Business Spotlight: Long Beach Marina

Long Beach Marina on Sebago Lake has garnered a loyal following for over 38 years and is about to earn some new fans through several upcoming projects and its continued focus on providing personalized service for customers.

A rendering of upcoming projects for Long Beach Marina that
will create a new storage building and a new service area
to better serve customers when completed.
COURTESY PHOTO   

The Minervino Family has been welcoming boaters to Long Beach Marina on Sebago Lake since 1988 at its full-service facility at 81 Sebago Road (Route 114) in Sebago (Boat Coordinates 43°51’0”N,70°34’0”W). The marina can assist you with all your boating needs including late-model pontoon rentals, a dock with 93 octane fuel, long-term and short-term mooring rentals with a courtesy shuttle, full-service packages, winterization, shrink wrapping, winter storage, boat washing, and an easy-to-launch boat ramp.

If that wasn’t enough, exciting new upgrades are intended to make Long Beach Marina an even finer facility for convenient boat storage and an expanded service area, as soon as the project’s completion in November.

“In Phase 1 we will be constructing a 24,000-square-foot Boat Rack Storage Building and in Phase 2 we will be adding to our Service Department with a 5,000-square-foot Service and Sales Building,” said Sam Minervino, who co-owns Long Beach Marina with his wife, Jan.

Long Beach Marina originally opened in 1947 and still maintains the original dock that was on the property when purchased by the Minervino Family in 1988, who continue to provide regular upgrades to the infrastructure at the site that help to ensure its use well into the future.

“In 2019 we added a service department, and we keep striving to offer the finest no-hassle boating services available locally,” Minervino said. “We offer year-round service and go the extra mile by treating our customers as we would want to be treated with kindness, courtesy, and respect.”

The marina maintains and upgrades its premier rental fleet of pontoons on a regular basis, providing a safe and a worry-free rental experience for boaters on Sebago Lake. It expertly maintains its own rental fleet, yet Long Beach Marina’s team of experienced service technicians also take great pride in caring for their customers’ boats and vessels through exceptional mechanical repairs, routine maintenance, winter storage and affordable reconditioning services.

“We offer a complete Dock to Dock service package to take meticulous care of your vessel,” Minervino said. “You can leave your boat on one of our moorings or we can pick it up at your dock. We’ll pull your boat out of the water in the fall and launch it in the spring for pickup or delivery back to your dock. Our marine mechanics are highly skilled and capable technicians who will treat your boat with expertise and care.”

Full end-of-season services are provided by Long Beach Marina and feature expert winterization services, shrink wrap, bottom washing, and storage. Start-of-season service offered include spring commission, quick clean and launch with no requirement for a truck or trailer.

Convenience happens to be a big reason that customers prefer Long Beach Marina. The facility is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week during boating season and features timely preseason and postseason hours each spring and fall.

The full-service fuel dock at Long Beach Marina can be easily accessed from the open lake without obstruction, tricky channels, or waterways to navigate and helpful marina crew members are on duty to pump 93 octane gas to keep your boat operating efficiently.

The emphasis on courteous friendly service and quality products offered by the marina have not been overlooked in reviews posted online.

“Always the best day of the year! Jan and Sam provide the best service, high quality boats and maintain them to the highest standard.” Bob C.

“Owners and staff very pleasant and helpful. Our pontoon and tube rental were awesome. 5 stars.” Scott R.

“We love Long Beach Marina! Family friendly and always available to assist with any questions and concerns. Their staff is so friendly. We never feel alone on the lake knowing our marina is available. 5 Stars.” June L.

“Great place to gas up and rent a boat! The boats are in good condition and reliable, very personably staff and the Minervino family are wonderful!” Gail M.

For the ultimate in boat care you can always trust Long Beach Marina. Visit longbeachmarina.com or call 207-787-3908 to get a quote for service or storage for your particular boat or to make an appointment. Find them on Facebook and Instagram. < 

Business Spotlight: Allagash Waste Services

Through ingenuity, attention to detail, and exceptional customer care, Allagash Waste Services is rapidly becoming a leader in offering sustainable waste solutions for businesses, institutions and communities across Southern Maine.

