Kennebec Roofing Industrial Annex & the rec space

A familiar face in the Fairfield area community is enjoying a new chapter in Benton. Tom Casey, brother of Pat Casey, of Casey’s Redemption in Fairfield, worked by his brother’s side for 18 years. Tom decided to continue on his own after Casey’s was sold earlier this year, and opened Tom’s Redemption. Tom has 40 years of experience in the redemption business. An opportunity became available to Tom through Dixon’s Country Market. Dixon’s owned a separate building behind the store, which was once their own redemption center location. The building needed a little work but Tom took on the challenge with the help of Shawn and Amy Dixon. The center opened on October 14, 2025. Tom admitted he missed all of his regular customers from the Fairfield location and the opportunity to serve the greater community weighed on his decision to continue. A visit to Casey’s, and now Tom’s, brings joy and laughter to each customer. Tom’s quick wit personally greets all who enter. He takes time to know his neighbors and brightens their day. Tom is providing special pricing for local schools and community group bottle drives, continuing his Bulldog Pride traditions. He urges them to contact him for details. Another service Tom’s Redemption offers is to pick up truck loads of returnables within a 20 mile radius. You can also bring truck loads of bottles to his clean, organized easy-access redemption center. The staff will quickly process your returnables and you’ll get the cash on the spot. Tom decided not to sell beer, alcohol or tobacco products, thus leaving Dixon’s Country Market to provide your favorite choices. A true collaboration of friends in Benton Maine. Whether you have a couple of bags or truck loads of returnables, Tom’s Redemption Center located behind Dixon’s Market at 179 Benton Neck Road in Benton is ready with quick, friendly service and a smile! They are open Monday through Saturday 9am to 5pm, and closed on Sunday. Follow them on Facebook or give them a call. (207) 509-8140.

As winter settles across Waterville, Quarry Road Trails quietly transforms into a cross-country skier’s haven. Just two miles from downtown, the 216 acre park hosts 13.3 km (8.2 miles) of groomed Nordic ski trails, designed by Olympian John Morton to weave through a mix of open meadows, rolling hills, and wooded terrain. One of the most impressive features at Quarry Road Trails is our snowmaking system, covering over 3 km of trail. Even when natural snowfall is thin, snowmakers Pisten Bully groomers ensure consistent coverage, making Quarry Road one of the most reliable Nordic ski spots in Maine. Skiers of all levels are welcome. The trails are color-coded: green for beginners, blue for intermediates, and black for more advanced skiers. A gently rolling 2.3 km river loop follows near the Messalonskee Stream, offering scenic views and beginner-friendly terrain. There’s also a meadow loop groomed for both classic and skate skiing. The ski area is open daily for Nordic skiing from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and more than a mile of trails are lit for night skiing until 9 p.m. Day tickets and season passes are reasonably priced, with special rates for Waterville residents. After a 45-year absence, lift-served skiing is returning to Waterville! We’re going back to basics: a rope tow on the lower slopes of the historic Colby ski area will service beginner and intermediate slopes as well as a terrain park. The rope tow will have lights for night skiing all weekend. A season pass will let you ride the rope all season long. Quarry Road Trails also fosters community through the Quarry Road Ski Club, which offers Nordic and Alpine ski programs for children and adults, from beginners to competitive racers, and Alpine ski instruction on weekends. What began as an old ski area decades ago has grown into a vibrant, four-season outdoor recreation hub — but in winter, its heart truly belongs to cross-country skiers seeking groomed trails, reliable snow, and a welcoming community. For more information about Quarry Road Trails, go to quarryroad.org or find us on Facebook .

