Business Spotlight: Duck Pond Variety Windham

For more than a century, Duck Pond Variety at 463 River Road in Windham has been supplying the community with food, gas and everyday essentials, remaining a familiar stop for generations of area residents.

Duck Pond Variety at 463 River Road in Windham has
remained a favorite stop for area residents for generations
and prepares hot comfort-food quality meals to go
Mondays through Fridays. SUBMITED PHOTO

Owned and operated by Derek Footman, the store traces its roots to 1917, when Charles and Grace Thayer founded the neighborhood business. Over the years, customers could stop in for everything from molasses, flour and grain for animals to shoes, gasoline, penny candy, garden seeds, beer, wine and soda. As times changed, so did the store, eventually becoming known for pizza, sandwiches and other freshly prepared foods.

Footman, who has owned the business for the past four years, has continued that tradition while expanding what the store offers. Today, Duck Pond Variety features a full kitchen along with gasoline, liquor, beer, wine, convenience items and everyday essentials. The store also carries tobacco products, offers propane exchanges, lottery tickets and an ATM, and recently added diesel fuel.

Keeping prices reasonable is a priority for Footman, whether customers are filling their gas tanks or ordering a meal from the kitchen. He said providing good portions and quality ingredients at prices local families can afford is an important part of operating a neighborhood store.

What distinguishes Duck Pond Variety from its competitors is simple, Footman says.

“The quality of our food comes with a price that can’t be beat,” he said. “Our chicken is fresh, never frozen, and twice breaded. Our pizza is made with all top-quality products but sells for the most reasonable prices in town. Many items are hot and ready to go so you can be in and out fast.”

Duck Pond Variety’s specialties include Italian sandwiches, fresh chicken, pizza, breakfast pizza and breakfast sandwiches.

“We take immense pride in serving the best food at the best price while never compromising on quality,” Footman said.

That focus on hearty, affordable food becomes especially noticeable during the colder months. Throughout the winter, Duck Pond Variety prepares hot comfort-food meals to go Monday through Friday, giving customers an easy option without having to cook at home. Selections change from week to week and may include favorites such as shepherd’s pie, stuffed shells with meatballs and macaroni and cheese topped with meats such as buffalo chicken or pulled pork. The meals are served hot and ready to go, with generous portions designed to provide a filling meal at a reasonable price.

Customers can also take advantage of different food specials each weekday. Mondays feature a 10-inch, one-topping pizza for $8. Tuesdays bring The Godfather Sub for $8, while Wednesdays feature chicken tenders for $1 each. On Thursdays, customers can purchase a large sandwich for the price of a small, and Fridays feature a Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap for $8.

Footman said he is humbled to continue the tradition of serving the community that began with the Thayer family more than 100 years ago. Today, Duck Pond Variety employs between 12 and 15 people.

“I used to work for a vendor and met the previous owner through that,” Footman said. “I ended up buying it from him and building upon what he had already started. It has been known as Duck Pond Variety for eight years and before that it was called Thayers, which the town cherished and loved for many decades.” 

More recently, improvements to the exterior have helped bring new attention to the longtime neighborhood store.

“We have almost completed an outside remodel which has led to amazing growth, and we would love people to try our food and store that have not been in before,” Footman said.

Online reviews echo the enthusiasm for the store’s food, service and affordable gas.

“Came here around 4 p.m. on a Monday. I got the steak bomb sub, and husband got the meat pizza. Omg best food in a long time. Nothing was skimped on, ratios on everything perfect, all tasted fresh. Definitely our go-to place when we’re back in the area. Also, service- 5 stars!!! Thank you so much, we will be back!” wrote A. Files.

“I have had two Italian sandwiches from here in the last three weeks and they are by far the best Italians I have had. And to top it off, the staff is extremely friendly regardless of how busy the store is! Hats off to Duck Pond! Keep it up!” wrote J. Clifford.

M. Kasyanov praised another menu favorite: “I usually never leave reviews but I’m here eating probably the best buffalo chicken pizza I’ve had in a while. I have to let them know it was delicious.”

“We loved the pizza, wrap and fries we ordered, and the food was tasty and hot! Next time we’ll have to try stocking up on any needed home goods, that sounds super convenient!” wrote A. Fram.

Duck Pond Variety is proud to serve this community and looks forward to continuing to be the area's go-to place for good food and convenience.

