CDS Energy Services
Clare Milton • May 4, 2026
You know hope is in the air when you see a young family from Rome, Maine make the decision to create solutions for their fellow Mainers’ ever-changing energy needs in 2026 and beyond.
Dereck Shaw, a Master Electrician with 20 years electrical experience, is the owner of CDS Energy Services. He puts his skills to work offering residential, commercial and industrial electrical installations. He services projects large and small, including solar and off-grid installations.
Dereck attended Kennebec Valley Community College’s Electrical Technology program in 2007- 2009, adding a 608 Heat Pump Certificate in 2022. The CDS team is passionate about quality electrical work and customer satisfaction. They offer a variety of electrical services helping Mainers complete their projects across the Central Maine area, and beyond.
CDS Energy Services has a wide range electrical experience from new construction and vintage homes, panel upgrades, service upgrades, EV chargers, above ground services, underground services, utility pole setups, commercial lighting solutions, industrial applications and much more!
Dereck is an official Generac Generator Dealer. They install and service existing Generac generators.
Dereck is also a Samsung Heat Pump official dealer. He will work with the property owners to design the best heating and cooling options available for our ever-changing weather temperatures.
CDS Energy Services works with Efficiency Maine offering rebates to homeowners for heat pumps, lighting solutions for commercial business owners and EV chargers. They offer a few different options for financing for heat pumps or generators. Dereck is happy to consult on which options are most efficient for you.
Dereck is a puzzle-solver! His eyes light up when he studies each piece of a homeowner’s project and finds solutions not only to make their home or commercial space more efficient, but look stunningly attractive as well. New outside lighting or motion detector sensors adds beauty and safety to your property.
Dereck provides timely on-site estimates and schedules your installation as soon as possible. He is blessed to have his wife Sarah working with him making follow up communications with his clients flow smoothly.
If you are in the market to create better electrical connections, Dereck Shaw is the Master Electrician for you! This fellow Mainer will work hard to update your home or business to make it energy efficient right here in Central Maine.
For more information, visit cdsenergy207.com today!
September’s warm days and cool nights usher in one of Mainers’ favorite activities! 2026 is going on record as a banner year to enjoy the taste of fresh picked Maine Apples at their peak of their deliciousness! This summer, the weather has cooperated to plump up the juiciest of early Macs, Cortlands, Honey Crisps, and a variety of heirloom brands. Apple trees across Maine are ready to showcase their bounty and treat us to the sweetest pies, cobbler, apple crisp, applesauce and of course freshly mulled apple cider. Maine orchards offer a range of apple picking experiences. Visit many area orchards to enjoy corn mazes, direct in orchard picking, cornhole, pumpkin picking, or strolling through the sunflower gardens. Each orchard offers hand crafted items like homemade peanut butter fudge, jars of pickles, fresh baked apple pies, apple cinnamon donuts, and more. Having a family afternoon adventure in one of Maine’s scenic orchards, results in bushels of delicious apples to take home. Apples are always a favorite in kids’ lunch boxes or for snacks. Check out our What About Maine? Food for You & ME September issue for apple recipes. All of our recipes can be found on our website at WhatAboutMaine.com/recipes Maine Apple season ushers us into autumn, when we’re ready to once again wear our favorite sweaters or flannel shirts, comfy jeans, and enjoy the crisp air. Maine Apple Sunday Weekend is September 12 and 13, a time to celebrate everything apple and Maine’s bountiful harvest. Go to www.maineapplesunday.com for a list of Maine apple orchards. And don’t forget to enter this month’s contests to win 1 of 4 $25 gift cards from our sponsoring orchards!