Situated prominently on Main Street in downtown Oakland, Oakland Furniture sits at the crossroads of the Belgrade Lakes Region. The location—once home to a movie theater and then later a local restaurant—now houses a business that has become deeply woven into the fabric of Central Maine. Oakland Furniture was established in 1988 by Alan and Ammie Breton as Oakland Furniture & Appliance Center, originally located just up the road from its present site. In 2000, the business moved into its current location, where it continued to grow under Alan’s steady leadership. Known for his generosity, work ethic, and commitment to his customers and local community, Alan built Oakland Furniture upon the guiding principle that “Nobody does it better.” For him, the motto reflected both a professional standard and a personal dedication to the people he served. Alan’s recent passing has been deeply felt, both by his family and by the many customers who came to know him over the years. His daughter Kelly has stepped forward to carry on her father’s work. After 15 years of teaching middle school in the Augusta area, she has returned home to Oakland, to continue the legacy Alan built over decades. Kelly has a deep respect for her father’s legacy, and acknowledges that she has big shoes to fill–-but says she carries her father’s spirit with her every day. Moving forward, she has a clear resolve to honor her father’s principles that shaped the store from its earliest days, while also adding her own vision for the future. Kelly is supported by a loyal, long-standing team—Dave, Jeremy, and Charles—whose dedication and experience have become essential to the store’s day-to-day success. Their experience and loyalty have contributed significantly to the store’s reputation for reliability and care. Together, they form a strong, dependable crew committed to the same customer-first spirit that Alan championed. Inside the store, shoppers will find a friendly, pressure-free atmosphere and a selection of furniture and mattresses chosen to offer something for everyone. Oakland Furniture takes pride in carrying quality American made brands/products, delivering excellent customer service, and making the shopping experience comfortable and enjoyable. The store also provides free local delivery, statewide delivery options, and special financing to help make furnishing a home accessible for all budgets. Throughout the years, Oakland Furniture has remained closely connected to the community it serves. The business has always valued its local customers, supported area events, and embraced its role as a neighbor as much as a retailer. That appreciation continues today, as the store moves forward with gratitude for the ongoing support from the people of Central Maine. Oakland Furniture stands today not merely as a business, but as a testament to the man who built it. As a new chapter unfolds, Kelly, and the team continue to carry Alan’s legacy forward—preserving his principles and philosophy that “Nobody does it better.”

Celebrate, Connect, and Shop Local This Holiday Season with the Mid-Maine Chamber! There’s no slowing down for the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce this holiday season! As we continue our mission to help local businesses grow and thrive, we’re rolling out an exciting lineup of events and opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate all things Mid-Maine. From networking breakfasts to leadership lunches—and a day dedicated to shopping small—there’s something for everyone to enjoy this November and December. Rise & Shine: Business Breakfast Series Start your morning right with the Chamber’s Business Breakfast Series, held from 7:15 to 9 a.m. at Best Western Plus in Waterville. You’ll enjoy great speakers, fresh coffee, friendly networking, and maybe even a door prize or two. Visit www.midmainechamber.com for the full lineup and to reserve your seat—these breakfasts fill up fast! Lunch & Leadership On Thursday, November 14 (11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.), join us for a Leadership Luncheon featuring Churchill Elangwe-Preston, owner of Mbingo Mountain Coffee. Come be inspired by his entrepreneurial journey while enjoying a delicious meal at Amici’s Cucina on Main Street in Waterville. Register online at www.midmainechamber.com -you won’t want to miss this conversation! Meet the Reps: Your Voice Matters Ever wonder what’s happening behind the scenes in Augusta or right here in your town? Join us for our final Meet the Reps event of the year, Tuesday, December 9 (5:30–7 p.m.), at Bricks Co-Working Space in the Hathaway Creative Center, Waterville. Co-hosted with the Maine State Chamber, this free event gives you the chance to chat directly with your local legislators and hear the latest updates on legislative challenges. