For the second year, The Times Record has asked its readers what they feel are the best places in the Midcoast. This year, we were able to talk to many of the winners, asking for their thoughts on being recognized by the readers. The following list — of winners and others receiving votes — also highlights some of the comments we heard from business owners whose establishments were picked by our readers.

A/C Heating

Downeast Energy, Robinson Heating and Cooling (tie)

Downeast Energy, and Robinson Heating and Cooling finished in a dead heat among voters.

Rob Wilkes, Downeast Energy regional manager, said the recognition “an affirmation for every Downeast Energy team member that their hard work and dedication to serving our customers is recognized and appreciated.”

“It means a lot and helps keep us motivated because as we all know, winter will be here before you know it,” he added.

Antiques Dealer

Cabot Mill Antiques

Cabot Mill took in the most votes, with Brick Store Antiques also receiving votes.

It is a honor, manager Deb Stufflebeam said, for the business to be voted the best.

“We’re happy our customers feel that way,” Stufflebeam said. “It’s the second year for us to be voted the best. We appreciate it and appreciate our customer’s patronage.”

Appliance Dealer

Gediman’s was the top voter getter, while Agren’s and Sears also received votes.

“I would hope for the service,” said Pete Gediman on why he thought the store was picked by Times Record voters, noting that the store didn’t win last year. “We try our best. We always try to keep on improving on what we do.”

Assisted Living Facility

Thornton Hall/The Garden, Vicarage By The Sea,

HillHouse (tie)

It’s clear the Midcoast area has some good facilities taking care of those in need, as three places — Thornton Hall/The Garden, Vicarage by the Sea and HillHouse — tied for top honors in our reader’s poll.

Darlene Chalmers, vice president of Elder and Home Care Services for CHANS Home Health Care and Mid Coast Senior Health Center, credited the staff for the reason voters chose Thornton Hall/The Garden.

“This has been an opportunity for us to reflect on and celebrate the compassionate care we provide and close relationships that we treasure with each individual residing at Thornton Hall and The Garden,” Chalmers said. “We are honored and blessed to be a part of the lives of so many amazing people.”

Johanna Wigg, owner of Vicarage By The Sea, said her facility caters to a niche market, providing “longterm care specifically for folks with dementing illnesses. We’re a little different than other facilities.”

“It means the world to be recognized on that level,” she said. “It’s difficult, challenging work. For staff, and for me personally, it’s a calling. To be recognized by the community is incredibly gratifying and spurs us on to continue our work.”

New Car Dealer

Lee Auto Malls

Lee Auto Malls, with its numerous locations in Maine, finished first in the voting. Goodwin’s, Bill Dodge and Bodwell also received votes.

“I think people selected us not just for the way we treat our customers when they buy their cars or service them, but also for what our company represents,” said Adam Lee, chairman of the company, of the selection. “I see this selection as a confirmation that we should keep doing what we are doing and continue to try harder to be a good corporate citizen.”

Used Car Dealer

Norm’s Used Cars

Norm’s Used Cars earned top honors; Goodwin’s and Bath Subaru also received votes.

Automotive Service

Auto Solutions, Fields

(tie)

Auto Solutions and Fields tied among Best of Midcoast voters.

Dean McIntire, owner of Auto Solutions, said he thought voters recognized his business “because I’m doing what I’ve set out to do — satisfy customers, pick up repeat business and not have any negative issues.”

Eric Field, who operates Fields with his father, was surprised by the recognition.

“We’re just a small shop, it’s just me and my father,” he said, thankful readers felt that way about the business. “I think it’s really nice.”

Auto Parts Store

NAPA

NAPA was the top vote getter, while VIP also received votes.

Baker

Wild Oats

Wild Oats, which also appeared in vote totals in a couple of other categories, garnered the most ballots. Mae’s Café also received votes.

“It means a tremendous amount to me. You go through day-to-day and often times focus on the negative feedback and not enough on the positive feedback; the negative feedback carries a heavier weight,” said owner Becky Shepherd. “This is something that’s really impressive, and something I’ll also be able to take back to my staff and show them.”

Bank

Bank of Maine

Bank of Maine tallied the most votes, while Bath Savings Institution and Norway Savings also received votes.

