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Melissa Walden Photography is offering a complimentary consultation and style guide! Melissa Walden Photography is a central Maine photographer that specializes in personal branding sessions.
We help create content for businesses to use on their website, social media platforms and print materials. These lifestyle sessions are intended for individuals and small groups. A personal branding session captures your brand which can include the business owner and staff, products or services and clients.
Learn more here: melissawaldenphoto.com
Branding
Maine Brand
Headshots
Maine Headshot
Maine Professional Photography
ON THE RISE
Calendar & Cocktails Art Release Party
Friday June 27th 2025
5pm-7pm
Join us for Art, Appetizers, Cocktails & Live Music
12 new art images as prints from the recently released 2026 Poster & Desk Calendars.
Please RSVP - Thank you
ALAN CLAUDE GALLERY 165 Water Street, Gardiner, Maine
Looking for a great day on the course while connecting with local leaders? Join the University of Maine at Augusta for the 17th Annual UMA Golf Classic on Friday, July 25, 2025 at the Natanis Golf Course, 735 Webber Pond Road, Vassalboro, ME
This event supports UMA student athletes and offers businesses the chance to get involved by forming a team, sponsoring a hole, or both. It’s a great way to support students, enjoy a day of golf, and engage with the community.
The day will include an 18-hole scramble, contests, raffles, and a Jersey Mikes lunch.
Details and registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSczpz7A7MZN-dFxmwjs0CtH9NSZ32B6p9O495htsZjA9Whu5Q/viewform
Let's raise a toast to summer in collaboration with Key Bank Key4Women Program! There will be live music from the amazing Katie Daggett, delicious bites, delightful mixed drinks by our resident bartender, and some Soothe signature surprises!
Wear your favorite summer colors, bring your besties and let's have an amazing time. (We will even have a space for your kids to play!!)
Not only will you be treated to a beautiful afternoon of fun & laughs, you'll have the opportunity to win amazing giveaways, enter into unbeatable raffles, snag some major product & service deals (attendees only!), learn about all of the new products & services Soothe has to offer & meet some amazing people along the way!
Tickets are $25 with all drinks, food and fun included! Use the promo code "bringafriend" to get a $5 discount when purchasing 2 tickets!
First 10 people to purchase their ticket will receive a free grab bag FULL of goodies! Purchase your tickets with this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soothe-medical-x-key-bank-summer-bash-tickets-1400433778129?aff=oddtdtcreator
Congratulations to our CEO, Cathy Bond, for being this year’s recipient of the prestigious Maine Credit Union League President’s Award!
This award is personally selected by League President Elise Baldacci and her team, and is reserved for an individual who has made an extraordinary impact on the credit union movement. Elise Baldacci shared, “When I think about credit unions in Maine, I think about cooperation and good-hearted people who are hardworking, kind, and always there to help a member in need. And to me, there’s no one more exemplary of those special qualities than Cathy Bond.”
Read the full article here!
Some say that Facebook is becoming less relevant, and people aren’t using the platform as much anymore. While new social media platforms seem to take up our attention, Facebook still has more monthly active users than any other social media platform. Another misconception: Facebook is only for older people. Actually, the largest age group of Facebook users falls between 25 and 34 with surrounding ages being close runners up. With its high number of users and wide demographics, Facebook should still be an important part of your business’s marketing strategy.
Here are three tactics to improve the content you share on Facebook and increase engagement on your posts:
1. Video Content (Especially Short-Form and Live Videos)
Video continues to dominate on Facebook, especially short-form videos and Facebook Stories that align with the broader trend of quick, digestible content. Live videos also help businesses engage with their audience in real-time, promoting a sense of connection and transparency.
Types of Video Content:
- Short-form (30 seconds to 1 minute): Product demos, quick tips, or behind-the-scenes clips.
- Live Streaming: Q&As, live product launches, and event coverage can build rapport and encourage real-time interaction.
Tip: Use captions and visually engaging elements to keep viewers’ attention, especially since many Facebook users watch videos on mute.