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided—just email cindy@midmainechamber.com to let us know you’re coming! Business After Hours Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 17, when Waterville Elks Lodge #905 hosts our final Business After Hours of the year (5:30–7 p.m.). Bring your business cards, meet fellow professionals, and wrap up the year with great food, drinks, and door prizes galore. No fee, no registration, just show up and enjoy! Shop Small, Save Big – Mid-Maine Style! Small businesses are the heart of our community— and this season, we’re showing them some love with Shop Small Saturday Mid-Maine on November 29! It’s more than just a shopping day—it’s a celebration of the hardworking local business owners who pour their passion into our community every single day. These are the same businesses that sponsor our Little League teams, donate to local fundraisers, and create the vibrant downtowns we all love. When you shop small, you’re helping to keep those dollars right here at home, strengthening our local economy and supporting the people who support us all year long. Participating shops will feature special coupons, giveaways, and your chance to win a $100 Chamber Gift Certificate—redeemable at more than 180 area businesses! You’ll even catch Mix 107.9 broadcasting live throughout the region, bringing the excitement straight to your favorite local storefronts. So grab your friends, your family, and your holiday spirit, and make a big difference by shopping small this season. Your purchases may seem small—but together, they make a huge impact. Can’t make it on November 29? You can still shop local by gifting Mid-Maine Chamber Gift Certificates—the perfect one-size-fits-all present and a great way to keep your holiday spending right here in our community. Find all the details at www.midmainechamber.com . Save the Dates: Festival of Trees Get ready for one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions—the Festival of Trees at the Waterville Elks Banquet Center (76 Industrial Rd.) November 21–23 & November 28–30 Stroll through a magical forest of over 50 beautifully decorated trees, enter to win your favorite, and take part in daily 50/50 drawings—with chances to win up to $10,000! It’s fun for the whole family and a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit. To volunteer or learn more, visit www.festivaloftreesmaine.net. The holidays in Mid-Maine are all about connection, community, and celebration—so join us at these fantastic Chamber events and make this season one to remember!

“A Man on a Mission” That’s how you’d describe Spenser Ouellette — a hands-on entrepreneur determined to shape the future and deliver first-class service to his customers and the communities he serves. A Small-Town Start Spenser grew up in Van Buren, Maine, where he learned early on that if something needed doing, you figured it out yourself. That small-town upbringing built a foundation of independence, hard work, and problem-solving that continues to define his career today. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Maine at Fort Kent in 2009, Spenser began his career as an auditor, gaining valuable experience in finance, management, and operations. Ambitious and goal-driven, he simultaneously pursued his Master’s in Business Administration at Thomas College, attending night classes while working full time. It was a demanding balance, but one that prepared him for a life of entrepreneurship. The Entrepreneurial Leap In 2012, Spenser took his first major step into business ownership by purchasing Burger Boy, a beloved seasonal restaurant in Caribou, Maine. Under his leadership, the local favorite thrived for seven successful seasons before he sold it in 2020, ready to take on new challenges. Never one to stand still, Spenser launched Pizza Degree in 2015, a fast-style pizza concept with locations in Augusta and Waterville. The innovative idea quickly earned a loyal following with its fresh ingredients and quick-serve approach. In 2019, after four successful years, Spenser decided to move on from the restaurant industry to focus on new ventures and real estate development. That same entrepreneurial drive led him to explore franchising. In 2020, he purchased a five-unit hair salon franchise, successfully operating and growing the business before being bought out by a larger franchisee owner — another successful chapter in his diverse career. Building a Real Estate Portfolio From 2012 through 2024, Spenser focused his energy on real estate acquisitions, purchasing over 100 multi-family units throughout Northern & Central Maine. What began as a single four-unit apartment building in Augusta had grown into an impressive portfolio over 100+ rental units, providing quality housing while strengthening the local economy. Spenser lives in Oakland with his wife, their 11-year-old son Mason, and their beloved Goldendoodle, Tilly. Known affectionately as “the good girl,” Tilly is part of the family business too — she often steals the spotlight during photo ops for the Doggy Wash at the Gardiner location. Whether in real estate, restaurants, or car washes, Spenser’s mission remains the same: to create opportunity, invest locally, and build businesses that serve people well. Mechanically inclined and unafraid of hard work, Spenser takes pride in being hands-on. “I’ve got a great crew,” he says. “They’re willing to do whatevers needed every day — it makes every day an adventure.” A New Kind of Clean In 2021, Spenser expanded his entrepreneurial reach by purchasing the Purple Cow Car Wash & Laundromat at 10 Skowhegan Road, right next to the Purple Cow Restaurant. Determined to modernize and elevate the experience, he installed new