To place an order ahead and have it ready for pickup, call 207-892-5146. To learn more about Duck Pond Variety, find the store on Facebook under Duck Pond Variety Windham.

Business Spotlight: Michele's Health

For the woman who has been told, “Your labs are normal,” yet still feels anything but. Persistent fatigue. Brain fog. Digestive issues. Hormone concerns. A body that no longer feels familiar, and no clear explanation for why.

Michele Bradeen of Michele's Health can help
identify patterns that may be contributing to
chronic unresolved health concerns.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

At Michele’s Health, functional health practitioner Michele Bradeen helps women move beyond symptom chasing and begin asking better questions. Her work is centered on identifying the patterns that may be contributing to chronic, unresolved health concerns and translating complex testing into practical, personalized next steps.

“I work with women who know something is off, even when they have not felt heard or have not gotten the answers they need,” Michele said. “My role is to listen carefully, investigate the whole picture, and help them understand what their body may be communicating.”

Michele is a Board-Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDNP), Certified Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) Practitioner, certified nutrition coach, and certified personal trainer. She combines functional testing with education and individualized nutrition, lifestyle, movement, and targeted-support strategies.

“Educating my clients about what their bodies are communicating through symptoms is a top priority,” she said.

Rather than using a one-size-fits-all protocol, Michele explores connections among digestion, immune function, detoxification, hormones, energy, mineral balance, and stress response. Her H.I.D.D.E.N. and D.R.E.S.S. frameworks help organize the investigation and shape realistic, step-by-step recommendations.

“The body works like an orchestra and must be viewed as a whole,” she explained. “If one part or system is off key, it affects the others.”

Depending on a client’s history and goals, Michele may use functional blood chemistry analysis and specialized testing, including MRT for food and chemical sensitivities; GI-MAP stool testing for digestive function, microbial balance, immune markers, and potential pathogens; HTMA for mineral patterns and metabolic trends; and metabolic, mucosal-barrier, stress, and hormone panels.

“The value is not just in running a test,” Michele explained. “It is in helping someone understand what the results mean in the context of her life, symptoms, and goals, and then supporting her as she puts a manageable plan into action.”

Her work is also deeply personal. Michele’s path into functional health began after a 12-year struggle with complex health challenges, including tick-borne illness, neurological symptoms, autoimmune concerns, vision issues, and brain fog. Although treatment addressed the infection itself, she was left searching for ways to rebuild her health.

“That experience changed everything,” she said. “I know what it is like to feel frightened, exhausted, and discouraged after trying so many things. My own recovery led me to study functional health, nutrition and gut health, because I wanted to understand what my body needed and eventually help other women do the same.”

Today, Michele has additional training in tick-borne illness recovery after studying under Dr. Tom Moorcroft, DO, a former president of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society. She has a particular interest in supporting women navigating lingering, complex symptoms after Lyme or other health challenges.

What Michele’s Clients Say

Michele’s Health has received multiple five-star Google reviews highlighting the care clients’ experience through her personalized approach, clear explanations, and attentive support. One client, Katie, shared that after more than six years of searching for answers, working with different practitioners, and trying numerous supplements, Michele helped her begin finding clarity through the first round of testing.

“Her approach is entirely personalized,” Katie wrote. She also valued having “full access to ask her questions along the way,” adding that Michele “genuinely cares.”

Another five-star reviewer, Maryanne, described Michele as “always well prepared” and a “strong communicator” who explained test results in a way that helped her feel “informed and confident” in her care. She also said Michele made thoughtful recommendations without pressure and that she never felt rushed during appointments. 

That feedback reflects the experience Michele aims to create: individualized attention, clear education, and ongoing support so clients can feel more informed and confident as they take the next steps in their wellness journey.

What clients find at Michele’s Health is not a quick fix or a generic plan. It is dedicated one-on-one guidance, clear education, and a practitioner who understands that meaningful progress is often built through small, informed, sustainable changes.

“If you have been dismissed, overwhelmed, or left wondering where to start, you do not have to figure it out alone,” Michele said. “I walk beside my clients as they learn to understand their bodies and take the next best steps forward.”

Michele’s Health offers a complimentary 15-minute Wellness Clarity Call for women who would like to discuss whether functional testing and one-on-one support may be a good fit.

