Business news

Bangor

Dowling Studios and Gallery

Dowling Studios and Gallery has rented space at 407 Main St. and expects to open its doors Thursday, Dec. 1. The gallery will be the home base for Robert Dowling’s original art. Dowling sells original paintings and prints via www.ebay.com, through his Web site and in galleries around the world.

Dowling Studios and Gallery will start off with half studio space and half gallery space. The studio space will hold eight to 10 studio artists. Dowling will promote works of art online and through the gallery.

The gallery will be open to the public and have exhibits once a month.

Open house

Pella Windows and Doors of New Hampshire and Maine held an energy efficiency open house Oct. 27 for the general public in the Bangor area.

Higher heating oil and natural gas prices are expected to strain fuel assistance programs this winter. That fact prompted Pella to ask the public to support the Penquis Community Action Programs of Penobscot and Piscataquis counties by inviting them to have a photo taken, for a small donation, with Pella’s No. 5 NASCAR.

Local residents also had an opportunity to register for a chance to win $1,000 in free fuel in a random drawing held Oct. 28.

“We are very worried about the effects that record-setting prices of heating fuel will have on families in Maine this winter,” said Maine State Housing Authority Director Dale McCormick. “Anything increasing the HEAP heating assistance program funds, such as this event at Pella, is desperately needed and greatly appreciated.”

For more information about Pella Windows and Doors, visit www.pella.com.

Merit Status

Bangor Hydro-Electric Co. received recognition from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for its recent designation of Merit Status with OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program.

The program is designed to promote effective work site safety and health. Within the program, management, labor and OSHA establish cooperative relationships in an effort to implement a comprehensive safety and health management system. Merit Status in the program recognizes Bangor Hydro-Electric Co. and its employees’ outstanding efforts in achieving occupational safety and health.

Holden

New business

GrammeeJ’s Unique Boutique, featuring home interior products and gifts opened Nov. 10 at 231 Main Road in Holden. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22. A complimentary continental breakfast will be served.

A grand opening celebration will be held Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25-26. Door prizes will be awarded. Representatives from the Good Shepherd and Manna food banks will be on hand to receive nonperishable food donations at the grand opening. Space is available for antiques and craft vendors. Call 992-2556 to learn more about GrammeeJs or e-mail

grammeej@verizon.net.