washers and dryers, repaved the parking lot, and upgraded the car wash equipment. Then came a defining move — keeping both the car wash and laundromat open 24/7, the only facilities of their kind in Central Maine. This customer-first approach gave people the freedom to clean on their schedule. Always innovating, Spenser introduced Touchless Car Wash technology, providing a superior, paint-safe cleaning experience. The upgrade was an instant hit, and North Country Car Wash soon expanded to Winthrop, Gardiner, and Waterville, each location featuring its own touchless bay. “Customers don’t mind paying a little extra,” Spenser says. “They know their cars are being protected.” Looking Ahead When asked what’s next, Spenser grins knowingly. “2026 will bring some surprises!” North Country Car Wash also believes in giving back. The company partners with What About Maineto sponsor two deluxe car washes per location every month. Winners often rave about their experience — and many hope to hear those magic words when the phone rings: “You’ve won a North Country Car Wash code!” It’s easy to enter — just visit WhatAboutMaine.com, answer a few simple questions, and keep your phone handy. You could soon “Enjoy a car wash on Spenser!”

Have you watched American Ninja Warrior and seen contestants flying through the air and leaping from one object to another? Their courage and strength are no longer realities that are far away from Central Mainers. That’s right! Jesse “Flex” Labreck, a Central Maine native and “Ninja Warrior” herself, has partnered with the Alfond Youth & Community Center (AYCC) to bring everyone the joy and thrill of competing on a Ninja Course themselves. Jesse Labreck is one of American Ninja Warrior’s top women champions. She grew up in Oakland, Maine, graduated from Messalonskee High School in 2008, and the University of Maine Orono in 2012. She continues to hold several high school and college track and field records to this day! After graduating college, Jesse was looking for a way to continue her athletic training and competitive drive. She met Maine native, Jon Alexis Jr. known as “Jon the Giant,” who encouraged her to try out for American Ninja Warrior competitions. After trying it for herself, she fell in love, and found her success. Jesse met her husband, Chris DiGangi, and together they became coaches. Over the years Chris had built his own “Ninja Sport Network” business. In 2024 while living in the Chicago area, they welcomed their son, Luca, and yearned to be closer to home. All the while back home, the AYCC was breaking ground on how to bring the foundation of “Personal Fitness Achievement” for all to the forefront of their growing brand. That’s when the AYCC began looking at new ways to add a ninja adventure zone for kids of all ages. This was achievable with a two-story climbing wall and ninja obstacle course that was designed to build strength in fun ways. It was Patrick Guerette’s (COO) keen eye for detail that started the expansion at 126 North Street. In August 2024, the AYCC held their grand opening for the NinjAdventure Zone. In attendance were Maine native Jonathan Alexis Sr., also from American Ninja Warrior, along with Jesse, who had been cheering the project all along. Shortly after attending, she received a phone call and was offered the opportunity to move back home while continuing to reach her goal of training the next generation of ninja kids! The whole AYCC family welcomed her leadership in the NinjAdventure Zone experience! She has used her creative skills to design programs for all age groups, including the first pre-school ninja class. AYCC after school youth participants have embraced their time in the gym and some have continued to take extra classes. There is a ninja gym in Portland, though sadly not run by an American Ninja Warrior. This has drawn families from the greater Portland and Bangor areas, as well as across Central Maine, to enjoy the AYCC’s NinjAdventure Zone classes. Jesse conducts ninja classes each week and is enjoying getting to know her students. She helps them develop the skills needed to compete at higher levels and problem solve life’s “in the moment” challenges! Classes are offered to different age groups including teen time and adult open gym. She is hoping to offer competitions outside of the AYCC family of athletes in the future. The ninja gym is also available for birthday parties, family fun afternoons, business retreats, and schools for team building skills. The AYCC NinjAdventure Zone experience will create uplifting positive effects for anyone willing to give it a try. Whether you go there for business, athletic training, or leisure, the AYCC has grown over the past few years. The AYCC now offers pickleball, a fantastic fitness center, and an indoor walking track. New enhancements to their basketball courts, programs, gyms, and teen center are allowing community members to experience positive effects on their physical and mental skill building. Whatever you and your family choose to do, AYCC is there to help! Come on down to Central Maine’s premier fitness facility and see how they can make your day a little better. Call (207) 873-0684, email info@clubaycc.org, or stop by the AYCC at 126 North Street in Waterville for a personalized tour.