“It’s a wonderful thing,” said John Everets, chairman and chief executive officer for Bank of Maine. “Our people work very hard to deliver products and services to our customers, this validates that for them. It’s the customer telling you are well received. It’s very special and we’re very appreciative of it.”

Barber

Kilroy’s

Kilroy’s was selected as Best Barber in the Midcoast, while Vintage Barber Shop also received votes.

Roger Caron, owner of Kilroy’s, took a humorous approach to the news his barber shop was picked Best in the Midcoast.

“I preferred being number two,” he said. “My ads were always about us striving to be number one. Now, I have nothing to strive for. Like Avis, now we’re number one, I guess.”

Beauty Salon

Bubba’s

Bubba’s was the top vote getter; The Gallery and Reflections also received votes.

Bed & Breakfast

Brunswick Inn

Brunswick Inn placed first among voters; Harpswell Inn and Galen Moses also received votes.

“More and more people have come to know the Inn since we opened it to the public five years ago,” said Brunswick Inn’s Eileen Hornor. “It’s been a patient process — getting to this point where people understand it’s a different business now. So much is word of mouth; local people come for an event or party, and see how beautiful it is then recommend the Inn to friends and family from out of town.

“Hopefully this recognition will introduce that many more people to the Inn, and to us — hopefully it will spread the word,” she added. “To be embraced by readers and by our community through an award like this is the most meaningful kind of recognition to me. It is wonderful to be acknowledged in this way.”

Bookstore

Gulf of Maine

Gulf of Maine topped the ballots, while Bath Book Shop also received votes.

Gulf of Maine’s Gary Lawless, who co-owns the store with Beth Leonard, noted that the 35-year-old business is the only bookstore in Brunswick.

“When people see the award they may think, ‘I ought to check (that bookstore) out,’ and recognize its a place to go into,” he said when asked what the award means to Gulf of Maine. “We want to give our customers a sense of ownership; we listen when our customers make suggestions — we act on that, and have to foster that, or they’ll just go online (to purchase books).

“We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t have loyal customers, and being a local business means money is going back into the community,” he added.

Building Contractor

Frohmiller received the most votes, while Midcoast Woodworkers also received votes.

“Probably because we try to treat people as best as possible — we try to be fair, honest,” said Chuck Frohmiller when asked why he thought voters selected his business. “We are very proud to have received this honor.”

Canoe & Kayak — Retail

Sea Spray Kayak

Sea Spray Kayak received the most votes, while L.L. Bean also received votes.

Carpentry

Rob Bisson

In a crowded field, Rob Bisson garnered the most votes. Also receiving votes were Androscoggin Carpentry, Midcoast Woodworkers, Paul Morgan and Ron Utecht.

Carpet Cleaning

Downeast Cleaning

Downeast Cleaning brought in the most votes, while All Clean also received votes.

The family-run Downeast Cleaning is owned by Suzanna Charron and her husband, Dale, the latter of whom worked for the business for 14 years prior to that.

“Dale takes a lot of pride in what he does,” said Suzanna. “He works very hard to make sure our customers are satisfied and that he does the best possible job he can do.

“It’s certainly a wonderful compliment. Being a familyowned business, we take pride in what we do and we do want our customers to be happy,” she added. “We try to be as accomodating as possible, and we’re honest, hardworking people. It’s a great reflection on what Dale goes out and does every day.”

Caterer

Fiona’s, Wild Oats (tie)

Wild Oats came in first for Best Caterer, sharing top honors with Fiona’s.

Campground

Thomas Point Beach

Thomas Point was the top vote getter, while Hermit Island and White’s Beach also received votes.

Chiropractor

Dr. Thomas Augat

Dr. Augat’s office received the most votes, while Slocum Chiropractic, Sullivan Chiropractic and Anita Knopp all received votes.

“Entrusting your health to someone is one of the greatest acts of trust and respect a person can ever make,” said Dr. Thomas Augat. “At Augat Chiropractic, we have never lost sight of that fact and continue to treat every patient as the most important person we have ever treated

“For 26 years, we never have stopped striving to be the best at what we do,” he added. “The fact that the people of Midcoast Maine recognize this is an honor and will encourage us to consistently continue improving our skills, service and equipment.”

Clothing & Accessories

Goodwill, T.J. Maxx (tie)

Goodwill and T.J. Maxx tied for first in this category, while Renys also received votes.

