Category: Business Spotlight

Business Spotlight

Jeff Hanselmann Attends Culinary Institute of America Pastry Course Photo: Ayn Hanselmann By Lisa Blanchette Four years ago, Jeff Hanselmann changed careers. People do that all the time, but Jeff made a very big change during a very difficult economic time. He went from a 20-year career in construction to opening Frannie’s, a mini-donut shop on Main Street in Sanford. He didn’t have a culinary background but had the support of family and friends who helped with business management expertise. He was…

Paras Pizza: Making Pizza and Memories for 60 Years

Peter and Michelle Mitropoulos, owners of Paras Pizza, are celebrating their business’ 60th anniversary this year. Photo: Ericka Sanborn By Jenna Smith, Grade 7 - St. Thomas School “Paras Pizza is a staple in the community.” These are the first words that come to mind when Peter Mitropoulos, the current owner of Paras Pizza, reflects upon his business, which is gearing up to celebrate its 60th anniversary. That’s six decades of mouth-watering pizza, Italians and memories. Back in 1964, Peter’s…

Business Spotlight

Sanford Games and Collectables has filled gaming needs since 2018. Photo: Ericka Sanborn Sanford Games and Collectables: Fueling Collectors Around Maine By DJ Guillemette, Grade 8 - St. Thomas School Ever since he was young, Mike Ernest has loved playing video games. Even as an adult, and now a father, that hasn’t changed. His fond memories drove him to open his own business dedicated to just that: video games.  Managed and owned by Ernest since 2018, Sanford Games and Collectables…

Business Spotlight

The Shine Salon and Wellness staff (l-r): hairstylists Ashleigh Otis, Amanda Faunce, Annastascia Simpson, Rachel Leck, Hannah Crosby, and nail technician Monique Ros. Missing from the photo are Justina Beaulieu (reiki master) and Rachel Perez (health coach) Photo: Denise Bernier Shine Salon and Wellness: More Than Just Hair and Nails By Jenna Smith, Grade 7 - St. Thomas School As a child, Rachel Leck knew that she wanted to do something creative with her life. Whether she was babysitting or…

Funeral Home Builds a Legacy of Comfort and Care

Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home Photo: Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home By DJ Guillemette, Grade 8 - St. Thomas School Located at 580 Main St. in Springvale, Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home specializes in memorialization, cremation and funeral services. The business provides personalized, professional and compassionate service to help lighten the burden of individuals experiencing loss. This commitment has been a pledge of the funeral home for decades. The history and evolution of Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home is an…