Learn more at micheleshealth.com or book a Wellness Clarity Call at: https://app.biocanic.com/selfbooking/690e4615474f772fad1540db <

Business Spotlight: Remington Insurance

Navigating insurance plans, benefits and costs can be confusing, especially as coverage options continue to change. The team at Remington Insurance helps clients understand their options, review the details and make informed decisions about their coverage.

The team at Remington Insurance helps
clients understand their options, review
the details and make informed decisions
about their insurance coverage. From left
are Office Support Specialist Dori Smith,
co-owner Zack Remington, co-owner
Karen Remington and Sales Support
Specialist Alexandra Remington. 
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Zack and Karen Remington are the founders of Remington Insurance, an independent insurance agency. Originally founded in 1999 in Vermont, the company relocated to Maine in 2015 and is now based in Cornish. For more than 25 years, the independent agency has helped clients navigate their insurance needs while providing the personal attention of a local, family-owned business.

The agency specializes in Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Part D Prescription Drug Coverage. It also offers Home and Auto Insurance, Renters, Business, Life, Dental, Vision and Pet Insurance, along with Annuities and Retirement Planning.

Working with multiple insurance companies allows the agency to compare plans, benefits, networks and costs to help clients choose coverage that provides the benefits they need at a cost that makes sense for them.

“Our approach is simple: understand what the client needs, review the options available and help them make an informed decision,” said Zack Remington. “Karen and I both came from social-services backgrounds, and that experience taught us the importance of listening and understanding each person’s circumstances. From there we compare benefits, costs, provider networks, medications and potential gaps in coverage.”

That same careful review extends beyond Medicare. With Life Insurance, for example, the agency considers whether existing coverage is Term or Whole Life, how long it will remain in place and whether premiums may increase over time. With Retirement Planning, the conversation may include whether savings are exposed to more risk than a client is comfortable with or whether a portion should be protected. Home and Auto Insurance and other coverage can also be reviewed for gaps, changing needs and available options.

“Our goal is to help clients find appropriate coverage at a reasonable cost without sacrificing the benefits they need,” said Karen Remington. “We value long-term relationships and work on behalf of our clients rather than for any one insurance company. We remain available after enrollment, stay in contact throughout the year and encourage regular reviews as plans, benefits, and costs change.”

The Remington Insurance team includes Zack and Karen’s daughter, Alexandra, who provides sales support and reviews clients’ Auto Insurance needs. When she is not in the office, Alexandra can often be found at the family farm teaching riding lessons or working with the horses.

Zack and Karen first met office support specialist Dori Smith when she helped them search for their senior dog, Trixie. That chance meeting grew into a friendship, and Dori has now been with the agency for seven years. She provides outreach, conducts regular client check-ins and remains an integral part of the Remington Insurance team.

The agency serves clients throughout Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and Florida. Its multistate licensing allows Zack and Karen to continue working with longtime clients who move, travel seasonally, or maintain connections in more than one state.

Zack and Karen met in 1994 while working in a residential treatment program for boys. That experience helped shape the patient, individualized approach they later brought to insurance and remains central to how they serve clients today.

Client Dana Tarbox described his experience with the agency: 

“Remington Insurance was a tremendous help with getting my ex-wife set up with her initial insurance, and now that she is turning 65, setting her up with Medicare A, B, C and D. She would not have been able to do this on her own. As for myself, Zack set me up with great insurance at a reasonable price. I highly recommend them.”

With Medicare’s Annual Election Period running from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, now is a good time for Medicare beneficiaries to review their coverage for the coming year. Medicare Supplement plans are different and are not limited to the Annual Election Period.

Remington Insurance also hosts free “Medicare Made Easy” Cider and Donut Socials at its Cornish office, with future events posted on the agency’s website. Current Events Thursday, Sept. 17 at 5 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m., Thursdays in October at 2 p.m. on Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 22 and Oct 29. Call to reserve your seat.

People can schedule a preliminary 30-minute phone appointment through the Remington Insurance website or contact the office directly, to be followed by a full phone or in person appointment if you choose.

To learn more, visit RemingtonInsuranceServices.com, call 207-303-7035 or visit the office at 81 Maple St., Cornish. Find them on Facebook. <

Business Spotlight: Prana Nordic

A new Scandinavian-inspired wellness retreat called Prana Nordic has opened in Raymond and is a place where visitors can slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the Lakes Region in a way that encourages true rest and renewal.