Do you need an electrician? Tired of waiting for an estimate and comprehensive plan? Look no more – Tesla Electric Company is here to help! Tesla Electric Company is locally owned by a Madison, Maine native, Jacob Bailey. He has been all amped up since his childhood. His dad was a master electrician so Jacob learned safety as a priority at an early age. Tesla Electric Company opened in 2024. They are a fully licensed and insured company, and offer free estimates and honest communication with their customers. They enjoy the ever-changing variety of the many services they offer. No job is too small, difficult or quirky – they are up for the challenge! Tesla Electric Company offers maintenance and repair on commercial equipment, electrical panel upgrades, generator installation and maintenance, outside lighting and in-home new construction wiring, just to name a few. After graduation from Madison High School, Jacob moved to Colorado for a few years. There he decided to formally study the trade. He and his young family were called home to help out with a family member’s illness. They currently reside on the family homestead in Madison, along with a few free-range chickens and ducks. Jacob says it’s the perfect location to cover all areas of the state. Jacob receives many positive reviews on Yelp. Here are a couple: “Jacob was terrific! He did a mix of indoor and outdoor upgrades. He installed a GenerLink for our generator connection. Perfect communications before and during the job. I highly recommend him.” – Terry A., Portland, ME “Jacob showed up on time, gave me options and saved me money. I couldn’t be happier with his craftsmanship and attention to detail. These guys go above and beyond!” – Kristopher V. If you are looking for an electrician, Jacob Bailey and Tesla Electric Company could put you on the path to home and business electric security. Give them a call at (207) 855-8824 or email jacob@teslaelectricmaine.com. You can also find them on Facebook and on their website www.teslaelectricmaine.com .

October 2025 marks another amazing year for What About Maine? We are celebrating 14 years of publishing this labor of love! Our owner and publisher, Marty Allen, has guided our journey through the ongoing difficulties in publishing a printed magazine. Currently we print our magazines at Lincoln Press located in Damariscotta, Maine, thus fulfilling our goal of making this magazine completely produced in Maine. We are shining a light on everything Maine! We distribute our magazines from Gardiner to Bingham, China to Winthrop, covering the Kennebec Valley each month. Our small crew of Marty, Duane, Clare and Samantha fan out and hand deliver the latest issue all across the valley. We have upgraded our website WhatAboutMaine.com so you can browse the entire magazine online from wherever you might be. You can answer the trivia questions and enter to win one of our monthly prizes. Thanks to our designer, Kristina, with Imagine Design Company, for keeping our website fresh! We have been on a mission to increase our viewership for the past couple of years. We have added Samantha Turner as our social media manager. She has developed our Facebook presence and created a monthly calendar to highlight each page and story. Monthly favorites like our community events calendar and “Food for You & Me?” receive some of our highest view counts. All of our advertisers are also featured throughout the month. Samantha has put her social media skills to use by developing our online contests. They have received amazing results! We partnered with Snow Pond’s Bowl in the Pines to bring their summer concerts tickets to our What About Maine? readers. They gave us pairs of tickets and a parking pass to all of their top shows this season. Those contests received over 11,098 views. Samantha was able to boost the posts and Snow Pond gave us extra tickets close to the concerts, delighting our Facebook fans. No matter the challenge she has created opportunities for our readers! In the past year, we have had over 481,600 views of posts that readers have seen. The top content in the past year was the Windsor Fair tickets give-away with 29,500 views, 322 entries, all for 10 pairs of day passes. The Goldsmith’s Landscaping & Maple Street Moving story in “What About You?” had over 9,000 views. North Country Rivers White Water Rafting Company story over 5,100 views. Blistered Fingers received over 4,500 views. Prize winners let us know how much they enjoyed their prizes and feedback was positive. Honorable mentions from outside