Unity Flower Shop
Samantha Turner • April 5, 2024
Unity Flower Shop is celebrating far more than 45 years of business this year. With Mother’s Day (May 12th) right around the corner, it would only make sense to acknowledge the woman who started it all, Nacie, who’s birthday is on April 13th.
With a growing family at home and a chance opportunity, Nacie was able to open Nacie’s What Nots on their country porch. The shop was busier than they could have ever expected. One year Nacie sent her husband, Gene, to Bangor many times on Valentines Day because they kept selling out!
Somewhere along the line, they rebranded to Country Green Florist after their handmade sign was stolen. In the years to come “Country” became a popular name for florists and shops would often get orders meant for other businesses. A vendor proposed the question, “How many Unity’s are there in Maine?” and the name changed to Unity Flower Shop. Through all three name changes the business continued to grow, Gene even gave up the garage to make more space.
Najean Shedyak, now owner and daughter of Nacie, learned a lot from her mom. From a young age she was responsible for filling water and rolling ribbon. When she was older she helped with arrangements and deliveries. At 18 years old Najean placed 2nd in the Maine State Florists’ and Growers’ Association, something that couldn’t have been achieved without the many things she learned from her mom. However, making beautiful arrangements was not the only skill that Najean learned from her mom.
One of the most important roles of a florist is the act of listening. Something that seems far easier than it actually is. Najean states, “I learned about the community through all of the most intimate moments. Sometimes I am the first to learn of things… births, weddings, and death.” Najean was most worried about the latter. After confiding in her mom about this she learned that “you talk about flowers in a way that embraces the loved ones who have passed.” A lesson reflected in her work.
This year Unity Flower Shop will be working with a local family who plans to grow flowers for the shop. In the next ten years Najean has plans to expand to a larger area with more green houses and raised beds.
Passion, accountability, trustworthiness, and talent are just some of the things that most of us learn from our mothers. This Mother’s Day, honor your mom and Nacie by placing your order with Unity Flower Shop. From all of us at What About Maine? we wish Nacie, Najean, and all the other mothers out there a very happy Mother’s Day!
257 Depot Street, Unity, ME • (207) 948-2446 • www.unityflowershop.com
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
Winslow, Maine is home to a local teenage treasure. She is a 16 year old sophomore at Winslow High School. She is a true renaissance woman. Her creative old soul spirit allows her imagination to flow freely. Bella Ann’s interests are many. She plays varsity high school soccer, softball, and basketball. She is an avid reader. Last year she read 80 books in a variety of genres. Bella believes that helps her create deeper connections to her song writing. Bella Ann has been writing music since she was 9 years old. Her mom and dad, Meg and Mike Loubier, have their own band so there is always music in the house. She learned to play the ukulele first. She has since added the guitar and piano to her musical repertoire. Bella credits her small town roots, love of nature, good friends, her parents, two brothers Michael and Gabe, and her grandparents, for her creative confidence, thus allowing her to be vulnerable and let the music flow. Bella says she is always looking for inspiration in the world around her. She even keeps a list of words and phrases that she will one day turn into brilliant songs. Bella performs at venues throughout the State and has appeared on Portland’s NBC affiliate TV show “207” and 92 Moose Radio station. Bella is extremely excited to be opening for Julia Gagnon at her hometown theater, the Waterville Opera House, in downtown Waterville on February 14th, Valentine’s Day, at 8pm. Tickets are still available at www.watervillecreates.org or call 207-873-7000. Save the date for Bella Ann‘s album Release concert on March 8th at 7:30pm at Johnson Hall Opera House in Gardiner. Bella will celebrate the release of her first studio album, “Her.” She will share the stage with special guests who will be performing with her. This concert will also offer an exclusive viewing of her unreleased music video for her song “So Bad”. Come and share the joy with her numerous Maine fans watching “Bella Ann Shine!” Tickets for her Johnson Hall performance are available at www.johnsonhall.org/event/bella-ann-albumrelease concert or call the box office at 207-582-7144. Learn more about Bella Ann on Facebook , Instagram , and www.bellaannmusic.com . Find her music on Apple Music , Spotify and YouTube .