Alec, Andrew and Dan Emerson of Allagash Waste Services.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Located at 7 Heathwood Drive in Windham, Allagash Waste Services is owned by Dan Emerson, a third-generation waste industry professional who’s been serving the industry in various leadership roles throughout New England for the past 30 years. Allagash provides and services dumpsters that range from 2 to 30 yards for small and large businesses, institutions, municipalities transfer stations and many more for trash, cardboard, single stream recycling, construction and demolition, remodels, roofing, municipal transfer stations, and cleanouts.

“Allagash Waste Services is a Maine brand, a Maine company focused on providing a level of service in the industry that exceeds our customers’ expectations as well as maintaining our commitment to the Maine people by preserving Maine’s environment, communities and economy,” Emerson said. “Our expectation of service starts when the customer calls our office or meets any of our staff for the first time to the service we provide and pride ourselves on. When they call, they get someone who cares and is prepared to help them from the start without waiting or getting an automated system or remaining on hold. Our goal is to make sure everyone has an awesome experience when working with Allagash and we leave them with a lasting positive impression.”

Emerson says that Allagash is a Maine company operated by a Maine family with deep roots in Southern Maine, and Windham specifically. As a small company, it’s able to manage costs effectively and offer outstanding care and value to customers.

“We care about Maine and want to preserve its environment, communities, and its economy by supporting businesses in Maine,” he said. “Our team works diligently to ensure a safe, clean, and healthy work environment and employ innovative technology to maintain our ability to offer state-of-the art waste and recycling services. Allagash will also be entering the Municipal Curbside space as well in the coming years giving municipalities a choice vs only having one bidder.”

According to Emerson, Allagash is very competitive in the marketplace.

“Something we don’t do that many other competitors do is charge fees,” he said. “We believe in full transparency at Allagash and therefore don’t charge additional fees on top of your base rate. Our prices have our costs included.”

Launched on June 3, Allagash Waste Services has seven employees currently. Dan is joined by his sons Alec and Andrew Emerson, Andrew’s girlfriend Leah Girouard, Dan’s cousin Rusty Poland, a friend of the family, Kim Burnham, and Joe Richard. Combined, they have more than 60 years of waste industry experience.

The company is built on the fundamentals and foundation of Dan’s experience and the desire to build a company that serves our local communities while caring about building a better Maine and economy. Dan’s family has been in the waste industry since the mid-1950’s. George and Pat Emerson founded George Emerson & Sons in Windham, Maine and were joined by their sons, George Emerson Jr., Dan’s late father, and Vern Emerson. In the 1980s, the company was branded as Enviropac and continued the legacy of providing the highest level of service excellence, quality and safety. In 1996, George Emerson & Sons was sold, and Dan continued in the waste industry in various leadership roles including his last role as Regional Vice President of Operations before starting Allagash Waste Services.

Online customer reviews are spectacular.

“Five-Star rating. I needed a dumpster right away for a home demolition project and he delivered it on a Sunday! Also, it looks like a brand-new dumpster not the old rusty ones that you see. If you need a dumpster, give Allagash a call.”

“Switching to Allagash Waste Services has been one of the best decisions we've made! They truly stand out as the best in the industry, not just for their exceptional service but for their genuine care for their clients. Allagash Waste Services meets every need with the attention to detail you'd expect from a small business while achieving big things. Their team is incredibly friendly, always ready to help, and their services are not only top-notch but also more affordable than other providers.”

"If you're considering switching your dumpster and roll off services, I highly encourage you to make the change to Allagash Waste. Experience the difference of working with a local business that puts customers first. Their commitment to excellence and personalized service makes them a standout choice. Support local, save money, and enjoy unparalleled service with Allagash Waste Services!”

For more details about Allagash Waster Services, call 207-892-4036, visit their website at www.allagashwaste.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram under Allagash Waste Services. <

Business Spotlight: Two Mums Kitchen

If you’re searching for a perfect grab-and-go spot to enjoy delicious home-made cooking nearby, look no further than Two Mums Kitchen.

