Spring Newsletter 2024

Message from the President

Our 2024 Spring newsletter is dedicated to the Great North American Eclipse happening on April 8th. This edition is packed full of useful information about this once in a generation event. Let’s hope for nice weather!

In other out-of-this-world news, F. A. Peabody Insurance earned a number of awards due to our 2023 results meeting the highest standards for each respective insurer:

Hall of Fame - Foremost Insurance Company
Diamond Club - Patriot/Frankenmuth Insurance Company
Presidential Award - Liberty Mutual/Safeco Insurance Companies

The criteria for each is slightly different but most all require a combination of growth and profitability among a few other metrics measured against all agencies represented by the insurer. Performing well for our current insurers is the best way to maintain a healthy insurance market available to our insureds. Insurers continue to approach me for an opportunity to be represented by the agents of FAPCO. In 2023, we contracted with new insurers (and brokers) adding to an arsenal of options for our customers:

Chubb Insurance Company
Safety Insurance Company
Johnson & Johnson Brokers

Happy Spring and keep looking toward the stars!

-Christopher B. Anderson

President

It's Finally Time for the Eclipse!

You may have heard - Northern Maine is experiencing a total solar eclipse on April 8th! We are beyond excited. Eight of our thirteen branch offices are located in the "path of totality," and our headquarters in Houlton is smack in the middle of the path. Houlton is the last location in the United States to experience totality before the eclipse moves eastward into New Brunswick.

Organizers have planned and worked for nearly 3 years to give Houlton residents and visitors an unforgettable experience. It is estimated that 10,000 to 40,000 visitors will enter Aroostook County on the day of the eclipse, so there has been much to accomplish. Viewing areas, or "Star Parks," will be located in strategic locations around Houlton, with food and entertainment. Additional Wi-Fi coverage has been installed. Law enforcement and local first responders have made detailed plans to maintain the highest level of service. Free shuttle services to Star Parks are provided for people who park throughout town. Churches and other organizations in the community have come together to help provide managed parking and extra meals for our guests.

The community has garnered national attention, including from the New York Times, and filmmakers have already started a documentary about the effort.

For all the information you need, visit www.maineeclipse.com.

Chili-Topped Baked Potatoes for Sale at Houlton F.A. Peabody Insurance Office!

To help our community serve food to our guests, our Houlton branch will be selling Chili-Topped Baked Potatoes at our office at 29 North Street. $10 will buy you one chili potato and a bottle of water. All proceeds will benefit two local charities that help ease childhood hunger: Edie's Cupboard and Backpacks for Kids.

To choose the recipe for our chili, our employees held a Chili Cook-Off in February, and Heidi Lake of our Sherman office was declared the winner! She generously shared her recipe so we can make it in bulk. Heidi likes to use deer meat for her chili, but we chose to use ground beef for the big event. For Heidi's recipe, see the end of this email.

Eclipse Glasses for the Maine Legislature!

Gregg Swallow, our VP of Marketing and Corporate Development, serves in the Maine House of Representatives for the Houlton area. Last week, he presented the House members with official Maine Eclipse safety glasses.

See Rep. Swallow's Introduction

Why Totality Matters

"Southern Maine is getting over 95% totality - what's the big deal about going North?"

The difference between total solar eclipse and a 99% partial eclipse has been described as the difference between winning the lottery and getting 5 out of 6 numbers on your ticket. Interesting...but disappointing. Words like "life-changing" and "inspiring" are used about a total eclipse...not a partial eclipse. During the partial eclipse in Southern Maine, you will not notice a difference in darkness at all. You will only be able to see the moon cross the sun if you use certified eclipse safety glasses. In the path of totality, even if it is cloudy, you will notice it get dark even if you aren't outside watching. If you are watching, it will be an incredible experience that you can view with the naked eye (make sure those glasses go right back on before the end!)

If you are in Southern Maine, just a few hours' drive from totality, don't regret the decision to stay home!

"Close" is NOT close enough!

Download The Eclipse App

If you live in and/or are coming to Houlton to view the Eclipse, download The Eclipse App for up to date notifications! Available for Android and Apple devices, The Eclipse App is a great way to stay informed about the weekend's Festival events and get announcements that organizers send out about traffic, parking, viewing locations, and more.