Some businesses start with a plan — Cristall Boutique started with a leap of faith. Owner Crystal Stanley never imagined opening a boutique in Benton, Maine. She was working in early childhood education, surrounded by families and a strong sense of community she loved — until life shifted in a way she never expected.

A sudden personal hardship brought uncertainty and forced her to re-evaluate everything. In that difficult season, she leaned into something small that had quietly been growing: selling clothing online. It gave her focus when life felt overwhelming and purpose when things felt uncertain.

Her boutique offers SO much from hosting pop ups, workshops, decorating events, DIY beauty experiences and more. Check it out!

Discover the timeless art of

Go-Ju Ryu Karate

A path to self-development for all levels. Build strength, coordination, flexibility, and stamina in a relaxed and welcoming training environment. Each class begins with a functional warm-up, followed by an overview of basic karate techniques reinforced through partner practice. Students are also introduced to kata (forms), explored both as movement patterns and practical self-defense strategies.
No uniform or prior experience required—just wear comfortable clothing and come ready to move. Ages 14- adult.

Where: Martial Arts Institute
When: Wednesdays in February 6:15-7:20 pm
www.MartialArtsInstitute.us
207-200-4658

Help support DND Disc Golf by coming to their annual charity event on May 2nd!

Behind this year’s Annual Leukemia Awareness Charity Event is a deeply personal story of strength, family, and hope. As the organizer shared:

“I just want to say that the first event of the year is extremely special to my family. This is a fairly new fundraiser created in my honor. Long story short three years ago my youngest son donated his stem cells to me. I had a very aggressive leukemia and he saved my life. We try to find a local recipient for the money raised.”

Hunker down and read a book!

_{We have new books on our Savings Shelf that are 40% off! Also, new free gifts with purchase!}

_{You also get a free gift with your purchase! Which ones are you most interested in?}

_{REMOTE JOB OPPORTUNITY TOO! If you want to work from home and work with great people this is the job for you! If you’re interested click the link to check it all out!}

https://kristensbookkorner.com

Looking for a good estate sale? There’s a TON! Check out this site: https://estatesales.org/estate-sales/me/readfield

Here’s a bidding site full of goods in Maine! Govdeals.com

Well, according to our own local forecaster Kennebec Kenny, it looks like we will be having 6 more weeks of winter. This has been the prediction for the last 4 years! News flash for me, there’s 111 local groundhog predictors spread across the U.S. According to these local forecasters, 52.25% of the predictions were for a longer winter and 47.75% were for an early spring. Check out more fun stats here.

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY! Want to enjoy the game at your local pub? Here’s a few:

Gardiner - The Depot

Auburn - The Gippers Sports Grill

Lewiston - The Gridiron

Winslow - The Pointe Afta

Capital Bar and Grille is opening (in the former Whiskey Kitchen) on Water St. Augusta, Friday February 6th!

Gardiner - Iron Heights Apartments coming soon!