Eliza Watson, left, and her mother Cindy Langley own and 
operate Two Mums Kitchen in Gray, a convenient spot
to grab-and-go delicious homemade cooking.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Located at 7 Main St. in Gray, Two Mums Kitchen offers convenient hot and cold meals to eat in or carry out, casseroles to take home and bake, pre-made wraps, salads, soups, sweets, sourdough bread, catering orders and custom baking. Parking is easy with space on the street right in front of the shop and the town municipal lot right across the street.

Operated by the mother and daughter team of Cindy Langley and Eliza Watson, who share a love of cooking and for the community, Two Mums Kitchen creates family favorite meals using exceptional local and sustainably sourced ingredients. All their food is made from scratch at their shop and available to take home, including breads and sauces. The menu varies by the season.

“We use only whole ingredients, including making our own spice blends, and every item we serve is made from our own special recipes,” Eliza said. “We have curated a selection of Maine-made products to offer as market items including FoX Family Chips, Carrabassett Coffee, Lost Woods Hot Sauce, and Maine Root sodas. We won’t use any fillers in our foods and so many of our selections are Gluten Friendly and we also have Dairy Free, Vegetarian or Vegan options daily. We consider our food to be ‘inclusive’ meaning, we can generally accommodate any dietary restriction. We are not aware of any other eating establishment with this model for food to-go.”

As first-time restauranteurs, the goal of Two Mums Kitchen is to feed the community the way that Langley and Watson have fed their own families.

“Quality and delicious food takes time to prepare, and we so enjoy bringing our family recipes to a broader audience,” Cindy said. “We are passionate about flavor and inspired by cuisines from around the world. Our guiding principle has been to provide family-oriented meals at an affordable price and to accommodate any dietary need. We’ve now been doing that for over a year.”

According to Eliza, Two Mums Kitchen tries very hard to keep its overhead low so they can pass any savings along to our customers.

“That said, all our food is made by hand, hand-chopped, hand-rolled, hand-assembled, and our ingredients are of the highest quality,” she said. “Our competitors are other specialty prepared food markets and there aren’t many in the area. Our customers love our rotating selection of dishes, which change each day of the week, and our seasonal menus. There are always a variety of meals, salads and desserts to choose from and we offer our food in a variety of ways: hot, cold, take and bake, frozen and customer orders with notice. Our customers comment on how fresh our food tastes, the wide variety of choices, and the convenience of purchasing pre-made meals for their families.”

The mother-and-daughter entrepreneurs first came up with the idea of a home-cooking cafe and bookstore when Eliza was home from college in the early 2000s. Now 20 years later, Cindy retired from teaching and Eliza was ready for a job change, so the timing was good to make this dream come true. Two Mums Kitchen opened April 7, 2023 and business has grown steadily since.

Social media reviews are spectacular.

“I am a big fan of lemon squares, and Two Mums make the best. I plan to sample more of their sweet and savory items. If you're in Gray, definitely check them out. I will make pilgrimages from my location just to taste these glorious lemon squares.” Elizabeth J.

“Every single thing I have tried has been so delicious and flavorful. Makes mealtime easy on busy nights, just throw in the oven! I brought their cranberry sauce to Thanksgiving this year and it was phenomenal. They offer single servings and full meals depending what you need. Meals also store well in freezer if you don't want to cook it all at once. Highly recommend checking them out!” Meagan P.

“Absolutely amazing food! Sooo good. We had a brownie, lemon square, meat lasagna, and butternut squash lasagna. Love the creative menu with a variety of foods for anyone with dietary restrictions (vegan options as well as gluten free). The Two Mums are clearly in their element and loving what they are doing. Definitely would recommend you stop in and give them a try. You won’t regret it.” Eryn B.

For more details about Two Mums Kitchen or to request an order, call 207-657-1092 or visit them online at www.twomumskitchen.com. Find them on Facebook and Instagram under Two Mums Kitchen. <

Business Spotlight: Maine Beauty Company

Focusing on safe and effective treatments and skincare services, Maine Beauty Company aims at achieving a natural, youthful and radiant appearance for clients while enhancing a person’s natural attributes.