2. User-Generated Content (UGC) and Customer Testimonials
UGC and customer stories provide authentic social proof, which builds trust with potential clients. Content from real users feels more genuine and relatable, often leading to higher engagement.
Types of UGC:
- Customer photos or videos using the product or service, shared with permission.
- Testimonials in video or text form that highlight positive experiences.
- Reposts from customers’ Facebook Stories or tagged posts, showing real-life product or service use cases.
Tip: Encourage customers to tag your business in posts or use specific hashtags. Reward participation with special features on your page.
3. Interactive Content (Polls, Quizzes, Contests, and Interactive Stories)
Interactive content invites direct engagement, which helps improve reach and interaction rates. Polls, quizzes, and contests are quick, easy, and fun for users, making them more likely to participate.
Types of Interactive Content:
- Polls: Quick questions to gauge customer preferences, like new product ideas or service feedback.
- Contests: Simple entry methods, such as commenting or sharing, can create excitement around your brand.
- Quizzes and Stories: Gamified quizzes or “choose-your-own-adventure” stories that align with brand values and services can be very engaging.
Tip: Focus on timely, relevant, and fun topics that relate to your brand. Keep contests straightforward to maximize participation.
Staying consistent with these content types will help your business capture attention, foster loyalty, and drive conversions effectively on Facebook.
FAQs
Is Facebook still relevant for marketing?Yes, Facebook has the most monthly active users of any social media platform, making it a valuable tool for businesses to reach diverse demographics.
What type of video content works best on Facebook?Short-form videos (30 seconds to 1 minute) and live streams, such as product demos or Q&As, are highly engaging and align with trends for quick, digestible content.
How can I incorporate user-generated content (UGC)?Share customer photos, testimonials, or tagged posts to provide authentic social proof and build trust with your audience.
What are examples of interactive content for Facebook?Use polls, contests, and quizzes to encourage direct engagement, improve reach, and spark excitement around your brand.
How do I make my videos more engaging?Add captions and visually dynamic elements to capture attention, as many Facebook users watch videos without sound.
Free Wine Tasting Seminar - Vina Robles, Paso Robles
Join the Lighthouse Wine and Seafood for a complimentary wine tasting seminar! To save your spot, call the store at 207-622-1221. Space is limited.
Friday, May 30, 2025, 05:00pm - 06:30pm
Contact Nick Nel - 207-622-1221
Location 918 Western Avenue, Manchester, ME
-Red Blend
-Cabernet Sauvignon
-Chardonnay
-Vionier
Connected CU has announced that applications for its 2025 Scholarship Program are now available. The credit union will award four scholarships of $1,000 each to eligible members pursuing a post-secondary education or a graduate degree at an accredited college, university, or technical school.
High school seniors, college students, and non-traditional students are encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a one-page essay describing their academic aspirations, future educational plans, personal accomplishments, and community service involvement. In addition to the essay, applicants must provide a copy of their academic transcript, a letter of recommendation, and a letter of acceptance for high school seniors.
All scholarship applications must be submitted to Connected CU by April 30, 2025. For additional information or to apply, interested students can visit the credit union’s website.
"PUBLIC SERVICE RETIREES"- The Maine Association of Public Service Retirees (MAR) will be holding their ANNUAL MEETING for members and their guest. The Annual Meeting is being held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Augusta Civic Center. Doors open at 8:00, with registration from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. The cost is $10 per person with lunch included. Pre-registration should be done by calling MAR at 207-582-1960. You may pay at the door with cash only. $15.00 if you pay at the door. MAR looks forward to seeing you there.
Carrie Gervais and Jennifer Cousins have been named the SBA Small Business Person Award Winners for the state of Maine for 2025. Each year, the U.S. Small Business Administration celebrates National Small Business Week (May 4-10, 2025) by recognizing the achievements of outstanding small business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States. Carrie and Jen are extremely honored to be considered for such a prestigious accolade.
