2024 Maine Apple Sunday Weekend

Looking to make memories with friends and family or to cross items off your bucket list? North Country Rivers has what you are looking for! Offering experiences from fly-fishing and moose watching tours to rafting and ATV-ing coupled with on-site camping and lodging and a full service restaurant and pub there is something for everyone in your party. Located in Bingham, North Country Rivers, offers three different rafting trips. From May 3rd-October 12th you can raft the Kennebec River; no experience needed. From June 1st-October 12th the “world-class” Penobscot River can be run for 6-hours. And on only 8 days out of the year folks can raft the Dead River which flows from Flagstaff Lake. All raft trips are guided, with one guide per boat. Rafters are transported by bus to the drop-off sites while staff make jokes, point out beautiful views, and talk about local history (you may or may not learn about hidden treasure still yet to be found). While on the river your guide will instruct you on how to best maneuver the river, give you tips and tricks for class 4 or 5 rapids, stop to offer photo-ops at waterfalls, and offer for you to float once the river calms. Once back in Bingham, you might notice that their 60-Acres are located right “on” the Maine ATV trail system. Riders may opt to ride toward The Forks, Shirley Mills, Kingsbury, Brighton, or Harmony. Others might choose to visit Moxie Falls, Moxie Pond, Kingsbury Pond, Wentworth Pond, or cross the lower portion of Wyman Lake. Not sure which route to take? Want to explore all the great spots? All while not feeling crunched for time? North Country Rivers’ lodging and camping options will allow you and your party to slow down, relax, and take it all in. They offer 7 different forms of lodging/camping ranging in size based on your needs and preferences. The Bigelow, Kennebec, and Flagstaff cabins are fully furnished with kitchens and bathrooms, and offer Wi-Fi; respectively ranging in size from 600 square feet (2-8 guests) to 2300 square feet (8-36 guests). The Cabin Tents house 4-8 guests while offering electricity, running water, air conditioning, and firepits. The Bunkhouse Cabins hold up to 8 guests with air conditioning. Tent style camping is based on your party size and located in the trees along the south side of their resort. Both the Bunkhouse and Tent campers have walking access to showers, bathrooms, and changing rooms. RV Campers can access water, electricity, cable, and Wi-Fi as well as washrooms and other amenities. Want something a little more low-key than rafting or ATV-ing? North Country Rivers offers guided Moose and Wildlife Watching tours from May 12th-September 21st (excluding Fridays and Saturdays). Inflatable kayak (Funyak) trips are also offered and are an easy to master activity for those looking for some fun on the water without all the rapids. Looking to dust off your tackle box? The Kennebec River is full of Rainbow Trout, Landlocked Atlantic Salmon, Chain Pickerel, Smallmouth Bass, and Largemouth Bass. Looking to fill time while your friends and family are out adventuring? North Country Rivers has a 9-hole Disc Golf course on site (FREE for guests with on-site packages). North Country Rivers has a number of activities to excite your whole party this summer, but they are open all year round. Come winter they simply shift from focusing on rafting and camping to accommodating snowmobilers with rentals, lodging, and food available every day. Whether you plan to visit this summer or wait for the temps to drop, North Country Rivers is ready to meet you and your guests. Give their friendly team a call today at 1-800-348-8871 or visit their website NorthCountryRivers.com for more information!

In March of 2023, Waterville native and Southern Maine businessman, Greg Theriault, decided to relocate back to the Central Maine area and retire. After a few months, he realized he needed a new project! Greg purchased the Fairfield Laundromat located at 44 Main Street in Fairfield. He thought this scaled down venture would keep him busy and allow him the free time to attend his grandson’s soccer games and ease into retirement. Fairfield Laundromat is the type of business you need to attend to daily, but it can also run unsupervised for most of the day. It is currently open 7 days a week from 7am to 8pm. It is safe location with cameras monitoring the property both inside and out. Greg has updated the laundromat by adding new washers and dryers, a cozy lounge and vending machines, rolling carts, and folding tables to use while doing your laundry. This winter, Greg suffered some health setbacks and has made the tough decision to fully retire, this time. Greg truly enjoyed this family-friendly venture and all the local characters he’s met along the way. “That will be the hardest part of selling,” he told me. The business is stable and profitable. They give the customers a cash and credit card option for payment. They carry laundry essentials and strive to keep it clean and problem free. This is a rare opportunity for either a young person, family or couple not quite ready to retire to build some equity in this cash-rich environment. It is really ideal as a family operation. There is an updated apartment upstairs and room in the back to expand the laundromat. Greg says he gets calls every week for a wash, dry and fold service, but he just hasn’t had the opportunity to add this option. In the 2-1/2 years he has owned the laundromat, Greg said it has been profitable. He has tax and business statements available to someone who is pre-qualified and genuinely interested. He could go through a business broker to list the property but would like to keep the price low to allow a first time buyer to acquire this life-changing opportunity to gain long-term wealth. Greg is willing to work with the new owner through the transition. The Fairfield Laundromat comes with the land, building, an occupied apartment upstairs and room to expand in the back of the building. A second apartment space is also a possibility. Plenty of customer parking is included with the property. If you or someone you know are looking for a life changing opportunity, please take a look at Fairfield Laundromat. Give Greg Theriault a call at 207-710-4444.