Owned and operated by Willa Zajac, Maine Beauty Company is located at 243 Roosevelt Trail and strives to provide the best care possible with consistent results.

Maine Beauty Company is owned and operated by
Willa Zajac of Windham. SUBMITTED PHOTO  

“I specialize in aesthetic injectables,” Zajac said. “I offer several brands of neurotoxins such as Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and dermal fillers including juvederm, revanesse, and kysse. I also offer Biostimulators such as sculptra, and bellafill, a wide variety of vitamin injections, Skinpen microneedling, VI chemical peels, Platelet Rich Plasma treatments and custom airbrush spray tans.”

She says the most significant aspect of her business is to offer consistent quality results and education to her clients and build trusting, long-lasting relationships with them.

“Sometimes I think businesses try to incorporate too many different types of services which doesn’t allow them to ever become fully proficient in any of them,” Zajac said. “This is why I really try to focus on all things injectables. This allows me to really hone in and perfect that skill and be known for it.”

Because Maine Beauty Company is a one-person operation, the relationships Zajac builds are genuine and authentic.

“Every person who walks through my door will be treated with respect and honesty. I will never be ‘salesy’ or make them feel like just a number,” she said. “I want them to know they are appreciated and valued and that I’m grateful they have chosen to come to me when there are so many other options available. Also, I want clients to know they can trust me. I will always do what’s best for them even if it means sending them elsewhere for a service I don’t provide. My business is built on trust, quality and consistent results.”

Zajac opened Maine Beauty Company about four years ago and has been working at her new location for about five months.

“I have been a registered nurse for 13 years, and in this field for about six years,” she said. “I am grateful to have learned from some of the best, and so appreciative of every single person who has helped me along the way. I pride myself on always staying current on the latest techniques and products. To do this I invest thousands yearly in up-to-date training. I believe this is what keeps me at the top of my game and in the know about this constantly changing industry.”

According to Zajac, she loves what she does and wants Maine Beauty Company to be a place where clients can feel comfortable and supported.

“Often times, people feel vulnerable or nervous when they come in to have some of these services done, so knowing that they will be seeing the same person every time sets their nerves at ease,” she said. “I work very hard at making my space inviting, calming and comfortable. You will never feel intimidated or judged walking through the door.”

Pricing is very competitive and fair at Maine Beauty Company, but Willa will work with any client budget. If it’s not enough to give the desired service properly, she will work to come up with a treatment plan that feels financially comfortable on a custom timeline.

“Being a solo injector, my overhead is lower which allows for more fair pricing to my clients,” Zajac said. “I do however think it is important to not always ‘price shop’ where you go for injectables. It’s important that people remember they are not just paying for the product but also the expertise, education and valued experience of their practitioner. I will never discount my services to the point of degrading my services and hard work, but I will always offer fair specials and pop-up sales to my clients.”

Online reviews of Maine Beauty Company are incredible.

“I have seen Willa multiple times for filler and botox. She is a perfectionist which is what you want when dealing with your face! I have recommended her to several people that also love her work!” Brandy C.

“Willa is absolutely amazing! Her goal is to make certain all feel comfortable and leave her office feeling better than when they came in. She’s extremely flexible and will revamp her schedule to fit appointments in. Her techniques fit her customers/clients and her positivity is infectious. She does an amazing job and I am beyond thankful for her!” Melissa M.

“Willa is amazing!!! Her talent and focus will have you looking and feeling fantastic.” Mariah V.

For more details or to make an appointment with Maine Beauty Company, call 207-333-2525 or visit mainebeautyco.com. Find them on Facebook under Maine Beauty Co or on Instagram as nurse_willa. <

Business Spotlight: Sebago Nutrition

In the hustle and bustle of today's fast-paced world, it’s no secret that trying to maintain a balanced diet and ensure optimal energy levels can be challenging. That’s where Sebago Nutrition can help.