Stepping Stones Montessori School is a Montessori school for K-8 students based in Chelsea. Founded by Gervais and Cousins in 2001, the school opened with 8 Pre K students. Over 24 years Stepping Stones has also expanded to include more than 90 PreK to Gr 8 students for local families. The school serves as a solution for those seeking a rigorous, child-centered education. The SBA chose Stepping Stones Montessori School for their persistence in overcoming the immense financial and educational challenges of the Pandemic and to highlight the school’s response to childcare shortages and educational options in Maine.
On May 5, Cousins and Gervais will travel to Washington, D.C., and be honored at the National Small Business Week award ceremony, along with winners from across the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam
https://www.mainebiz.biz/article/maine-small-businesses-honored-by-sba-for-going-the-extra-mile
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350 HIRES IN Maine! Boots2Roots has assisted over 350 veterans and military spouses find meaningful work and put down roots in Maine. To see the list of 167 Maine employers who have hired military workforce talent visit www.boots2roots.org and select the "employer" tab. Leading the pack are 5-Star Partners General Dynamics - Bath Iron Works (35), Dead River Company, MEMIC, Nichols Portland and Systems Engineering. When family members are included, more than 1000 potential workers have put down roots in Maine. The economic return on investment exceeds $86 million in tax revenue, property purchases, and federal benefits spent in Maine communities. If you are an employer looking to hire military talent, please contact us by emailing . We look forward to our next 350 hires.
Alana LaCourse Launches Nonprofit for Young Ski Racers
Pictured: Alana LaCourse provides Avery Levesque, 12, from Auburn. Courtesy: Pliable Marketing
AUGUSTA, Maine - As part of National Girls and Women in Sports Month, Alana LaCourse from East Boothbay, Maine has announced the official launch of her nonprofit, GIVE O.N.E., which stands for Give Opportunities through New Equipment. On Feb. 1, she hosted a fundraiser and giveaway event at Lost Valley in Auburn. The day included a drawing to win ski racing goggles and the opportunity for members of the Maine Junior Ski League to apply for two $250 scholarships.
LaCourse, 15, started her nonprofit at age 14 after recognizing the cost of ski equipment can be a barrier for young children to try or to continue the sport of ski racing. GIVE O.N.E. provides new Alpine ski race equipment and scholarships for Maine junior ski racers. GIVE O.N.E. is fiscally sponsored by Fiscal Sponsorship Allies, a 501(c)(3) public charity.
LaCourse, is a sophomore and ski racer at Gould Academy in Bethel, Maine. In addition to ski racing, she is a model, and high honors student who also plays soccer and tennis. She has signed with Pliable for NIL respresentation and plans to ski race in college.
“It was great to see all the young ski racers at Lost Valley. I met a lot of amazing young ski racers and their familes. I am excited to help more young athletes pursue their dreams on the slopes. I believe strongly that what you do today creates possibilities for tomorrow, and that is what the GIVE O.N.E. program is designed to do," said LaCourse.
Pictured: Alana LaCourse provides Avery Levesque, 12, from Auburn with her new pair of ski goggles and Arlberg ski straps. Courtesy: Pliable Marketing
LaCourse is from East Boothbay, Maine and started skiing at age 2 since both her mother and father had been ski instructors while in college. At age 4, she started group ski lessons at Mt. Abram and at age 9 participated in a few recreational races and fell in love with the sport. By 7th grade, Alana participated in the Maine Junior Ski League. She is now a second year U16 USSS ski racer and is currently ranked in the top 10 in the Maine Alpine Race Association.
Pictured: Alana LaCourse provides Liam Folker, 12, from Auburn with his new pair of ski goggles and Arlberg ski straps. Courtesy: Pliable Marketing.
To donate to GIVE O.N.E. visit app.ribbon.giving/links/1hSn0G or the GIVE O.N.E. Facebook page for more information. If you meet the criteria as a Maine Junior Ski League athlete or you are a coach of one of ski racers, or want to learn more about the scholarship program email .
All day on Wednesday, February 19th, tune in to WGME CBS13 and WPFO FOX23 to hear inspiring stories of hope and see the impact that Make-A-Wish Maine is making in your community. You can also follow along on the Make-A-Wish Maine social media accounts.