Prana Nordic is a Scandinavian forest retreat
where guests may reserve private in-cabin
wellness treatments offering Ayurvedic
Bodywork such as Marma Therapy, Abhyanga,
and Reflexology, creating a relaxing 
experience unlike anything else in the area.
COURTESY PHOTO 

Located in Raymond near Sebago Lake, Prana Nordic is a Scandinavian forest retreat offering three thoughtfully designed boutique cabins that combine modern Nordic design with the natural beauty of the Lakes Region. Guests can enjoy private outdoor saunas, kayaks, bike rides, fire pits, and peaceful wooded surroundings while exploring everything the Sebago Lake region has to offer.

“What makes Prana Nordic unique is the optional wellness experience available to guests,” said Lindsey, co-owner at Prana Nordic. “Through my separate wellness practice, Ayurvedic Alchemy, guests may reserve private in-cabin wellness treatments that offer Ayurvedic Bodywork such as Marma Therapy, Abhyanga, and Reflexology, creating a relaxing retreat experience unlike anything else in the area.

“We’re creating a modern Maine retreat centered around nature, privacy and wellness, while still giving guests the freedom to make the experience entirely their own,” she said. “There are three parts to Prana Nordic:, the woods come first. We kept the land intact and the whole property was tucked into the forest so you feel like you can step off your deck and disappear into it. Time spent moving slowly among trees does something no amenity can replicate. The Japanese call it forest bathing. We just built around it. Then the heat. Every cabin has its own sauna and outdoor shower, both private to that cabin and included in the rate rather than shared or added on. Ojas cabin, which sits up on a knoll with the most secluded outdoor space on the property, also has a hot tub and a dedicated cold plunge, so guests there get the full Scandinavian circuit of heat, cold, and rest without leaving their own private space. And then Ayurveda, which is really the heart of it.”

Lindsey and Mike are certified Ayurvedic Health Counselors, trained at the Mahatma School of Ayurveda in Vermont. Guests can add Ayurvedic bodywork, a guided seasonal cleanse, or a one-on-one wellness consultation to any stay. Ayurveda treats wellbeing as a question of energy and constitution rather than symptoms and it pairs naturally with the restorative effects Prana Nordic has to offer within its forest setting.

“Everything is designed to flow together on the property, so guests can move from an indoor or outdoor treatment to the sauna, outdoor shower, hot tub or cold plunge without ever having to leave,” she said. “And when they do want to explore, Sebago Lake is just minutes away, with the lake, hiking trails and the Frye Island ferry nearby. The latter is just a 5-minute walk from the cabins. The idea is that guests can make their stay as active or as restorative as they want it to be.”

Local residents can also experience Prana Nordic’s Ayurvedic offerings, including bodywork and wellness consultations, without booking an overnight stay.

“Ultimately, we want Prana Nordic to be somewhere you can come for an Ayurvedic appointment, a weekend away, or choose a more immersive wellness experience,” she said. “We’re especially excited about multi-day retreats that bring together the cabins, Ayurvedic treatments, hydrotherapy, nourishing meals and time in nature.”

Lindsey and Mike moved to Raymond from Boston with the dream of building tiny homes in nature near the water, the mountains, and among the trees.

“We’re both yogis, and along the way we trained at the Mahatma School of Ayurveda in Vermont and completed the Ayurvedic Health Counselor program,” Lindsey said. “Our shared passion for Ayurveda and Vedic philosophy naturally became part of the foundation of Prana Nordic and the experience we wanted to share with our guests.”

Since opening in July, that vision has already resonated with guests, with Prana Nordic receiving exceptional early reviews.

“Beautiful and quiet area. Perfect getaway for a couple. We enjoyed it so much, several nights we just cooked at the cabin rather than going out to eat. 5/5, and we will definitely be back.”

“This was a gorgeous cabin… [and] was well appointed… the lovely outdoor shower was so nice, and the sauna was a great addition. Everything was peaceful and quiet. They even had milk, coffee, tea and wine ready for us. Super nice touches!”

“The place is absolutely wonderful, and staying in the cabin is such an experience! Every detail in the cabin is so well thought through, from the outdoor lighting to the little amenities in the bathroom…”

To learn more about Prana Nordic or to make a reservation, visit prananordic.com or call 207-312-7972. Follow Prana Nordic on Facebook and Instagram at prananordic. <