Looking for a relaxing moment in your day? Skowhegan has just the place for you. Finishers Restaurant at 182 Madison Avenue offers you a quiet moment in your day to feel the love of nature that Dennis and Angelica Krebs have created for the Central Maine area. The Krebs own the Towne Motel next door. This spring the opportunity arose to purchase the beloved Heritage House. Dennis and Angelica wanted to give it a fresh start. On May 29, they became the new owners. They have spent the past three months updating every room in the restaurant, beginning with the kitchen. You will feel peaceful when you enter the front door. Dennis’s love of nature is reflected in its decor. A place away from home to take a moment for yourself. There are stunning Maine outdoor photos to help you take a relaxing breath and remember why we live in this amazing place. Skowhegan is the Gateway to the North Woods. The name Finishers comes from Dennis’s hiking adventures. In 2024 when he turned 50, he decided to hike the complete Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Mt. Katahdin. This solo adventure took him 88 days and he obtained the trail name Finisher on day 6 of his journey. Last fall, he started a southbound hike at Katahdin and hiked 87 days to Georgia, broken up by winter and the demands of business, finishing this spring on May 1. This included a stretch of 1300 miles in 52 days. Soon there will be original photos of his journey shared at Finishers. The search was on for a creative culinary chef. They found Brice Libby, a local chef, looking to return to his roots. Head Chef Brice has collaborated with the Krebs to create a menu with down home favorites and global eclectic tastes. You can enjoy bourbon tips, sirloin steaks, baked haddock cooked to your liking, or venture your taste buds to their Caribbean blend of Jamaican jerk chicken, or island coconut curry, a vegetarian dish. Let’s not forget Brice’s mac and cheese. You can enjoy it plain, or add a variety of chicken tenders, flavored with buffalo, andouille, or jerk chicken. So many flavors to choose from you will need to make Finishers a regular dining spot. You can eat in or take out and enjoy your meal in the nearby woods of Maine. Chef Brice hasn’t forgotten dessert either! Try his famous original hot fudge brownies served warm with a scoop of Gifford’s French vanilla ice cream or his Reese’s peanut butter pie with an Oreo crust, chocolate ganache and peanut butter cup bits. The perfect way to end your dining experience. Finishers hasn’t forgotten your special event needs. They offer in-house dining space for birthday parties, anniversaries or family gatherings or class reunions. Off-site catering for weddings or special events is available also. Dennis, Angelica, and their daughter, family and staff are on-site to greet you and create a dining experience you will want to return to time and again. No reservations needed but you can call ahead if you are on the way and your table will be waiting for you. Finishers hours are Tuesday–Saturday 3pm–8:30pm. They are closed Sunday and Monday. Luncheon hours will be added soon. For more info, you can find Finishers Skowhegan on Facebook, call 207-474-5100, or email finishersrestaurant@gmail.com. Be sure to answer this month’s trivia questions to be entered to win a $ 50 gift card to Finishers!
The Common Ground Country Fair is ready to showcase Maine’s nature at its best September 25–27! Enjoy a high-energy display of Maine’s agricultural crops, craftsman, musicians, sheep dog trials, classes, dancing and so much more, all designed to celebrate rural life with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Spend time visiting over 1,000 exhibitors, the education center, the heritage apple orchard, forestry exhibits, or the carriage tours around the fair grounds. Unity is home to MOFGA and the Common Ground Country Fair venue, a place where you can take a step back in time and experience Maine’s rural life on a personalized basis. They have the best bean hole beans featured along with homemade breads, pastries, and sandwiches and full country meals. Come rain or shine, shop for special Maine gifts for that hard to please person in your life and let the kids pet the animals at the petting zoo. There is something for everyone who loves Maine! Tickets may be purchased in advance. Visit mofga.org for complete fair info and ticket options. On September 4th, you can participate in Waterville’s First Friday event featuring the Common Ground Country Fair BLOCK PARTY! It will be in downtown Waterville from 4 to 7pm. You can stroll down Main Street, meet craft vendors, enjoy original art, music, carriage rides, and tour the Paul J. Schupf Center. The 50 Common Ground Country Fair posters will be on display as well as other fair memorabilia. Main Street will be blocked off for families to enjoy. Remember you could win 1 of 2 pairs of day passes by going to WhatAboutMaine.com or 1 of 3 pairs of day passes on our Facebook page. You can also win signed 2026 posters on both sites as well. See you at the 50th Common Ground Country Fair!
