BUSINESS FOCUS (Part 3)
ComFit is at the center of the community’s fitness
GUILFORD — ComFit, short for Friends of Community Fitness, is a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week 501(c)3 non-profit fitness and community center at 31 High Street in Guilford. After operating in the former Abbie Fowler School Building in Sangerville for seven years, in 2010 ComFit moved to a much larger and more modern space at the former Guilford Primary School building.
“This move is an incredible boost to our community outreach.” said Gayle Worden, executive director. “Since moving to the new space ComFit has grown to serve over 525 members on a regular basis and employ 10 people.”
With two weight lifting rooms, a room full of cardio equipment all purchased within the last three years, and the addition of locker rooms and a basketball gymnasium, the 24/7 facility is a happy, busy and bright spot in Guilford.
The center offers a variety of 19 fitness classes, six days a week. The instructors and personal trainers are all certified professionals and receive up-to-date training each year.
ComFit invites you to stop by during office hours 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday or Friday mornings from 8 to noon The website is www.comfitme.com and ComFit can be reached by phone at 876-4813.
Elaine’s Bakery and Café ready for a busy summer
MILO — After six years at 24 Main Street, Elaine’s Bakery and Café — formerly known as Elaine’s Basket Café — moved into the Milo Heritage Building last year, giving it more visibility and a lot more space for the rapidly-growing bakery business.
Owner Elaine Poulin said she is busier than ever, not just in the bakery itself, but “on the road” where she delivers her homemade baked goods to 30 locations from Greenville to a new customer in China Village. You’ll also find her donuts at all A.E. Robinson stores.
One of Elaine’s most popular new products is the Maine donut, made with Allen’s coffee brandy. “You won’t taste any alcohol,” she said, “but you’ll get the full flavor of the coffee.”
While donuts are the biggest seller at Elaine’s, they also bake cream puffs, jelly and custard-filled pastries, brownies, homemade bread, whoopie pies and much more.
Are you looking for a cake to celebrate that special occasion like a birthday, wedding or anniversary? Elaine’s is the place. “We made a lot of graduation party cakes this year,” she said.
Plus, they also have gluten-free products, Hood’s ice cream, wireless Internet service and outdoor seating on the deck.
After a one-year absence, Elaine’s Bakery and Café will be at the Whoopie Pie Festival in Dover-Foxcroft this year with 15 to 20 varieties of Maine’s favorite dessert. “We’ll also be back at the Harvest Fest in Bangor in the fall,” said Poulin. “We sold thousands of donuts up there.”
Elaine’s Bakery and Café will also ship their goods anywhere, a service sparked by several compliments about the bakery by out-of-town customers.
Poulin’s work ethic can be traced to her childhood days in Aroostook County. She was born and raised on a small potato farm in New Canada, seven miles from Fort Kent, and recalled that her parents enjoyed cooking and baking to feed the family of eight.
Elaine’s Café and Bakery was also the inspiration for a song by New Relm on their “Catching Dreams” CD. They also created a video at the bakery and a link is posted on the café’s Facebook page.
The café is open with a full breakfast menu from 6 — 11:30 a.m. daily and the bakery is open from 6 a.m. — 5 p.m. seven days a week. EBT cards are also accepted for purchases.
Visit them on Facebook or at www.elainesbasketcafe.com.
Vacationland Realty clients are ‘customers for life’
Buying a home can be the single biggest investment that most people will make in their lifetime. Choosing a real estate agent who has the tools, skills and experience to make your dreams come true can be as challenging as the home buying process itself.
With Jean Jenkins, however, you’re not just a client – but a “customer for life.”
Milo native Jean Jenkins began her real estate career in 1983 and started Vacationland Realty five and a half years ago.
She specializes in Bangor area and Schoodic Lake properties from waterfront settings on quiet lakes to intown homes, building lots and small businesses.
Thanks to her experience, Jean can help you take those first steps toward your first home or help you upgrade to a newer or larger dwelling.
“Every one of my clients is unique, and that is exactly how I treat him or her,” said Jenkins. “I’m proud to say that a high percentage of my business comes from past clients – from people who choose my services time and again. I don’t measure my success by sales, but by the relationships I build along the way.”
Are you looking to sell? Get the maximum market value for your home and learn valuable tips to help the entire process go more smoothly.
Jean Jenkins is proud to be part of the community, raised and educated in the area.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Husson University and graduated with “high distinction” for achieving exceptional grades in her business courses. This designation is for students who have earned a grade point average of 3.6 or better.
Her professional awards include the Top Producer and 100 Percent Club, the Million Dollar Producer and Multi-Million Dollar Producer, a Top 25 in Maine Award, Beyond Excellence Leaders’ Circle and the Outstanding Performance and Customer Satisfaction Award.