Three generations of women own and operate Sebago Nutrition.
From left, Jessica Salazar, her mother Carol Pierce, and her
daughter Tiana Salazar. SUBMITTED PHOTO

 

Its protein shakes and energizing teas are a practical solution for anyone seeking a convenient and effective way to boost their health and energy. These beverages provide many benefits, making them an excellent choice for individuals looking to enhance fitness, productivity, and their overall well-being.

Located at 111 Ossipee Trail Unit 2 in the Hannaford Plaza in Standish, Sebago Nutrition is owned and operated by three generations of a family including a mother, Carole Pierce, her daughter, Jessica Salazar, and granddaughter, Tiana Salazar.

“We offer healthy sugar-free energizing teas that give you the ‘pick me up’ that you are looking for without the crash,” Jessica said. “We also offer healthy plant-based protein shakes that are a complete meal replacement, all having under 300 calories, 24 grams of protein, and low in sugar. And lastly, we offer protein iced coffee which is made with 15 grams of whey protein, 100 calories, and 1 gram of sugar per serving.”

The health benefits of protein shakes include the role it plays in muscle building and repair. Protein is a crucial macronutrient that helps rebuild muscle fibers. Consuming protein shakes after a workout provides the body with a quick and easily digestible source of protein, aiding in faster recovery and muscle growth. For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, this means improved performance and reduced muscle soreness. Protein shakes can also be an effective tool for weight management by increasing feelings of fullness and reduced appetite, which can prevent overeating and snacking on unhealthy foods. By incorporating protein shakes into a balanced diet, health experts say individuals can maintain a healthy weight or achieve their weight loss goals more effectively. Additionally, many protein shakes are low in calories and fat, making them a guilt-free option for those watching their caloric intake or a way to obtain essential nutrients on the go.

Energizing teas such as those found at Sebago Nutrition provide a natural and sustained energy boost. Infused with ingredients like green tea, these teas offer a more balanced and gradual increase in energy levels compared to sugary energy drinks or excessive caffeine consumption. The combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and natural stimulants helps improve alertness and focus without the jittery feeling or energy crash associated with other energy-boosting products.

Certain teas, such as green tea, are known to enhance metabolism and promote fat burning. The catechins and polyphenols found in these teas help increase hermogenesis, the process by which the body burns calories to produce heat. By incorporating energizing teas into their daily routine, individuals can support their weight loss efforts and improve their metabolic rate, leading to increased energy expenditure and better overall health. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid found in these teas, promotes a state of calm alertness. This synergy enhances cognitive function, improves concentration, and reduces mental fatigue. For students, professionals, and anyone needing to stay sharp throughout the day, energizing teas can be a valuable addition to their routine.

“We offer a warm and inviting atmosphere with comfortable seating for both relaxation and productivity,” Tiana said. “Our journey started with the desire for healthier beverage choices, but it has evolved into a lifestyle. We are committed to providing our community with nourishing shakes and energizing drinks that have positively impacted our own lives.”

Sebago Nutrition offers convenient online ordering for pickup and their products are affordable and right in line with other local businesses offering refreshing beverages. Its protein shakes and teas are made to order every time.

“We welcome questions of any kind and if we do not know the answer, we will find it,” Jessica said. “Informing our customers of the nutrients and benefits of our products is very important to us. We want to know what we are putting in our bodies, so we want our customers to have the same knowledge. There isn't another nutrition club in the general vicinity and people have repeatedly expressed how excited they are that we are here and have opened.”

Online reviews are exceptional.

“Great place to stop and get a healthy drink! Super friendly staff and great service. The drink was delicious too!” Anne Merria Goodwin

“Highly recommend checking this place out. Great service and amazing drinks. Can't wait to go back tomorrow.” Julie Vickers

“Great atmosphere, great people and great drinks! Highly recommend.” Stephanie Smith

For more details about Sebago Nutrition, call 207-572-7858 or visit them online at www.sebagonutrition.com, where you can view their menu and place an order. Find them on Facebook under Sebago Nutrition. <