Spring Newsletter 2023

Message from the President

It has been a very busy start to 2023 and now, I simply can’t believe spring has sprung! To start, the F. A. Peabody Insurance Division is joining forces with the crew at Katahdin Gateway Insurance (KGI). KGI has been serving the Katahdin region for years. Let’s give a warm welcome to new staff in all locations and particularly those coming on board from the acquisition of Katahdin Gateway Insurance. We’re very excited to now have a direct business presence in the Katahdin region! Mergers always present new things to learn for both parties and a bit of chaos as change occurs almost daily in an effort to blend operations. I’m confident the staff and customers will enjoy a rich experience joining the F. A. Peabody team.

In other spring news, FAPCO was awarded a ‘Partnership’ designation by MMG Insurance Company for outstanding performance in 2022. In addition, we also qualified for Countryway Insurance Company’s Pacesetter sales program in 2022. I am very proud of all our insurance carrier relationships and equally happy when we reach the goals and high standards with each. FAPCO now represents over 40 insurance companies providing choice and competitive pricing for our customers.

Enjoy!

Yours truly,

Christopher B. Anderson CPCU, WCP

President

F. A. Peabody Acquires Two Katahdin Region Insurance Agencies

Millinocket, ME - The F. A. Peabody Company (FAPCO) announces the acquisition of two Millinocket-based insurance agencies in separate transactions. Effective April 1^st, the operations of the Katahdin Gateway Insurance Agency are being merged with the operations of FAPCO’s Northern Penobscot District.

Katahdin Gateway Insurance, LLC (KGI) operates as a credit union service organization to the Katahdin Federal Credit Union. It has three full time office locations in Millinocket, East Millinocket, and Lincoln, and a part time office in Milo. The immediate plans are to merge the Lincoln office with FAPCO’s Lincoln branch office located on West Broadway. The other three locations will continue operations at their current address for the near future.

Kim French, manager of Katahdin Gateway Insurance for the last 22 years, is excited to move forward with F. A. Peabody and to continue serving the needs of all clients in the region. Kim exclaims, “Our staff is still present to service your needs as we have always done in the past. This is a beneficial move for our clients, staff and the community. We are excited to be part of the FAPCO team!”

Do I Need Insurance For My Compact Tractor?

Compact tractors have become very popular in recent years. The most popular compact tractors for homeowners and small farms often have a horsepower range of 20hp to 45hp. Compact tractor insurance coverage may not be included as part of your homeowners insurance.

In many cases, your homeowners insurance limits coverage for compact tractors to 25hp or 30hp. If your tractor is not covered by your homeowners, you may end up with expensive repairs and/or replacements. In certain instances, there may be a dollar limit to your coverage as well. In any case, if your tractor is damaged, destroyed or stolen you may not be insured.

If your tractor is not covered under your insurance, you could be liable for personal or property damage to others. Furthermore, if you get into an accident going down the road or roll your tractor over without coverage, the costs to you could be prohibitive.

It’s important that you make certain that your compact tractor is insured under your homeowner’s insurance or otherwise. Please call your FAPCO agent to learn more.

Review Your Coverage

Meet Your Agent

Kim French!

Meet Kim French, Northern Penobscot District Sales Manager/Commercial Sales Agent! Kim joined FAPCO with the Katahdin Gateway Insurance staff.

Kim entered the insurance industry in 1980 in New Hampshire as a receptionist and her career advanced into management through the years. She settled in Ebeemee, Maine which was previously “camp” in 1997, with her husband Michael, after their son graduated from high school. Kim worked for Trask Insurance in Milo, Maine until accepting a management position for Katahdin Gateway Insurance in Millinocket in 2001, adding branches in East Millinocket and Lincoln. Kim is very excited about the recent merge of the agency into the F.A. Peabody Company.

Kim's hobbies include kayaking, hiking, fishing, hunting and anything to do with the Maine outdoors.

Her favorite thing about the job is offering clients prompt, local, customer service, and assisting them with all of their insurance needs to protect their assets.

Welcome, Kim!

Motorcycle Safety

It's time to bring out the motorcycles! In preparation, here are some safety tips.

We know that alcohol and biking don’t mix. However, the percentage of intoxicated drivers in fatal motorcycle crashes is greater than the percentage of intoxicated drivers on the road in general. Never drink and ride.
Take a motorcycle safety course. Some of the main causes of motorcycle accidents are the lack of basic riding skills. Also, the failure to use special precautions that apply to motorcyclists increases risk. Safety courses are available throughout the state.
Wear a helmet. Maine does not require that all drivers wear protective head gear, but the NHTSA sites studies find that helmets reduce fatalities by 29%.
Even if you’re not a motorcyclist, be aware and share the road. In the summer months, be on the lookout for motorcycles and remember that they might not be as visible in blind spots or at intersections as larger vehicles. Motorcycle safety is relevant to all drivers on the road.

Now that you've made motorcycle safety a priority, know what you have for insurance and check with us for savings! Motorcycles require the same amount of insurance coverage as other registered road vehicles. You have a lot of money and pride in your bike, we can get you the very best coverage available.

Trout with Fiddlehead Ferns

It's time in Maine for fishing and fiddleheading!

Courtesy of allrecipes.com (see link below)

Ingredients

1 whole trout, cleaned

2 tablespoons margarine, divided

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

salt and pepper to taste

4 ounces fiddleheads, chopped

1 teaspoon dried tarragon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

¼ cup dry white wine

½ cup dry bread crumbs

1 beaten egg

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
Spread about half of the margarine over the whole trout and inside the cavity. Combine the flour, salt and pepper; coat the inside and outside of the trout with the mixture.
Melt remaining margarine in a large skillet over medium heat. Lightly saute the fiddleheads until just tender. Season with salt, pepper and tarragon. Add the lemon juice and white wine, and cook for one minute. Transfer the contents of the fiddlehead pan to a bowl, and mix with egg and bread crumbs. Stuff the mixture into the cavity of the trout, and place it on the greased baking sheet.
Bake uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve immediately.

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