And be sure to tune in for the 30-minute special airing on both CBS13 and FOX23 at 7:30 PM. We can't wait to share more about the impact of a wish come true.
Help us raise $125,000 to create life-changing wishes for children battling a critical illness in Maine.
Click here to learn more: Share the Power of a Wish Telethon - Make-A-Wish® Maine
GRILLA BOWL in Gardiner has just added the following items to our menu:
The HAWAIIAN BOWL now comes with an option to substitute SPAM for the ham for a truly Hawaiian dish!
ORANGE TOFU is now available for all of you tofu lovers and vegetarians.(The secret menu has an option for ORANGE CHICKEN if you are a meatatarian)
Just for the winter we will have CHERRY BLAST fruit smoothies
and now all of our dishes come with the option for GLUTEN FREE
...also we now have limited edition stickers available commemorating our opening and first location in Gardiner
more to come!
GOLDEN POND WEALTH MANAGEMENT NAMED TO FORBES'
2025 BEST-IN-STATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT TEAMS LIST FOR MAINE
WATERVILLE, MAINE – January 15, 2025 – Golden Pond Wealth Management was recently named to Forbes' Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams list for Maine.
“Being included in the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams list for Maine is a reflection of our entire team, our clients, and their continued confidence in and support of our efforts to grow and protect their wealth,” said Brian Bernatchez, CFP®, Managing Director of Golden Pond.
Golden Pond Wealth Management is based in Waterville, Maine. They provide retirement planning and comprehensive wealth management to individuals and families, and investment & endowment management to non-profit institutions.
The annual list is compiled by Forbes with insights from SHOOK Research. Advisors are selected based on quantitative and qualitative data, and are assessed on a variety of criteria, including interviews, years of experience, client retention, compliance records and assets under management*.
Augusta, Maine – January 23, 2025 – Teresa Zardus, Founder & President of Zardus Holistic Wellness Group, Inc., is advancing her professional journey by pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Psychology. This decision follows her personal experience with physical challenges and a deep understanding of the powerful mind-body connection in managing chronic pain and promoting overall well-being.
"Having encountered significant health challenges in recent years, I've learned firsthand that our mindset can profoundly impact the progression of chronic pain," said Teresa. "This insight has inspired me to deepen my knowledge and skills to better assist others facing similar challenges."
Teresa is pursuing this doctorate to expand her ability to assess and guide individuals’ health and wellness plans more effectively. She also aims to create practical resources, such as workbooks designed to help adults achieve self-care and wellness goals, which will empower individuals to take control of their mental and physical health.
In addition to her personal goals, Teresa plans to explore opportunities in adult education, focusing on the importance of the mind-body connection and helping guide future generations toward healthier, more balanced lives.
Reflecting on her journey, Teresa shared her philosophy:
"I believe that success is the forward motion on the path to meeting our goals, both individually and collectively. It’s not the end, it’s the journey – the journey of a thousand and more baby steps toward a better YOU. The journey with those we impact – our students, clients, family, and the greater community. To create this journey and our legacy, we must be genuine, authentic, and transparent – without judgment or fear. I believe that every practitioner and student graduating from my massage program is my legacy, impacting the lives of generations to come!"
This philosophy has guided Teresa in her leadership at Zardus Holistic Wellness Center, where she has developed and led a successful massage therapy program. Her commitment to fostering a transparent, judgment-free learning environment earned her the prestigious "Launching Your Legacy" scholarship, the largest offered by her college, National University (formerly North Central University). During her college and Master's program, Teresa graduated with High Honors and Cum Laude distinction.
“Pursuing a PhD in Health Psychology is about expanding my ability to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives,” said Teresa. “I’m excited to continue this journey and bring more tools, resources, and knowledge to the people and community I serve.”
Teresa remains committed to empowering individuals to embrace holistic approaches to health and well-being and advocating for the integration of mental and physical wellness.
For more information about Teresa Zardus and Zardus Holistic Wellness Center, visit www.ZardusArtofMassage.com or follow on social media at Zardus Holistic Wellness Center.