Welcome to Maine's Premier Bluegrass Event of the Year! The 65th Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival , held at the beautiful Litchfield Fairgrounds in Litchfield, Maine ! Twice each year, this special gathering brings together some of the finest bluegrass musicians from across the country with fans, families, and friends who share a love for traditional music, fellowship, and the true spirit of bluegrass. The large event tent allows the music to flow rain or shine. For 35 years, Greg and Sandy Cormier , founders and producers of Blistered Fingers Productions and proud members of the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame , have created one of New England’s most beloved bluegrass festivals. Their passion and dedication continue to bring nationally recognized artists, talented regional bands, and unforgettable musical experiences to the Litchfield Fairgrounds. The 65th festival promises another incredible lineup of outstanding performers from across New England and throughout the United States. Thursday, August 27th The weekend kicks off with new-to-Blistered Fingers favorites, Special Consensus from Ohio , along with Katahdin Valley Boys and the host band, Blistered Fingers . Friday, August 28th Friday night features the legendary Gibson Brothers from New York , along with Nothing Fancy from Virginia , who will also be performing throughout the weekend. Joining them will be many other talented entertainers bringing you an unforgettable evening of bluegrass music. Saturday, August 29th Saturday’s lineup features Dave Adkins and Mountain Soul from Kentucky , Larry Efaw and the Bluegrass Mountaineers from Ohio , Back Woods Road from Maine , making their first appearance at Blistered Fingers, Ironwood Drive from Pennsylvania , and returning favorites Beartracks from New York . Don't forget Sunday Morning Gospel Sing-Along & Jam August 30th. Every day brings a variety of your favorite bluegrass sounds featuring incredible musicians, powerful vocals, banjos, fiddles, and those unforgettable high, lonesome harmonies. Festival Admission Day Passes Available! Thursday Evening: $25 per person Friday & Saturday: $45 per person, per day Sunday Morning: Free Gospel Sing-Along & Jam at 10:00 AM The full 4-Day Event Pass is $120 per person and includes music and camping from Thursday through Sunday. Children 16 and under are admitted free with an accompanying adult ticket. Camping & Festival Amenities The Blistered Fingers Festival offers a comfortable, and welcoming environment where musicians and fans come together to enjoy great music, friendship, and evening jam sessions throughout the week. “Early Bird” camping begins Sunday August 23rd at 8:00 am and continues through Wednesday for only $10 per day . Electrical hookups are available on a first come first served basis for a one-time fee of $35 for the week . The festival features Spacious camping areas, Indoor bathrooms, FREE Hot showers, Handicap accessibility, and Pet-friendly ($10 per dog for the entire stay) The large covered event tent ensures that the music continues rain or shine , providing the perfect place to relax, listen, and enjoy the show. Blistered Fingers Kids Academy The Blistered Fingers Kids Academy , hosted by Mama Beth Revels , offers a free three-day workshop for young musicians interested in learning and performing bluegrass music. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, youngsters of all skill levels work together to learn songs, build confidence, and perform their own concert on Saturday afternoon. Free to all youngsters. Beginners are always welcome! Come Experience the Tradition! The Litchfield Fairgrounds is the perfect place to spend a day or enjoy the entire week surrounded by music, friends, and family. Whether you are a lifelong bluegrass fan or discovering this music for the first time, you’ll feel the welcoming atmosphere and relaxing vibes that make Blistered Fingers so special. As Greg and Sandy always say: “Don’t Just Hear About It… COME EXPERIENCE IT!” For tickets, camping information, and complete festival details: www.blisteredfingers.com Email: Blist-lf@blisteredfingers.com Call: 207-873-6539 What About Maine and Blistered Fingers Production Inc. are offering a chance to win a pair of day passes on our Facebook page. Sign up and follow us for a chance to win!
