MAPLETON NEWS
by Jennifer Buzza
The communities of Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill not only welcomed a new year this month, but also welcomed new business owners to the tri-community’s general store. The Mastro family has purchased Tenney’s Country Store and officially began ownership Jan. 6. Mapleton residents Travis and Tanya Mastro will be working as store managers. Former owner Lynne Tenney, who owned the business with her husband, Chris, shared some of the history of the establishment that is located on the corner of Main Street and Pulcifur Road in Mapleton.
When Donald Turner owned the business, it began as a repair garage and gas station. He sold it to Gene and Heidi Knight who added the convenience store. The Knights then sold the business to Ron and Claudia Madore. During their ownership years, the Madores installed a walk-in cooler. Mapleton then welcomed new owners and residents Rhett and Tracy Fox. The sale of alcohol was passed during the Fox ownership years and they started selling beer and wine. Six years later, in 2008, Chris and Lynne Tenney took over. One of their new additions was the dine-in eating area. They also enlarged the kitchen, brought in a Blue Rhino propane tank exchange, added an ATM machine and an air compressor at no charge to customers.
In addition, they also offered the sale of home heating oil, increased their grocery line and added a deli case. According to Lynne, “We put our heart and soul into the business and are very pleased with all we have accomplished in the last six years.”
The Tenneys proudly recall supporting many local non-profit groups over the years including the Chapman Ridge Runners, Mapleton Daze, Lions’ Club and the Haystack Historical Society. In 2011 and 2012, the Tenneys sponsored a Christmas party for the children in the community. The event included refreshments, crafts, gifts for all who attended and a visit by Santa. With the sale pending this past December, the family was unable to continue with their tradition.
“There is so much more that we didn’t get to do, but hope and pray the new owners will continue to grow, meeting the needs of the community,” said Lynne. “We wish them well and hope everyone will continue supporting their local store. We will miss it very much, but will continue to support the new owners.”
Chris and Lynne have two children, Brandon and Luca. Luca is 24 and worked at least one shift per week for her parents. Brandon, 21, spent his days running one of the family’s three redemption centers in Presque Isle. He recently left for basic training for the Maine National Guard at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
Continuing with their business ventures, the Tenneys will now turn their attention to their three redemption centers: Rick’s Redemption Center in Presque Isle, Mars Hill Redemption Center and their newest, Little Rick’s Redemption Center in Mapleton.
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Photo courtesy of Terry Sandusky
THE MAPLETON LIONS brought the 2013 holiday season to a close by taking down and putting away the town’s Christmas lights. Pictured are Lions Club members Steve Hanning, left, and Matt Gregg on the ladder. They had help from Lion Dennis Hoffses, who drove the truck, and Lion Wes Buck, who helped in storing the lighted wreaths. The Club provides this community service along with the displaying of the American flags on other holidays throughout the year. The Club is able to do these activities because of the generosity of the citizens of Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman. The Mapleton Lions wish everyone happy and joyous New Year!
Birthdays
Birthday wishes this week go out to Tristen Woodworth, Frank Clair, Brooke Carney, Gladys Brewer, Ernie Boykin, Brian Copeland, Emily Carter, Barrett Potter, Donald Gilson Sr., Melissa Dyer, Darin Wardwell, John Easler and Erwin Elliott.
Anniversary
Happy anniversary to Bob and Darcy McBay today!
Jennifer Buzza is the correspondent for Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman. She can be reached at 760-9115, or by e-mail at jbuzza@ainop.com.