the past year include Bolley’s Famous Franks video topped 10,000 views in one day. The Maine Maple Producers video for Maine Maple Sunday brought in hundreds of new customers that weekend. We have also challenged ourselves to include some advertiser requests. Greg from Fairfield Laundromat asked us to sell his business. I said “ WHAT?! WAM sell a commercial property? We’ve never tried that! We are not real estate brokers.” He said, “Let’s try!” He received ten viable offers. He received offers from California and the Midwest. He wanted the new owners to be a family willing to work hard and build a nest egg for their future. I’m happy to tell you there is an offer in process right now! Who thunk it? A little Maine trivia magazine could help sell a business? Do you have a challenge for us? Give us a call at (207) 242-5998 or email trivia@whataboutmaine.com. We are up for the challenge! 2026 will bring you more trivia, more stories, and more exciting prizes. Thank you, What About Maine? fans! Marty, Duane, Clare and Samantha welcome your suggestions, while traveling through Maine to make each issue truly What About Maine?!

mailto:shawn@redclawmedia.com When people think of Waterville, they might picture the Kennebec River, Colby College, or the historic downtown. But tucked away on Common Street is a new creative force that’s changing the way local businesses and organizations tell their stories: Red Claw Media, owned and operated by filmmaker and multimedia producer Shawn Packard. Shawn’s journey into storytelling started long before opening his studio. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Digital Cinematography from Full Sail University, he dove headfirst into the world of video production, working on everything from community sports highlights to political campaigns. That passion came full circle in 2023 when his documentary “Warriors of the East” earned four first-place awards from Full Sail University. Then in 2024 during the 48hr Film Project earning “Best Editing” and earning the 1st place for the Maine Association of Broadcasters (MAB) Award for his film “A Mothers Legacy,” a milestone that confirmed the impact of his creative vision. But Shawn isn’t just making films for the big screen – he’s helping local businesses and organizations across Central Maine share their stories in powerful ways. Red Claw Media offers cinematic video production, social media content creation, logo design, website hosting and customization, as well as podcast production. For businesses looking for a streamlined way to manage their marketing, Shawn and his collaborator Jon Irwin developed W!N powered by Red Claw Media, an all-in-one platform designed to simplify social media and digital outreach. Beyond the studio, Shawn is deeply rooted in his community. He currently serves on the board of Discover Waterville, is the Vice Chair of the Founders Club for the Alfond Youth & Community Center (AYCC), and is a member of the Community Outreach Media Board for MMTC. These efforts amplify his ability to be part of the region’s growth - not just by producing media, but by being directly involved and connected to the community he serves. Outside of his work, Shawn’s greatest joy comes from time spent with his family – his wife Marigold and their two daughters, Elina and Ikora. That grounding keeps him inspired to create meaningful work that balances professional passion with personal purpose. The mission behind Red Claw Media is simple: to capture authentic stories and give Maine businesses the creative tools they need to stand out. Whether it’s a small business looking for fresh promotional videos, a local organization launching a campaign, or a family wanting to capture a wedding or special event, Shawn brings his cinematic eye and collaborative spirit to every project. This fall, Red Claw Media is opening its new studio at 18 Common St., Suite 207 B, in downtown Waterville, providing a dedicated space for video production, business training, and even podcast recording. It’s a step toward Shawn’s larger vision- building a lasting creative hub in Central Maine that helps organizations grow while telling stories that matter. For Shawn, every project is about more than just video. It’s about connection. “When I work with a client, I’m not just filming a commercial or an event - I’m helping them share who they are with the world,” he explains. To learn more about Red Claw Media, explore the services, or to connect with Shawn, visit RedClawMedia.com, email shawn@redclawmedia.com , or call 207-431-8012.