With more than two decades of floral design experience under her belt, Jessica Newbert has opened her own vintage-inspired floral shop in Damariscotta just in time for Valentine’s Day.

There was laughter as the team at Big Al’s Super Values gathered after closing on the evening of Dec. 30 to talk about their time together at one of the most well-known must-stop shops in the Midcoast. Big Al’s, a fixture in the town for 35 years, will be locking its doors for the last time on Jan. 10. 

As Semisonic’s lead singer famously belts in “Closing Time,” the band’s late ‘90s hit: “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”

Physical therapist Glen Flaming likes to cite the stages of learning to his clients. His goal is to move them through those stages until they achieve “unconscious competence.” The result can sometimes be a higher level of activity than even imagined. Life-changing improvement is possible.

After scaling back service due to staff shortages, LincolnHealth’s Milestone Cafe is getting some culinary assistance from a handful of local businesses to meet the challenge of feeding hospital staff. 

Broad Arrow Farm recently introduced two new made-to-order takeout dinner options. And breakfast sandwiches on Saturday mornings. 

Every shelf at the European market at Morse’s Sauerkraut is overflowing with holiday treats. The line at the deli wraps around displays as customers sample cheeses and order charcuterie boards.