SUZANNE JOHNSON
TOPSHAM — The Cathance River Education Alliance recently announced its local business partner of the year award has been dedicated to Androscoggin Dental Care in Topsham.
Dr. Fred Wigand, owner, said, “When I was a child, my greatest pleasure was just being outside, running around and discovering the wonders of nature. I still love it today. Professionally, I am in health care and it is dismaying to see the decline in the fitness of our children. The trails and nature programs of CREA are what our children need to break away from their electronic world and Androscoggin Dental Care is proud to support CREA.”
Besides promoting health and enhancing smiles, Wigand, a Brunswick resident, has generously supported CREA for several years dating back to 2005 when the Cathance River Ecology Center first opened.
Executive Director Rick Wilson said, “We appreciate the continued faith and confidence that Androscoggin Dental Care has shown in our mission throughout the years. CREA could not connect our community to nature the way it does without the support of local businesses like Fred’s.”
Hancock Lumber Co. helps Camp Sunshine
CASCO — Teaming up once again, Hancock Lumber proudly supported Camp Sunshine this fall to help raise awareness and $15,000 to benefit the Casco-based retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
“Hancock Lumber Co. has long been a supporter of Camp Sunshine and we are proud to continue in that tradition. It is a great organization that has provided a firstclass retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Being a part of their organization is a natural fit and we’re proud to be connected to Camp Sunshine and its extended family,” said Kevin Hancock, the company’s president.
Attorney adds to areas of practice
TOPSHAM — Suzanne Johnson, an attorney and partner at McTeague Higbee, a Maine law firm specializing in workers’ rights, recently announced the permanent addition of Longshore pulmonary and hearing loss claims and Social Security disability to her areas of practice.
Johnson has been with McTeague Higbee for 15 years, representing clients in elder law, probate, estate planning, and asbestos exposure claims.
Johnson graduated cum laude from Duke University and received her law degree from Vanderbilt School of Law. She is a member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys, and the MSBA Elder Law and Family Law Sections.
Johnson lives in Brunswick and is active in several local nonprofits, including as cochairwoman of the Brunswick Naval Air Station Restoration advisory board.
McTeague Higbee earns high marks
TOPSHAM — U.S. News and World Report recently named Topsham-based law firm McTeague Higbee in the top tier of Portland area law firms practicing in the fields of employment law for individuals and workers’ compensation for claimants.
This is the second time U.S. News and World Report has released a ranking of law firms in the country and the second time McTeague Higbee ranked in the top tier in both of those fields. The rankings are based on qualities including: expertise, responsiveness, cost-effectiveness, civility, and integrity.
“While our foremost priority is protecting the interests of our clients, we certainly appreciate the recognition we have received from U.S. News and World Report for the last two years,” said Jeffrey Cohen, managing partner of McTeague Higbee. “We view our ranking as a responsibility to continue providing quality representation to working people throughout the state of Maine.”
New salon opens on Main St. in Freeport
FREEPORT — Acapello Salons, Maine’s largest independently owned Aveda salon, recently announced the opening of its fourth location at 15 Main St. in Freeport.
The Freeport location is home to an Aveda Lifestyles Store on the first level, where walk-in retail shoppers can experience complimentary mini services, and a six operator style and color salon on the second floor.
Priority Group, others give to organizations
TOPSHAM — Three Sanford based organizations recently received donations from Priority Group, Nouria Energy, Sanford Institution for Savings and McDonald’s at the Sanford Town Hall. The businesses recently opened their doors at the roundabout in Sanford, and are now giving back to the community.
Camp Waban, a service organization, strives to meet the needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities. It serves more than 1,000 people each year through donations and volunteer efforts.
Neal Meltzer, executive director of Camp Waban, along with board chairman Jerry MacConnell, accepted a $2,500 check from Jim Howard, CEO/president of the Topsham-based commercial real estate developer Priority Group, along with a gift card for Thanksgiving turkeys.
“We are very grateful for the generosity demonstrated by Priority Group and Sanford Institution for Savings. It’s not common for a real estate developer to make that kind of financial contribution. It shows Priority Group’s commitment not only to the people who have developmental disabilities, but to the greater Sanford/Springvale community,” said Meltzer. “It makes a huge difference.”
Along with Priority Group’s contribution, Camp Waban also received a donation of $1,000 from Sanford Institution for Savings.
The Imelda Fund, administered through the Sanford General Assistance office, was given checks of equal amounts. Nouria Energy and McDonald’s restaurant also joined the team effort with donations as well. Josh Sandahl of Nouria presented a check to the Imelda Fund for 150 gallons of heating oil.
McDonald’s owners John and Anne Maragus, along with their son Harry, provided a $1,000 donation to the Sanford Food Pantry.
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