Coffee House

Café Creme, Little Dog

(tie)

Café Creme and Little Dog tied for the top spot in this category; Bohemian and Dunkin’ Donuts also received votes.

“It means a lot to us,” said Paul Harrison, who owns Little Dog with his wife, Julie Bean, “because ever since we opened, there have been more and more options opening. Places that are not exactly the same, but similar.

“A lot of time, you wonder. You’re working hard, trying to balance family and the business, and you wonder, ‘Do people even like the place?’” he added. “When you get affirmation like this, you say, ‘All right.’ Overall, I think we’re providing a good place for people to come.”

Credit Union

Midcoast Federal Credit

Union

While Midcoast Federal Credit Union topped this list, Atlantic Regional Federal Credit Union and Five County Credit Union also received votes.

Day Care

Building Blocks

Building Blocks received the most votes in this category, with Children’s School House and the Bath YMCA also receiving votes.

Day Spa

Sweetwater was the readers’ choice for Best Day Spa, while The Gallery also received votes.

Mona Corro, owner of Sweetwater day spa, chalked up the recognition to the experience customers have when they come into her business, which she’s owned for 10 years.

“We have always upheld a standard of excellence of all our services and my providers,” she said. “I think after 10 years of working on that, it has sort of blossomed.

“It’s an honor,” Corro added. “It justifies all that we believe in and work hard for.”

Dentist

Dr. Peter Lebourdais

Dr. Peter Lebourdais was the top vote getter; Dr. Curtis Obery, Dr. Kathleen Winn and Dr. David Taft also received votes.

“I believe patients chose us because of our philosophy of treating patients as we would want to be treated ourselves, and because we use the most advanced technologies available in our dental practice,” said Dr. Peter Lebourdais. “It means a lot to us and shows that our patients appreciate what we do for them.”

Electrical Contractor

Days

Days was the choice of readers for Best Electrical Contractor in the Midcoast. There also were five businesses that tied for second place.

“I try to keep all my customers happy,” said Steve Day, owner of Day’s, noting that he’s owned the business since 1994 and his father owned it for 30 years prior. “It’s a pretty good honor. There are a lot of electrical contractors around. It must mean we’re doing things right.

“I’m lucky, because we have three generations,” he added. “My dad is 78 and he started the business, myself and my youngest son, Taylor, is going to be 21 soon. We all work together.”

Eyeglasses

Berrie’s

Berrie’s finished first in voting, with Midcoast Eye and Ricciardone also receiving votes.

Owner Anna Strange, who theorized the store’s smalltown service is what caused voters to pick Berrie’s, said it was an honor to be voted the best by readers.

“It’s both humbling and flattering. At the same time, it also sets a wonderful expectation for us to maintain for the future.”

Financial Services

Ameriprise, EdwardJones

(tie)

Ameriprise and Edward- Jones tied for first in the vote totals.

Florist

Hawkes, Skillins (tie)

Hawkes and Skillins tied in the voting for Best Florist, while Flowers Etc. also received votes.

Furniture Dealer

Country Farm Furniture

Country Farm Furniture finished first in voting, while Sweet Dreams also received votes.

“We’re not trying to sell things to people, we’re trying to make a home for people,” said Dan Coulomb, who owns Country Farm with his wife, Catherine, adding he thinks the award is great. “It’s nice to be chosen by your friends and people you do business with. It’s a real acknowledgement of what you’re doing.”

Garden Center

Skillins

Skillins took home its second first-place finish in this category, while Lowe’s, Urban Garden Center and Hawkes also received votes.

Terry Skillin, owner and president of Skillins, credited his staff as the reason his business was recognized by voters.

“Everybody loves their job and they appreciate the customer,” he said. “Being chosen by the readers is very humbling; it’s such an honor.

“We put our heart and soul in business, and my staff believes in our mission so much,” Skillin added. “When it leads to a response like this from the readers, our customers, it means a lot to us.”

Gift Store

Lisa Marie’s Made in

Maine

Lisa Marie’s Made in Maine topped the list, with Beverly’s and Kim’s Hallmark also receiving votes.

Glass-Window Installation

Portland Glass

Portland Glass was chosen as the Best Glass-Window Installation business in the Midcoast, while Midcoast Glass & Window, Coastal Glass, Topsham Glass and A Best also received votes.