She is a graduate of the Realtors Institute, a member of the Bangor Board of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors, a March of Dimes top fund-raiser, a parishioner and lector at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a Girl Scout troop leader for 12 years.
“Good communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship,” Jenkins said. “You can count on me to provide you with the information you need on a schedule and in a manner that suits you best.”
Visit www.jeanjenkins.com for more information or contact her at 745-4522 or VacationlandRE@aol.com.
“Don’t just travel here — live here!”
Johnson Foundations has over a decade laying concrete and building dreams
DOVER-FOXCROFT — Pouring concrete and creating foundations for commercial and residential buildings is only a small part what Rich Johnson does. As the founder of Johnson Foundations in Dover-Foxcroft, Johnson discovered what he does helps people realize their dreams as much as laying down a solid foundation.
“Seeing the excitement in the eyes of my customers as they see the foundation of their dream house being poured is the best part of my job. There is a special feeling in seeing their excitement and knowing you’ve made a difference in somebody’s life,” Johnson said.
Johnson Foundation has been laying groundwork for commercial and residential properties since 2002. The firm has laid the foundation for A.E. Robinson Oil Co.’s fuel tank farms on West Main Street and the company’s offices on Union Street. Johnson Foundation has also created the base for a unique octagon-shaped Belgrade residence.
The unique foundation was laid in order for the home to capture as much solar heat as possible and also provided an aesthetically pleasing design. For Johnson, adapting his work to his customers’ desires makes his work all the more fulfilling.
“We have done every type of foundation. We are a small company, but we take a great deal of pride in our work,” Johnson said.
He has been in the concrete business for over 20 years. Johnson worked for a local contractor for a decade before deciding to strike out on his own. As the boss, he has learned how to face the challenges of providing high quality work at a time when supply costs have steadily increased.
He believes having a good marriage has also been a major asset to his business’ success.
“The only way to survive in this business is a lot of long days,” Johnson said. “My wife has supported me day in and day out for 26 years. Without her, I don’t think I could’ve made it for as long as I have.”
Johnson Foundations hasn’t only allowed just customers to realize their dreams, it also has allowed Johnson to achieve his own.
“When I first started I was just trying to advance myself and make enough to survive. but to be successful enough to provide jobs to other people is a special feeling to have,” Johnson said.
The business is located on 202 Shaw Road and provides free estimates on work for floors, walls, slabs, crane services, and foundation water proofing. For more information call 564-8617.
Foxcroft Golf Club is a hole in one
DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Foxcroft Golf Club is part of the community with a public 9-hole, par 36 course nestled in the heart of the Piscataquis County. Through September, tournaments benefiting area organizations and promotions are held nearly every weekend.
The schedule includes Rally for the Cure on June 14, member/member June 21, Pine Tree Hospice tourney June 29, fundraiser for 40th July 12, memorial tournament July 19, member/guest play July 26, Homecoming tournament Aug. 2, Jimmy Fund tourney Aug. 9, Public Safety Tournament Aug. 16, club championship Aug. 23-24, PRYMCA tourney Aug. 30, Pat’s Pizza Open Sept. 13, the Dexter/Dover-Foxcroft Ryder Cup Sept. 21 and cross country member appreciation Sept. 27.
“Fourth of July we are going to let veterans play for free,” said Cory Campbell of the Foxcroft Golf Club. Most people have the day off as a holiday and letting those who served their country play the holes for free is a way for the Foxcroft Golf Club to give back.
Children 12 and under play for free with a paying adult every day at the Foxcroft Golf Club. This promotion helps introduce kids to the sport. Members of high school golf teams can work on their game with reduced rates at the golf club.
On July 16-17 Campbell is looking to have a promotion in which golfers can play all day for $10 at the Foxcroft Golf Club, if they mention they saw this item in the Piscataquis Observer.
“The course is in great shape right now,” Bobbie Nickerson of the Foxcroft Golf Club said, adding that there are continual improvements being made such as to one hole bordering a small pond to make the shot more difficult.
Foxcroft Golf Club members are greatly appreciated, often pitching in to help take care of the course. Campbell said Herb Severance, a longtime member, will mow as “he loves to see the course look nice.” He said some members work in exchange for their membership fees, “They help me in every possible way.”
The Foxcroft Golf Club offers senior leagues and there is a ladies’ league on Monday nights..
Those playing the course will notice various granite monuments along the nine holes, which feature advertisements. A larger memorial wall is being planned to recognize past members “who loved to play golf at this course,” Campbell said.
The Foxcroft Golf Club is located at 84 Foxcroft Center Road, and is open seven days a week from dawn until dusk. For more information, call 564-8887, go to www.foxcroftgolfclub.com or find them on Facebook.