Helping Maine Businesses Thrive Online for More Than 30 Years
At this year’s Windsor Fair Appreciation Barbecue on July 15, the Windsor Fair Association celebrated a man whose life has become inseparable from the history of the Fair itself. Tom Foster was recognized for more than five decades of dedicated service, including an extraordinary 32 years as President of Windsor Fair. The recognition was highlighted by the presentation of an official Legislative Sentiment from Senator Dick Bradstreet and Representative Bill Bridgeo, honoring Tom’s decades of leadership and unwavering commitment to Maine agriculture and the Windsor Fair. The Legislative Sentiment noted that Tom is a sixth-generation cattle farmer who began showing Guernsey dairy cattle and today continues his agricultural tradition by raising Black Angus cattle. Tom’s connection to Windsor Fair spans generations. His father served as a trustee of the Fair, Tom has served as a trustee since 1969, and today his son proudly carries on the family tradition as President of Windsor Fair. Few individuals can claim such a deep and lasting commitment to a community institution. Under Tom’s leadership, Windsor Fair experienced decades of growth while remaining true to its agricultural roots. His steady leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and passion for preserving the Fair’s mission helped ensure that Windsor Fair remained one of Maine’s premier agricultural fairs. In recognition of his remarkable legacy, the 2026 Windsor Fair Premium Book has been dedicated to Tom Foster. It is a fitting tribute to a man whose vision, integrity, and lifelong service have left an enduring mark on Windsor Fair, Maine agriculture, and the generations of families who have enjoyed the Fair because of his dedication.
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Bubbles & Co. – Maine's New Laundry Experience Has Arrived!
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Central Maine Equipment is one of Central Maine’s Premier family-owned businesses in the Kennebec Valley. The Wheeler family picked up the reins of this long-time community staple lawn and tractor dealership on the Garland Road in Winslow 2023. Mike Shuckrow and his dad had been serving the needs of local commercial landscaping companies and homeowners for many years. Parts and service were the key to keeping lawns mowed and projects completed. Omar Wheeler and his son Jake, who were friends of Mike’s and long-time customers, had the opportunity to purchase the business three and a half years ago. Cub Cadet and Echo were two of the original dealerships brands and since that time they have added Bad Boy, Toro, Fisher Snow Plows, Eskimo, Ion, and more. They were offered the Mahindra tractor and diesel utility vehicle franchise for the Central Maine area after the sudden closing of another local dealer. I asked Jake what he attributes his steady business growth to and he said it all comes down to seven key things: They upgraded the facility. Added the TAO Motor franchise, a youth-based line of off-road go-karts, dirt bikes, and ATVs. Hired experienced technicians and continued their pick-up and delivery service. They recreated the showroom into a bright, ever-changing display area where customers can take a look at the newest models available and expanded the outside model display area to showcase many more options. Used equipment is also available. The Wheeler family is on site at all times. Jake, his dad, and brother-in-law Joe, man the front desk so both phone calls and walk-in customers can be helped quickly. They learned quickly that knowing the parts for many models was key to finding exactly what is needed. Detailed conversations including parts numbers help them find and order the parts if necessary. They take calls from around Maine and beyond to service customers’ needs. Lastly, Jake said they love what they do! Everyday is a challenge. Something new to learn and experience has helped them build the “Wheeler Team.” Together they take on the challenges of each new day! Central Maine Equipment & Motorsports is the real deal: a family-owned and operated business with the belief that good customer service, product knowledge, and fair pricing will keep Mainers coming back time after time. Stop by Central Maine Equipment in Winslow for their summer sale today! 56 Garland Road, Winslow, ME (207) 873-4945 Open Mon–Fri 7:30AM–5PM & Sat 9AM–2PM www.centralmaineequipment.com