Health Club

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness was tops among readers for Best Health Club. YMCA in Bath, Better U, Maine Pines, Women’s Fitness and World Gym also received votes.

Carolyn Bessey, manager at Planet Fitness, said the business offers “a non-intimidating atmosphere at a reasonable cost and it is accessible to everyone.”

“It shows we’re on the right business track and targeting the right audience,” she said when asked about what the honor meant to the business. “We’re doing well with customer service and keeping our proces affordable.”

Health Food

Morning Glory

Morning Glory was the first place voter getter, while Bath Natural Market also received votes.

“Because we have great prices and very good customer service,” said Susan Tarpinian, owner of Morning Glory, when asked why she thought voters chose her store. “It makes me very happy to know our customers feel we are worth voting for.

“It warms my heart,” she added. “We’ve been here 33 years and it’s always nice to know we’re appreciated.”

Hotel/Motel

Hampton Inn

Hampton Inn topped the list among voters, with Daniel Stone Inn, Best Western and Fairfield Inn also receiving votes.

Ice Cream Shop

Gelato Fiasco

Serving Italian-style ice cream brought Gelato Fiasco to a first-place finish. Dairy Frost, Dairy Queen, Cote’s and Dot’s also received votes.

“We didn’t start the business to go out and win awards, but it is certainly nice to have recognition from our customers,” said Josh Davis, co-founder of Gelato Fiasco. “We have unbelievably supportive customers.

“When we get recognition, it maybe convinces another group of people to come in and try us out,” he added. “We’re a small company and we don’t have a huge budget, but work of mouth is important for us and things like this help.”

Insurance Agency

Riley Insurance Agency

Riley Insurance Agency was first on the list, while Abenaki Insurance and Cross Insurance also received votes.

Jeweler

Day’s Jewelers

Day’s Jewelers finished in first place, with Keith Field and Springer’s Jewelers also receiving votes.

Kennel

Bath Brunswick

Veterinary Associates

Bath Brunswick Veterinary Associates was chosen as the Best Kennel in the Midcoast. Great Island, Brown Dog Inn and Kathy Wilson also received votes.

Landscape Contractor

Goodall

Goodall was the top choice among readers, which also cast votes for Rocky Hill and Davis Landscaping.

Lawyer/Law Office

James Whittemore,

John Voorhees (tie)

James Whittemore and John Voorhees are the lawyers to see in the Midcoast, according to Times Record readers.

Massage Therapist

Holly Devine

Holly Devine, who works out of Dr. Thomas Augat’s office received the most votes. Wendy Decker, Resurface Skin & Health and Sarah at Brunswick Massage also received votes.

Nail Salon

Elizabeth Nails Spa Elizabeth Nails Spa fin- ished first in voting; Nail World and Betsy’s also received votes.

Nurse

Mid Coast Hospital

ICU unit

The Mid Coast Hospital’s intensive care unit was picked as top choice by readers; numerous others received votes in a tie for second place.

Optician/Optometrist

Louis Ricciardone

Louis Ricciardone was the leading vote getter, while Gregory Gensheimer also received votes.

Pest Control

Modern Pest

Modern Pest came out on top in the voting, while Pest Pro also received votes.

Pet Groomer

Dawgtopia was the top choice among voters. Caron’s Corner, Kathy Wilson and Petco also received votes.

Owner Jen Reno said she was “shocked” when she heard her business had won.

“I suppose voters picked us because I am here all the time, and I try to never say no to people who call; I try to get everyone in who wants their animal groomed,” she said, adding the honor is very positive. “I am really happy with my clients, and I’ve put this (recognition) on my website.

“Hopefully people will see that and for people who haven’t been here before it will make them feel better — not so nervous, to bring their animals in,” Reno added. “People’s animals are like their children, and they want to know its a good place they are taking their pets to.”

Pharmacy

Hannaford topped the list when voting was complete, with Wilson’s, CVS and Rite Aid also receiving votes.

Physical Therapist

Flaming Physical Therapy, Coastal Orthopedics

(tie)

Flaming Physical Therapy and Coastal Orthopedics tied for top honors in the Best of Midcoast vote.

Physician

Dr. Tim Howe

Dr. Tim Howe was first among voters, while Dr. Andrea Tracy and Dr. Eric Lindsey also received votes.