If you travel Route 137 in Winslow heading towards China, you may have noticed the “goings-on” at 875 China Road. The sign outside the newly developed space reads Kennebec Roofing Industrial Annex, or “KIA” for short, which might have left you and your family with questions such as, “What is it? Is it open? These are only a couple questions that passers-by ask while viewing the brand new, state of the art, metal building. Local Winslow natives and current residents, George and Jessica Lint, are the owners and creators of this property. They chose to develop this property as a commitment to bring small business into Winslow while fostering the idea of community spirit. The building consisting of 9 separate rentable units is passion project for George and Jessica. It is named after their daughter, Kierra Ann “Kia” Lint, who passed away unexpectedly two years ago. KIA combines George and Jessica’s visions of offering both professional and recreational spaces to the Winslow community. The industrial aspect was brought to life by George, owner of Kennebec Roofing, who wanted to offer small contractors space to rent alongside other craftsmen. Kennebec Roofing has an office there and a unit they work out of, while their primary location still remains open at their Airport Road location in Waterville. There are still open units for contractors or small business to rent. Call or text 207-873-6128 for more information. Several of the units in the back half of the building host Jessica’s business “the rec space.” You may see a row of batting cages outside, but what you aren’t seeing is an indoor batting cage that can be accessed even in Maine’s craziest of weather. You can also find state-of the-art, multi-purpose gym spaces inside. “the rec space” is designed to be rented for leisure sporting events individually or with friends and family. Keeping in mind the lack of spaces for youth and adult league groups, these gyms can easily accommodate cheerleading, wrestling, basketball, baseball, softball, pickleball, dancing, various forms of exercise, yoga and more! A toddler and me open gym time is also available. They are open to the public with or without an appointment. Rental options are flexible and include drop-ins based on availability. In addition the rec space” can be rented for family functions or birthday parties or even to host a class of your own! If you are waiting your turn or waiting on your family they have a friendly staffed lounge area with picnic tables where you can access free WiFi. You’ve really found it all at KIA. Call “the rec space” at 207-616-0301 or email therecspace875@gmail.com to schedule a tour or book your rec space time. If you, your family, friends, or teams want to bring joy into your day, KIA is here to help!

You know summer weather is here when the “Snowdrifter II” is seen cruising the shoreline and islands of Messalonskee Lake. Snow Pond Cruises brings locals and Maine visitors alike a captivating glimpse of nature on tours of the lake. Captain Gary is a Registered Maine Guide and a licensed commercial boat operator. The clang of the boat bell and the friendly voice of Captain Gary calls out “All aboard the Snowdrifter II!” Gary’s wife, Brenda and their little Yorkie, Yoda, are your official greeters for the past 12 summers. They will usher you down the garden path to their stunning, spotless, and comfortable luxury pontoon boat waiting to whisk you away on a time-stopping adventure. You will view lakeside cottages and uninhabited islands while watching the eagles fly overhead. The end of the lake is home to an amazing wetland. There are nesting sites of Common Loons, Black Terns, Least Bitterns, Sandhill Cranes, and other wildlife creatures who summer here. Captain Gary does his part to assist wildlife in danger. He watches over the loon families on the lake, has rescued loon moms and chicks, and helped establish floating habitats to ensure a healthy loon population. Each cruise is a private adventure. Only your family and friends are on board. Book your cruise ahead to be sure to take advantage of one of Captain Gary’s unique experiences. You could enjoy a romantic evening with a sunset tour or cruise to the oldies. As a notary, he officiates weddings, and remembrance cruises to honor a loved one. Give the whole family a day to remember with the grandkids. They also offer a “Lobster on the Lake Cruise!” Captain Gary also offers a “Junior Associate Captain Certificate” program. Your child can learn the ropes of lake boating and perform duties during the cruise. They will receive a “Junior Associate Captain’s Certificate” at the end of the cruise. Whether you have experienced the tour before, are a local or visitor looking for an afternoon escape, let the summer breezes carry you on the Snowdrifter II. Bring your family and friends and enjoy a relaxing moment in time and Captain Gary too!

