aching muscles, bones and joints; lower back pain; gout; arthritis; tendinitis; carpal tunnel syndrome; bursitis; and injuries to bones, ligaments, tendons or cartilage. He also helps patients overcome a variety of orthopedic disorders such as pain; fatigue; stiff joints; swelling; redness; dull aches; weakness; tenderness; limited range of motion; and treating those patients experiencing difficulty performing daily tasks. For a full list of treatments and services, visit www.mainemedicalpartners.org/ortho.

“I like the challenge of putting together the pieces of the puzzle of someone’s physical condition and helping them to get better,” Bean said. “To me, it is always important to listen to the patient. The patient always comes first. It’s important to be available when the patient needs you. I believe respecting and listening to patients are what leads to success in medicine.”  

“Our goal at MMP Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is to provide comprehensive services to assist people of all ages and skill levels so they can learn how to prevent injuries, while focusing on treatment and conditioning to help them get back to doing what they love most— as soon as possible,” Bean said.

The MMP Orthopedics & Sports Medicine office in Windham is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and same day appointments are available.

For more information about MMP Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Windham, visit www.mainemedicalpartners.org/ortho or call 207-661-2828. <

Business Spotlight: Mainely Ticks

MAY IS LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH IN MAINE

by Barb Maurais 

Mainely Ticks Educational Resources

Mainely Ticks is celebrating its 17th year of protecting people, pets, and properties from ticks and tick-borne illnesses here in Southern Maine with an Integrated Pest Management community-based approach utilizing education and increasing awareness.  Did you know that 70 percent of Lyme disease cases are contracted within 100 feet of the home?  You can reduce your risk of contracting Lyme and other tick-borne diseases by understanding the life cycle of the deer tick, learning about landscape modifications, and using personal protection strategies.

Nymph deer ticks are about the size of a poppy seed and are prevalent during the months of May, June, and July, while the adult female deer ticks are sesame seed sized and will be laying up to 3,000 eggs in May. Small rodents, not deer, are responsible for transmitting the Lyme disease bacteria to ticks.  One field mouse can carry more than 100 ticks during peak activity and are vectors for.  If you have mice and chipmunks on your property, they may support the presence of deer ticks. 

Two year life cycle of the deer tick  For a detailed explanation, visit our educational website www.mainelyticks.com

Landscape Modifications  Landscape modifications can help reduce ticks by creating an environment which is less suitable for tick survival along with being less attractive to tick hosts such as deer, rodents, and birds.  Focus on modifying areas that you and your family frequently use.   Clean up your yard and keep the lawn mowed.  Let the sunshine in.  Sunny areas are less apt to harbor ticks.  Keep childrens’ play areas away from the wooded edge.  Remove leaf litter and brush from your property and perimeter.  Move bird feeders and wood piles away from your home to reduce rodent activity.  Consider using a run or invisible fence to keep pets out of the woods.

Define and avoid tick habitat  Deer ticks require a damp, humid environment to survive; they are most often found in wooded areas and forest edges in the interface between lawn and woods,  and especially in leaf litter and low ground covers - right in your back yard.

Skin Repellent  Apply an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved repellent to exposed skin -  IR3535, DEET (20 to 30 percent, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus for protection against ticks.

Protective clothing  Wear light colored clothing when working or playing in tick endemic areas to make spotting ticks easier.

Clothing Repellent  Pre-treat clothing with 0.5% permethrin spray.  Insect Shield is a company where you can purchase treated clothing and socks, or you can send in your own clothing to be treated.  Save 20 percent on your first order by going to www.insectshield.com  Use promo code MAINELYTICKS at checkout.

Frequent Tick Checks  The single most important step you can take with your family and pets to reduce your risk is to perform frequent tick checks after outdoor activities.  Use the sensitivity of your fingers to feel when checking favorite tick spots to attach including the scalp, behind the ears, armpits, back, belly button, groin, behind the knees, and between the toes.  The longer a tick is attached, the greater your chances of contracting tick-borne diseases.

Tick Removal  Using a pair of fine pointed tweezers, grasp the tick as close as possible to the skin.  Pull straight up with a steady pressure.  Since a tick’s mouthpart is barbed like a fish hook, it may take several minutes pulling gently for the tick to let go.  Do NOT aggravate the tick by twisting or squeezing the tick - don’t apply lotion or heat; you do not want to upset the tick and cause it to regurgitate the contents of it’s gut into your blood stream.

Tick ID & Pathogen Testing  University of Maine Cooperative Extension will identify ticks that you find and will do disease testing for a modest fee as well.  Go to https://extension.umaine.edu/ticks/ to learn more about the services that the Tick Lab provides.

To receive a FREE Tick ID and Bookmark  Send a SASE (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope) to Mainely Ticks, PO Box 70, Wells, ME 04090. <