Pizza

The Cabin

The Cabin was the top choice among Times Record readers, who also cast votes for Taste of Maine, Dominos, Flipside and Sam’s.

Plumber

ACB Plumbing

ACB Plumbing finished first in voting, while Eric Doyle also received votes.

Police Officer

Mark Gilliam of

Topsham, Michelle Small of Bath (tie)

Top marks were given to officers in Topsham and Bath, as Mark Gilliam and Michelle Small tied for Best Police Officer in the Midcoast.

Real Estate Agency

Coldwell Banker,

ReMax Riverside (tie)

Coldwell Banker and ReMax Riverside finished in a tie for first, while Sharon Drake also received votes.

Restaurant (Chinese)

China Rose

China Rose was first in voting, with Golden Chopsticks and Yum Mee also receiving votes.

Restaurant (General)

Taste of Maine

Taste of Maine was the choice of readers for Best General Restaurant, while Applebee’s and Sea Dog Brewing Company also received votes.

Scott and Candy Gregory own Taste of Maine said their goal is to make the restaurant not only a popular tourist stop, but also to provide the midcoast community with a place where their customers and employees feel like part of their family. Their four children have all worked at the restaurant, with even their grandchildren coming in on occasion.

Restaurant (Italian)

Great Impasta Great Impasta is the place to get Italian food in the Midcoast, according to voters. Trattoria Athena and Azure Café also received votes.

Restaurant (Kid’s)

McDonald’s finished first in the readers’ poll, while Sea Dog Brewing and Joshua’s also received votes.

Restaurant (Mexican)

El Camino

El Camino was chosen first for Best Mexican Restaurant, with Pedro O’Hara’s and Pancho Villa also receiving votes.

Restaurant (Seafood)

Captain Mike’s

Captain Mike’s finished first in voting, while Dolphin Restaurant and Taste of Maine also received votes.

Roofer

R.J. Pelletier

R.J. Pelletier was selected by the most voters, with Pinette Roofing also receiving votes.

Sandwich

Big Top Deli

Big Top Deli brought in the most votes, while Subway, Amato’s and Wild Oats also had ballots cast in their favor.

Shoe Store

Lamey-Wellehan Shoes

Lamey-Wellehan Shoes is the Best Shoe Store in the Midcoast, voters said, while L.L. Bean also received votes.

Storage Facility

Craft’s Self Storage

Craft’s Self Storage finished first in the voting, with U-Haul, Cumberland and All American also receiving votes.

Supermarket

Hannaford

The second of Hannaford’s first-place finishes, readers found the grocery store as the Best Supermarket in the Midcoast. Shaw’s and Brackett’s also received votes.

Tax Preparation

John Birkett

John Birkett was picked as the top place for handling our readers’ tax needs. H&R Pye and Boucher, Perkins, Campbell & Paradis also received votes.

“It means a great deal, especially since it didn’t occur to me that I was entered in such a contest by default,” said John Birkett when asked how he felt about the readers’ poll recognition. “It makes me realize people out there really are thinking about me.

“I get referrals from clients, so it means a lot to me to be named Best of the Midcoast, which is like one big, giant referral,” he added. “It’s a referral from a group of people.”

Teacher

Jeff Thompson,

Dennis Edmonson,

Christina Gagne (tie)

There was a three-way tie for best teacher in the Midcoast, with Jeff Thompson, Dennis Edmonson and Christina Gagne earning top honors.

Tire Dealer

Cahill’s

Cahill’s was first among voters, while Don Foshay’s and Lee’s Tires also received votes.

“It is a privilege to carry on the tradition of our grandfather and father, and continue to serve our community,” said Marlene Cahill, who owns the business with her brother, David. “We try to to our very best every day and we appreciate all of our customers — especially their patience during the busy winter season.”

Veterinarian

Sunray Animal Clinic

Sunray Animal Clinic finished first in the voting, with Bath Brunswick Veterinary Associates and The Veterinary Clinic also receiving votes.

“We’re both proud and humbled to be chosen — we have wonderful clients and patients, and to be honored this way is very reaffirming,” said Dr. Anne Del Borgo of Sunray Animal Clinic. “It is especially significant to be chosen this year as we are about to break ground on a new clinic building at Brunswick Landing this fall — we’re looking forward to having more space to even better serve our clients and patients in the years ahead.”