New businesses

Herald Duke Jr. and Elizabeth Duke of Duke Building and Remodeling in Bangor recently earned the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist designation, identifying them as building industry professionals with skills and knowledge specific to home modifications for the elderly who want to continue living in their own homes safely and independently. Herald Duke has more than 15 years of experience in the building and remodeling field. Elizabeth Duke also is a nurse practitioner. The certification was created by the National Association of Home Builders in collaboration with the AARP. For more information, call the Dukes at 327-2200.

Daryl and Heidi Abbotoni recently purchased two McDonald’s franchises, one in Caribou and the other in Presque Isle. A native of Houlton, Heidi Abbotoni also owns and operates McDonald’s restaurants in Calais, Houlton, Lincoln and Millinocket, in partnership with Ed and Dawn Degenhardt.

The Almost New Resale Shop, a full line consignment shop on Route 157 in Medway, is owned by Tina Hustus. The shop sells men’s, women’s, youth, infant and toddler clothing and accessories. The 3,000-square foot store also offers a play area for children. Almost New Resale Shop accepts any brand that is in good salable condition, as well as good play clothes, and prices them accordingly. Most items sell at less than 50 percent of retail value. Hustus also keeps a 50-cent to $1 rack and accepts vouchers from foster families and Aspire recipients. The store can be reached by calling 746-0061.

Edwards, Faust & Smith CPAs recently purchased Accounting Services of Maine, LLC, an accounting and tax practice, from Rachel Girvois. Girvois will continue the consulting segment of her practice. This marks the fourth practice purchased by EFS in the past few years. EFS was established in Old Town in 1991 and moved to 716 Union St. in Bangor two years later. The firm provides accounting, audit and tax services and specializes in businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Gary Friedmann & Associates, a fund raising and consulting firm with offices in Bar Harbor and Bangor, recently opened a new office in Blue Hill. Initially, three staff members will be based in Blue Hill. Lynn Boulger will manage the capital campaigns for regional and statewide organizations, oversee grant writing activities and develop and execute major donor cultivation and solicitation programs. Meg Maiden and Crystal Pace will assist clients in the development of campaign support materials, grant proposals, feasibility studies and special events. With more than 20 years of experience, Friedmann has helped a variety of nonprofits raise money for building construction, endowments, annual support and special projects. The company can be reached at 374-8919, or by visiting www.garyfriedmann.com.