When you hear the words “Fairfield, Maine,” you think Hillman’s Bakery! A smile immediately comes to your face as you think of all the delicious treats you’ve come to love at Hillman’s! Everyone has their favorites. Whether you begin your day with a freshly made bismark, jelly filled donut, cinnamon twist, or raspberry horn and a cup of freshly brewed coffee, you leave knowing your day will be a little sweeter. It is always impressive to watch customers entering with anticipation to see their daily choices. Customers of all ages scan the display cases to see if their favorite treat is available. Grandparents bring their little ones in to choose cream horns, lemon squares, cookies, cupcakes and mini cheese cakes. Let’s not forget the whoopie pies. You can choose from the original or peanut butter, pumpkin and maple filled whoopie pies to provide a perfect dessert. Larry Hillman is the steward of this family business which began in 1960. Larry’s dad, Lawrence Hillman, started making donuts and taking them to work with him. The outpouring from locals encouraged him to purchase their present location. They lived in the house and turned the attached carriage house into the bakery, an enterprise that involved everyone in the family. Larry remembers , he had morning chores to be done before school and lots and lots of dishes and pots and pans to wash after school. Larry attended the University of Maine studying electrical engineering. He made the critical decision to return and move the business forward. Hillman’s Bakery incorporated in the early 1980s. When asked how he handles the long and early hours, he said he used to come in about 3am. Now with his long-time staff members, others come in about 4am to make the donuts and brew the coffee, so now he doesn’t have to come in until almost 6am. Larry and his family enjoy time at their camp at Indian Pond. Time to relax may be rare but Larry is happy he made the decision to have Sundays and Mondays off each week. Larry feels blessed to have staff that have been with him for over 30 years. Missi Furbush, Sharon Stowe, and Terri Rogers greet the early morning customers by name. They have their coffee and favorite donuts ready as soon as they come through the door. Everyone works hard and steady all day to create a full range of delicious dinners and desserts, giving families more time together and smiles on their faces. Another Hillman’s favorite is their made in-house baked beans every Friday! They sell out quickly so put Hillman’s on your Friday to-do list. They make brown bread and homemade yeast rolls to go with supper. Don’t forget the pie too. Hillman’s offers many selections for a cold winter’s night supper. They’re famous for turkey pies, chicken pot pies, fresh baked lasagna and shepherd’s pies. Tourtiere pies are also available throughout the winter season. Hillman’s is known for their pastries, donuts and dessert trays for breakfast meetings and family gatherings. Special occasion cakes are always a delight. Call ahead and your personalized orders will be waiting for you. Folks from all over Maine stop by Hillman’s Bakery when traveling through Fairfield. Valentine’s Day (season) is worth a trip to Hillman’s! It will bring back childhood memories and timeless treats! Stop by and share Hillman’s Bakery delights with someone you love! Hillman’s Bakery • 16 Western Avenue, Fairfield, ME • (207) 453-6300 Open Tuesday–Friday 6am–6pm & Saturday 6am–5pm • Closed Sunday & Monday
The New Year is always the perfect time to become the healthiest version of yourself and Dr. Gillis’ Wellness Center, located at 8 Water Street, Suite 2, Oakland is ready to help you! Dr. Gillis is a well respected, board certified Proctologist who has dealt with gut issues for 25 years, frequently treating colon cancer, obesity, diabetes, and other stomach diseases. His extensive research on how our microbiome breaks down fats, cholesterol, and even regulates our metabolic system has led to part of his newest endeavor. Dr. Gillis has developed something he calls “Stacked Prebiotics,” a compound targeting all of our dietary/nutritional needs. These supplemental capsules provide benefit to our gut-brain connection and therefore improve quality of life. These supplements can be taken separately to boost energy and stimulate intestinal immunity. Some ingredients can be found on their Facebook page. The Wellness Center’s main focus is to help their clients live their best life every day. There are no gimmicks or contracts! Their weight loss treatments are available on a monthly basis and begin with an intake consultation. Clients