What Skowhegan business is celebrating 160 years of continuous service to their community? Quinn Hardware Company has participated in Skowhegan’s growth and development throughout the decades. Take a moment and think of all the changes they have seen. It began in a time of horse and buggies, and independent homesteading with a need for tools, blacksmithing and logging supplies to keep the river jack’s safe on the Kennebec. This Hardware store began as Blunt Hardware. Only three families have owned this business over the past 160 years. In the 1940s it was sold to the Chase family. Nellie’s and her two sons, Elliot and Fred, incorporated to make it Blunt Hardware Company, Inc. In 1959, Willis Quinn, who had been a long-time employee, purchased the store. The Quinns have stepped up and are currently the third generation keeping the Quinn family traditions going. Their friendly customer service, hardware know-how and participation in community projects are moving the company forward. Quinn Hardware is a major supporter of the Skowhegan Humane Society, offering puppy days in the store. They participate in many local fundraising events as well. May is a time of spring projects. Whether your home needs a fresh coat of paint, upgraded plumbing, or you’re doing a DIY project around the house, Quinn Hardware is here for you! Part of their charm is knowing their customers by name. If you call or email your order to them, it will be ready for pick-up when you arrive. You might have to take a moment and pet Clover the cat. She is Quinn Hardware’s official greeter. She will follow customers through the isles whispering a sweet hello “meows,” thus making the customer’s day. She is seen in the photo below relaxing after a long day of keeping everyone on their toes. Quinn Hardware has a large commercial business following as well. They are well-known in the area for Alicia and staff’s dedication to finding and stocking materials needed for contractor’s projects. If you are looking for the best “Local Hardware Store in Maine” as customers have dubbed them, Quinn Hardware on Route 201 in Skowhegan, ME should be on your next project “to-do” list. It’s a one stop down home Maine experience. Stop by and experience it for yourself! They are open 7 days a week, Monday through Friday 7:30am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 2pm. 207-474-2449 • info@quinnhardware.com • www.quinnhardware.com • Follow Us on Facebook

I met Clare in the Winter of 2015 at the McDonald’s on KMD in Waterville. My first impression is that she was a person with a great personality and was very easy to talk to. She was providing elder care services about six nights a week, but was looking for something more. She was bright, hardworking and creative, but as she stated “I don’t really fit into any pigeon holes.” I told her about my magazine, What About Maine, and said that I needed help, especially with sales in the Waterville area. Clare said, “I can to that!” So we gave it a try and went on the road one afternoon. I thought if she can sell one ad, I’ll hire her. Well she sold three ads and the rest as they say is history. Two of the three ads she sold that day are still in the magazine today: Dixon’s Market and B&F Vegetables. What I didn’t know then is that Clare had done this type of work before in the early 70’s when she ran a weekly newspaper called “The Twilighter” that was distributed in the Waterville area. She sold the ads and wrote stories there too. Clare has been a driving force and an inspirational reservoir since the day she started working at What About Maine. “I LOVE MY JOB!” she says, “I love all my clients and I love helping them get their messages out.” She enjoys telling the stories that no one else is telling. People like to read about local businesses and learn how they work and what makes them successful. Clare has come up with many new ideas for the magazine including, Maine Maple Sunday section, Apple Harvest, Food for You and ME, and “how about we add glossy pages.” Her philosophy is “Let’s give it a try!” Clare has had many adventures at What About Maine, like visiting a yak farm in Dresden, looking for loons with Captain Gary on the Snow Pond Cruiser, riding in an ATV through the Sugarbush at Raider’s Sugarhouse in China and interviewing Chase and Ryan from Maine Cabin Masters for a featured article. When Covid hit in 2020, we did not publish a Magazine in April or May of that year, and we had some discussions about whether we would ever publish again. Well, Clare wasn’t having any of that! She doubled her efforts to get things going again and we published in June and have been going strong ever since. Over the years Clare keeps pushing forward. She loves the friends she has made and is always looking for ways to make the magazine better, including a push on social media that has been taking off in the last few years. Thank you Clare for all that you do, I really appreciate you and have enjoyed working with you for the last 10 years. What do you think? Should we go for 20? — Marty Allen, Owner, What About Maine? 

