Land trusts are non-profit organizations that work with landowners and other associations to help save our land heritage, create open spaces, protect wetlands and wildlife habitats, and provide recreational opportunities for everyone. On June 4, all Mast Store locations will host representatives from a community land trust partner. To support the important work that they do, each store will donate 20% of that day’s sales to its partner conservancy.

Weddings are big events bringing together members of two families to celebrate their union into one bigger family. There’s usually a ceremony, probably some drama, good food, maybe a little drink, and stacks of gifts. We’ve pulled together several thoughtful gifts that are perfect for any couple requesting your presence at their nuptials.

If you’re a child of the ‘80s, you might remember “Workin’ for a Livin’,” a song by Huey Lewis and the News that paid tribute to the work-a-day folks that keep our lives moving forward. The same sentiment can be applied to the work of land trusts – they are workin’ for OUR livin’.

Today is Arbor Day, and we’re celebrating the beauty and symbolism trees lend to our world. Take a look at this tree-themed trivia from across our region. We hope the facts will inspire you to hug a tree or, especially, plant one in honor of all that trees do for us and our environment! 

The good news is that our recycling trend has improved in the United States over the past several decades. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans recycled less than 10 percent of their household waste in 1980. In its most recent data from 2018, the EPA found that we now recycle slightly more than 32% of it.

Recycling is a comprehensive process. Many of us are familiar with the basic “3 R’s” that describe it: Recycle, Reduce, Reuse.

The virtuous cycle is a series of events that tends toward equilibrium. It reinforces itself through a feedback loop to grow, expand, and increase its effectiveness. As it relates to recycling, we must be willing to buy recycled goods to create demand for recycled items, which makes the manufacturing of recycled goods desirable. 

For 19 years now, Mast Store has matched each pound of bulk candy purchased during its Be a Sweetheart event with a $1 donation to our food security partners. A dollar purchases 3, 5, 7, even 10 hearty meals for someone experiencing food insecurity. This Valentine's Day, show your love on many levels - to your sweetheart and to the local community. 

We’ve all said the phrase, “If these walls could talk, what stories they would tell.” That could be said about many places and perhaps the walls themselves – think about Russia’s famous Amber Room if it’s ever found. Much closer to home, we started wondering about the iconic centerpiece of the Front Room at the Original Mast General Store. Just what is the story of the pot-bellied stove?

Twenty-five years ago, on January 9, 1997, the Candy Barrel officially became a part of the Mast General Store. This is the backstory of how it happened.