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Bangor

Guardian of Small Business

The National Federation of Independent Business, the nation’s largest small business group, last week named U.S. Sen. Susan Collins a Guardian of Small Business for her voting record in the 108th Congress on behalf of America’s small business owners.

NFIB President and chief executive officer Jack Faris praised Collins for “taking a stand” for small business owners.

Safe neighborhood grants

Bangor Wal-Mart will present a total of $2,250 in safe neighborhood grants to three local volunteer fire departments at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Bangor store.

The volunteer fire departments of Corinth, Hudson and Milford each will receive a grant of $750.

“Please join us on Saturday to help us recognize these fire departments for the wonderful work they do for the communities,” Wal-Mart officials said. “Wal-Mart would like to thank all firefighters everywhere for all they do for us.”

Also on hand to mark October as Safety Month will be radio station 107.3, the Old Town Fire Department and Maine game wardens.

Fenton signing event

Scott K. Fenton will be present at a Fenton Family Signing event 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, at Patrick’s Hallmark at the Bangor Mall.

The second of the family’s fourth generation to join the management team of Fenton Art Glass Co., Fenton will present a 7-inch tulip vase with fluted crimp that showcases the craftsmanship of the Fenton glass workers. It is made from a rich Rosalene glass formula, with the addition of pure gold, which allows the pink shade to appear throughout the crimp and straight rib optic.

Fenton graduated in 1997 from West Virginia Wesleyan with a degree in business. Before that, he spent vacations and holidays working in different departments at Fenton. Within days of his graduation, he joined the Fenton sales department. As national sales manager, he is responsible for managing and directing retail sales companies that represent Fenton throughout the country.

New home for art gallery

Cornerstone Framing and Fine Art moved recently from its longtime location on Main Street to its new home at 259 Union St., just beyond the intersection with Hammond Street.

Cornerstone Framing is now truly an art gallery, housed in the original parsonage for the Bangor Theological Seminary, circa 1870.

In addition to offering full custom picture framing services, owner Charles Bennett offers one-of-a-kind antiques and unique items.

To celebrate the grand reopening, an open house will be held noon-7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 15 and 16.

Exhibiting through Christmas will be local artists Bonnie Alpander, Cheri Walton, Verla Lucas and Lisa Raven.

Smart Eyecare Center

Dr. Phillip Savage and Dr. William Airey, formerly Optometric Associates, have announced their association with Smart Eyecare Center of Augusta.

Savage and Airey have provided eye care in Bangor for 25 and 34 years, respectively. Their association with Smart Eyecare Center will bring expanded services and more convenient hours for current and new patients.

Previously, Savage and Airey were located at Eastern Maine Healthcare Mall, Union Street, in Bangor. Their new location is 824 Stillwater Ave. in Bangor. The new location is handicapped accessible, with examination equipment specially designed for the handicapped.

Smart Eyecare Center offers evening and weekend office hours, an on-site optical dispensary and an in-office optical lab where opticians will help with the selection of eyeglass frames.

Smart Eyecare Center accepts most major insurance carriers, including Medicare, Mainecare, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna and Cigna.

Smart Eyecare Center is a Maine company started by Dr. Richard Smart of Readfield in 1990. The company’s main office is in Augusta with branches in Gardiner and Bangor.

$1 discount stores

Dollar Tree, the nation’s largest $1 discount variety store, will celebrate the grand openings of two new stores on Saturday, Oct. 16:

. Airport Mall, 1115 Union St., Bangor.

. University Mall, 6 Stillwater Ave., Orono.

To celebrate these events throughout the weekend, Dollar Tree will offer a variety of grand opening specials.

Hermon

Lawn service open house

Peter A. Lyford and Scotts Lawn Service will hold an open house 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at 53 Dave’s Way, Coldbrook Business Park, Hermon.

After graduating from Husson College with a business management degree, Lyford worked with his father, Bud, at Thompson and Lyford Hardware in Brewer until 1990, when the business was sold.

Lyford then continued with his own business of hydroseeding and lawn care. In 1995, Lyford and wife, Marcia, purchased the first of two Scotts Lawn Service franchises. They began servicing lawns in the Bangor-Brewer area.

The second franchise opened in 1999, servicing the Portland area, where son Ryan is the general manager.

After working in the office for several years, Marcia Lyford retired and daughter Liana took over the duties. The family also owns three franchises for Miracle-Gro Tree and Shrub Care.

The business operated out of the Lyfords’ home until early 2004, when construction began on a new building. In June they moved to the new location in Coldbrook Business Park. Scotts Lawn Service and Peter A. Lyford Hydroseeding now operate out of one location at 53 Dave’s Way, Hermon.