“What About You?” is proud to highlight a central Maine business that is truly helping to move Maine forward. China Lake Provisions is a 2025 version of an old fashioned local general store. Owners Michael Brown and James Malinky have recreated a welcoming place where locals and visitors meet. They have combined their talents to offer fresh Maine grown meats and produce along with other Maine made products, including jewelry and gift ware. Maine artisans and artists have created a place where you can always find something new to try. Mike is also the owner and steward of Meadowbrook Farm down the road in China. They raise their own herd of Angus beef cattle. Mike wants to teach his daughter that with hard work, small scale family farms can prosper and create “the way life should be” for future generations. They provide opportunities to keep us healthy with locally grown meats and veggies. Dutton Family Farm in Vassalboro brings China Lake Provisions their artisan breads by the loaf, or try one of Nellie’s Deli sandwiches on Dutton Family Farm bread. They have taken time to create some unique flavors of sandwiches, such as Pickle ‘n Beef or The Homesteader, served with their own freshly made in-store vinaigrette. Nellie’s Italian sub and shaved steak sub served on Damon’s sub rolls are favorites too. You can build your own sandwich with a variety of meats, cheeses, and veggies. Nellie’s Deli offers fresh dough and gluten free choices of artisan pizzas. Choose your toppings or try their artisan crafted meat lovers and veggie offerings. Their breakfast pizza is a local favorite! Nellie’s Deli offers an ever-changing variety of meals to go too. Mike told us that China lake Provisions has been warmly received. They enjoy hearing the feedback when customers try their pizza, sandwiches or find a delicious Maine made treat! China Lake Provisions is proud of the variety of Maine made products they offer. Carissa Stein helps manage the store. She is sourcing many quality Maine made products. Carissa loves a challenge, so if you have a favorite Maine food, drink or product and can’t find it, she will do her best to locate it! They also carry Maine made wines and spirits. Try their DragonFly Wines from Stetson, or a large variety of Maine brewed beers, such as Bigelow Brewing and so many more. They carry freshly made goat cheese, soaps and other farm products sourced directly to our consumers. Other items include Carrabassett Coffee, Maine maple syrup from China’s own Raider’s Sugarhouse. Popcorn, chips, nuts, oils, jams and vinaigrettes are only a few specialties that await your taste buds. Mike is currently perfecting cold brewed iced coffee perfect for the warmer weather ahead. China Lake Provisions is looking forward to participating in community events, thus bringing full circle the old time General Store atmosphere and the 2025 farm-to-table movement. They are keeping locals healthy in a friendly down home way. Stop by China Lake Provisions at 9 Main Street in China, ME Tuesday–Sunday 9am–7pm (closed Mondays). You can also find them online at www.chinalakeprovisions.com .

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Spring brings opportunities to try something new, to move, to update and to organize your home or business! Responders Moving and Storage in Chelsea is here to help! Responders Moving and Storage is locally owned and operated by Eric James and Ely Keysar. Ely is the Chief Operating Officer and is at your service from your very first phone call to Responders, up until the successful completion of the job. He will personally guide you through the moving process, using his industry expertise to alleviate the stress caused by your move. After a consultation, Ely will create a plan of action. Together with the client, Ely will do a virtual walk through to be sure every detail is discussed. Responders offers “White Glove Service,” for your most delicate treasures and artwork. They will carefully secure them while packing up everything in your home or office. The Responders crew shows up on time, carefully packs and loads your belongings, then transports them in their clean new 26’ or 17’ box truck straight to your destination. If you need a little time in-between pick-up and delivery, Responders offers storage units of all different sizes. They will store your items, and deliver them when you are ready to receive them! Check out their website, www.respondersmovingandstorage.com , and their Instagram to view videos of their moving techniques, and hear from their countless satisfied customers. Whether your job is a cross town move or across the country, Responders Moving and Storage is ready to service your every need. They are fully insured and locally owned and operated. They are currently located in Chelsea where they are building a 15,000+ sq. ft. climate controlled storage facility. They also work with several “sister-facilities” including Kennebec Storage and Lifetime Storage to meet all of your storage needs. One of their specialties is working with families for senior moves. They respectfully work with their clients who are relocating with family or to a senior living facility. Responders Moving and Storage offer special discounts to active military, veterans and first responders. Visit their website www.respondersmovingandstorage.com for details. Ely tells me that they are proud of their personalized service. They offer a fair deal and up-front pricing. In an industry that is often mistrusted, Responders is shining a bright light on how moving and storage businesses ought to conduct themselves. Responders Moving and Storage enjoys their commercial customers as well. Ely admits his attention to details, coordinating staff and his ability to work one on one with their customers sets them apart from the larger moving companies. Give Ely a call at 207-357-3577 and experience the best “Local Maine” moving team with Responders Moving and Storage. Residential & Commercial • Local & Long Distance • Packing & Unpacking • Climate Controlled Storage • White Glove Art Handling www.respondersmovingandstorage.com