Myra Achorn becomes vice president of Maine Council of Reflexologists

Myra Achorn has been voted in as vice president of the Maine Council of Reflexologists, located in Augusta.

Achorn, one of the seven founding members of the council, has served in a variety of positions with it over the past 23 years, according to a press release from the council, including previously as vice president, treasurer and on the legislative committee.

She is the founder and owner of state-licensed Treat Your Feet, a reflexology school and is a full-time reflexologist who has practiced for 25 years. She became board certified in 1992 and has taught reflexology to more than 130 students over the last 16 years, according to the release. She currently teaches a 250 hour reflexology course and is also a CEU provider for the American Reflexology Certification Board.

Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream Skowhegan and Waterville stands to celebrate anniversaries

Skowhegan-based Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream opened for the season Friday in Skowhegan, Auburn and Waterville.

The opening marks the 35th anniversary of the Skowhegan stand and the 25th of the Waterville stand.

Among the events marking the anniversaries are the unveiling of nine new flavors at stands, including Blueberry Pancake, Cherry Blossom, Cookie Dough Coffee Break, Double Chocolate Almond, Mississippi Mud Pie, Rocky Road, Strawberry Frozen Yogurt, Coffee Heathbar Crunch Frozen Yogurt and Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet.

The new flavors will also be available in restaurants and other food service sites where Gifford’s is sold, according to a news release from the company.

Gifford’s is also introducing two new toppings this season – a salted caramel sauce and gummy bears. According to Gifford’s, sprinkles remain the most popular topping with rainbow sprinkles edging out chocolate by 12 percent. Hot fudge is the number one sundae topping followed by peanut butter, caramel and strawberry sauces.

Gifford’s World’s Best Chocolate, which last October – for the fifth consecutive year – was named Grand Champion at the World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest.

Gifford’s stands will be open daily through October. Hours of operation and directions for each stand can be found at www.giffordsicecream.com.

Elevation Burger opens at Marketplace of Augusta

Elevation Burger, an organic burger chain, opened its newest Maine location at the Marketplace at Augusta at 197 Civic Center Drive Saturday.

A grand opening weekend will be held Friday and Saturday, April 17 and 18, according to a press release from owners Christopher DiMillo and Mark Caron, both of Portland.

The chain also has restaurants in South Portland and Portland.

The restaurant at the Marketplace complex has a 30-seat patio.

“Our mission is to provide an elevated experience to people who crave the best burger in the world,” Caron said in the release. He said the food at the restaurant is free of antibiotics, hormones, pesticides and GMOs. “We are environmentally responsible with a low carbon footprint and extensive recycling programs,” he added. “We plan on being here for many years and helping Augusta in every way we can.”

The release said the restaurant brings more than 20 new jobs to Augusta.

Compiled from contributed releases