Author: Chelsea Dickinson

Justin K.

TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT – JUSTIN K.

Oxford Casino Hotel is proud to introduce our newest Dual Rate Slot Attendant, Justin K!

Perhaps you’ll recognize him from his former position in Table Games or even in Security, but we think you’ll enjoy his increased presence on the floor in the Slot Department. Justin strives to enhance every guests’ experience by putting others before himself and pointing out the positives in each work day.

When you combine proximity and personality, it seems inevitable that Justin would find his career at Oxford Casino. A people person by his own description and a local to the town of Oxford, he initially took a position in Security in 2017. He quickly realized how excitingly interactive the industry can be and soon saw himself entertaining guests by flipping over four-of-a-kind or busting out on Blackjack. Now, though he’s still learning the nuances, he’s settling into Slots, where his ability and willingness to assist others truly shines. We asked Justin what the best part of his day is now, and he responded, “To see the joy on someone’s face when they win a great jackpot. The people who never have won before are personally my favorite.”

We inquired about what motivated Justin to advance his career and why Oxford Casino was the place to do so and his answer was, not-shockingly, positive and inspiring: “I worked in Table games for about 4 years. I loved my time with it and I’ll miss the job and the people. As soon as I heard of opportunities in Slots, I planned an interview and gave myself as much time as I needed to put myself out there! I still have a lot to learn, so I plan to be a sponge for a while and I’m happy to be where I’ve worked to be. When you care about the people who come in and you’re excited to work, this is the right place to be.”

Justin’s upbeat mentality is not reserved solely for work, as you could imagine. His wife and young son are priority #1, and time spent with them is always a joy! He also keeps himself busy outside of work with competitive gaming and a passion for music. Justin says, to get through any day, he maintains this mentality: “If that’s the worst thing that happened to me today, then I had a pretty good day.”

Be sure to say “Hey,” if you see Justin on the floor, and we’re sure he’ll do his best to make your day!

Keep up the great work, Justin!

Oxford Casino Pitches in to Help Save Town’s Last Surviving Schoolhouse

BY NICOLE CARTER | ADVERTISER DEMOCRAT

OXFORD — The campaign to save Oxford’s lone remaining one-room schoolhouse has a new benefactor. Oxford Casino and Hotel has donated $5,163 to the Oxford Historical Society to help save the building, which was built in 1857.

Oxford Historical Society President Patricia Larrivee (second from right) accepts a $5,163 donation from Oxford Casino to help move and preserve Pigeon Hill Schoolhouse, which currently sits on property across the road from the casino. Also pictured from left: Oxford Town Manager Adam Garland, Oxford Selectman Floyd Thayer and Oxford Casino Vice President and General Manager Matt Gallagher.

Added to other fundraising, which includes two substantial anonymous donations, the historical society has raised well over $30,000 to fund the project so far.

The land the schoolhouse sits on is part of former student Evan Thurlow’s estate and has been sold to an undisclosed buyer. It was Thurlow’s wish that the building be donated to the historical society if the farmland was eventually sold.

Historical society President Patricia Larrivee and Oxford’s Historic Preservation Committee began negotiating with the town of Oxford last summer on the best way to accept and reconstruct the schoolhouse at the Kay House Museum, which is the headquarters of Oxford Historical Society. But the house and property itself is owned by the town. During initial discussions selectmen had questions whether accepting the gift would require a vote at town meeting.

Given the poor condition of the building, selectmen were also concerned that its restoration would be too hard and expensive to complete, leaving the town responsible for a dilapidated eyesore or pile of debris. There was also concern whether Thurlow’s wishes had been put in writing.

Selectmen voted to accept the schoolhouse last summer. Since then Larrivee has enrolled the historical society with the 1772 Foundation, which grants up to $10,000 in matching funds to nonprofit organizations and started working on grant applications through Maine Preservation and the Davis Foundation.

The historical society plans to rebuild and operate the school house at Kay House and operate it as a permanent living history exhibit for neighboring Oxford Elementary School curriculum and be open to the public. Much of the school’s original student desks and other relics are already part of the historical society’s archives and would once again furnish it.

Last October Maine Preservation placed the 1867 Pigeon Hill Schoolhouse on its 2022 list of Most Endangered Historic Places, a move that opened up opportunities to purse other preservation grants.

Currently, Larrivee is working with contractors and engineers to determine the best way and time to move the building. Copp & Sons Building Movers in Cumberland provided a quote of $25,000 to move the schoolhouse in two sections. However, the sills and floor joists are likely to weak to handle the stress of being lifted onto a trailer.

She is consulting with other parties about blueprinting and dismantling it, including assessments on the condition of the frame, what other materials may be salvageable, and local sources to replicate structural timbers if necessary.

Oxford Casino Pitches in to assist Oxford Historical Society to save schoolhouse!

Rhiannon S.

TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT – RHIANNON S.

We are proud to introduce you to Oxford Casino Hotel’s Digital Marketing Manager, Rhiannon S.

If you’ve been coming to Oxford Casino since Day 1, well… Rhi’s got you beat! Her career started back in May of 2012, before the building even opened for business, and her presence here has been essential ever since.

We asked Rhi to share just what inspired her to work here. She says, “I needed a challenge; I was bored and sick of working the same, entry-level, dead end jobs that did not challenge my abilities. I needed something harder, to work my mind and allow goals to be set for my future. I wanted an exciting career working with people, and was able to find a good balance between professional life, and personal life.”

Her initial position was as a Lead in Express, which she says was a great place to start, “getting to know what happens ‘behind the scenes’ in Food & Beverage, and working alongside some of the BEST in the local food industry!” However, it wasn’t long before she found the department she was destined for, accepting a position as Marketing Supervisor. In this position, Rhi found that, “helping to make graphics, editing the website and learning the Database side of Marketing gave me the motivation to want MORE out of my career and not settle for a job that I do not fully enjoy showing up to every day.”

…Cut to 10 years later and you’ll find that Rhiannon has since received Employee of the Year accolades, accepted another promotion to Digital Marketing Manager, and only continues to flourish. In her words, “Working at Oxford Casino is a career, not just a job. They take pride in creating long-term employment opportunities for Team Members and help them work towards those goals. Oxford Casino is filled with opportunities to grow within the industry and on a personal level, both of which are highly encouraged by upper management.”

What inspires us most about Rhiannon is her drive and passion for life. Not only is she the type to never give up when facing a challenge, she’s also the type to treat any bad day as a learning opportunity. She shows appreciation for her career and the team around her, evidenced by her encouragement to ask questions, to learn more, and to grow. “Prove that you are willing to learn, make changes and show up every day to work hard. Prove that you are consistent, professional, and open to new opportunities.”

In the coming 10 years, you can expect to see Rhiannon continuing to learn and take pride in her current position while she forges ahead to plant roots in the community. When she’s not at work or busy navigating the home buying market, she’s likely spending time with her son and family enjoying the outdoors. “I like to stay active, but I also love to relax.” Just like at work, “we are able to have Wicked Good Fun, and do our jobs at the same time.” The key, according to Rhi, is all about finding a happy balance.