are started on a low does of Semaglutide or Tirzepatide (both GLP-1) while their progress is closely monitored. During your first shot you will stay in the wellness center while you are closely monitored for side-effects. If all is well and there are minimal to no reactions, staff will educate you on how to take these medications at home. Dr. Gillis and the Wellness Center are not here to sell you anything specific, rather they look to provide the tools for a better gut and better life. An individualized treatment plan is created for each client. In January, Dr. Gillis’ Wellness Center is offering a special: “Semaglutide starting dose special $199/cash price,” our lowest ever!! Dr. Gillis has a unique treatment plan that focuses on micro-dosing. This keep patients on the lowest effective dose (varies person-to-person) for the shortest period of time. The clinic also offers supplements that help keep the program costs effective for most patients. Dr. Gillis is an Oklahoma native who brings his “Cowboy Swag,” to his Oakland, Maine office. He is not afraid to show off his fun-side as seen in his staff photo with Jen Brann and Jaimee Jenkins-Shaw. Dr. Gillis is on the Maine State Medical Board and Northern Light’s Board of Trustees. He holds privilege at Northern Light and Maine General hospitals where is able and willing to see patients in both hospitals if any problems arise. Dr. Gillis’ programs are designed to extend your life and have a healthier lifestyle. This unique approach takes the stress off the pancreas and liver giving your gut what it needs to be healthy and produce natural GLPs. The Wellness Center offers curing edge laser and body sculpting treatments. They have a state of the art Verdant Body Slimming Laser and a top of the line Diode Laser that targets fat cells. It penetrates the cell walls and emulsifies the fat within. A treatment that requires you to be well hydrated. New clients can get their first laser treatment for only $25. An Ultrasound Cavitation Machine tones your body through the use of low-frequency radio waves. It can target trouble areas such as a gobbler chin, loose skin on arms or legs, belly, or buttocks area. The perfect way to tone your desired look. The Dr. Gillis’ Wellness Center has opened a second location at 41 Acme Road in Brewer, Maine. No scheduled appointments, walk in on Wednesday at both locations from 1pm-6pm or Fridays 1pm-5pm in Brewer only. Group consultations are 30 minutes each and all consultations are free without any pressure. Make 2025 your year by being the best you! Take advantage of the understanding, individualized treatment, and wellness products that Dr. Gillis’ Wellness Center has to offer. Reach out today to schedule your first appointment with their caring and professional staff. Folks will be asking you, “What did you do to look so good?”
Looking for a downtown Christmas experience filled with cobblestone sidewalks, Christmas lights and holiday music to set the mood for a festive shopping experience? Downtown Gardiner, Maine fills the bill! Monkitree, located at 263 Water Street, Gardiner, ME is ready to inspire your imagination. They host a variety of Maine Made pottery, jewelry, textiles, Maine books and more, offering just the right gifts for family and friends! Monkitree is owned by a community conscious, Maine Made supporter and local arts curator, Clare Marron. She is a gift shop entrepreneur who enjoys bringing you uniquely handcrafted goods. Jewelry, pottery, and so many clever items like Maine playing cards, Maine classic children’s stories, handmade soaps and scents, honey, coffee and chocolates might fit the bill. You can find treasures from $5.00 and up. The fun begins when you lean in to get a closer look at each hand designed earrings, knitted scarfs or cozy hats. Below, Clare models one of her creative crafter Carol Wynne’s newest creations. It’s a “Winter Warmth Hoodie Scarf,” an all-in-one infinity hooded scarf that includes a face mask for the blowing cold of winter. Since opening Monkitree in 2010, Clare has had the opportunity to showcase local artists by featuring their work on her walls or display areas. The featured artists for the 2024 holiday season are potters Mary Kay Spencer from the Potter’s House and Denae Ferguson from Denae Ferguson Ceramics. They bring their hand crafted bowls, mugs and plates to your gift recipients, with a personalized gift, chosen especially for them. Mary Kay and Denae will be in the store to meet and greet shoppers on Friday December 6th. The Gardiner Art Walk and other holiday festivities run from 5 to 8pm. The Gardiner Main Street area includes the festival of trees which will be held in Johnson Hall along with live music. Clare truly enjoys meeting all of her customers including the last minute shoppers! She believes matching them with a personalized treasure is her mission. Monkitree has just been named Kennebec Journal’s Readers Choice Awards “Best Gift Shop for 2024.” If you are looking for an uplifting holiday experience, Monkitree in Downtown Gardiner is the place to visit! 263 Water Street, Gardiner, ME • (207) 512-4679 • clare@monkitree.com December Hours: Sun–Mon 10am–5pm & Tue–Sat 10am-6pm • Closing at 4pm Christmas Eve
Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce Continues Event Schedule Through Year’s End The Mid-Maine Chamber is committed to helping the businesses in our region continue to grow and prosper. To that end, the Chamber continues to explore ways to assist members in pushing out marketing messages about their local goods and services through an enhanced schedule of events, sponsorship opportunities, Chamber Chatter videos, Breakfast Spotlighters and more. In November and December, the Chamber will host Business Breakfast Series events held from 7:15 to 9 a.m. at the Best Western Plus Hotel, allowing area business professionals to network, enjoy great speakers and win door prizes. Check out www.midmainechamber.com for additional details and to register. November 13, from 4-5:30 there will be a New Member Orientation and Member Refresher meeting on Zoom and at the Mid-Maine Chamber boardroom, with happy hour drinks and light appetizers. To register email jamie@midmainechamber.com. This is your opportunity to find out how to utilize your Chamber benefits to grow your business. Our Meet the Reps event will be held on Thursday, December 5 from 5:30-7 in the Plourde Conference Room on the second floor above Holy Cannoli, 70 Main Street. Join our elected officials to hear updates on legislative and municipal issues. There is no fee to attend, but please email cindy@midmainechamber.com to help us gauge attendance. There is no scheduled BAH for November. The next Business After Hours event will be Wednesday, December 18 with SKILLS, Inc./Ervin Community Supports and will be held at 15 Wandrup Road in Hinckley. This event is free of charge 5:30-7 p.m. and allows a great opportunity to enjoy some great food and beverages, exchange business news and updates, and win door prizes. - - - - - - - - - - Shop Small – Save Big with Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce and Shop Small Saturday Mid-Maine! Small businesses are the heartbeat of the area. This year, Mid-Maine Chamber will be working once again to enhance the holiday season for area businesses, focusing on their unique, local flavor. Saturday, November 30 will be a day to shop small – while making a BIG difference to the businesses who have been there to support customers throughout the year. It will be a day of fun, with businesses encouraged to put out festive holiday lights and decorations. Participating businesses will have coupons with plenty of savings, shopping bags to collect goodies, and a fun way to enter to win a $100 Chamber Gift Certificate good at 180-plus area businesses. Most coupons are valid prior and post-event to ensure that you have time to utilize them. Mix 107.9 will be doing live remotes throughout the area and businesses are encouraged to give shoppers a reason to shop locally. So, grab your friends and family, and head on out for a day of enjoyment with your local businesses. Stay tuned for additional information as the date gets closer. Let’s kick off the beginning of the holiday season and Shop Small Saturday Mid-Maine! But, if you can’t join us on November 30, and want to do your part to help out, consider giving Mid-Maine Chamber Gift Certificates this season. These are always a great way to support area businesses – and this year, it is more important than ever. Give your friends and family members the perfect gift – no worries about something too big or small – and know that you are keeping monies locally. Check the Chamber website for additional details at www.midmainechamber.com . - - - - - - - - - - Festival of Trees – Save the Dates: November 22-24, November 29-30 and Dec. 1 Waterville Elks Banquet Center, 76 Industrial Road, Waterville Join us for one of the most popular events of the season. Over 50 beautiful trees to win. Daily 50/50 drawings are held, with winnings up to $10,000. For more details, or o help out with the day and volunteer, go to www.festivaloftreesmaine.net . Festival of Trees – a great event for the whole family!
