“In summer, the song sings itself.”  —William Carlos Wiliams

First, I want to congratulate all graduates whether pre-school, first grade, high school, charter school or home school. All are important. I wish for them overflowing success, good health and happiness. I love school, studying, books, paper, pencil and the smell of the classroom. I will never forget the twenty nine years of pleasure and good times I had working with little bodies, mostly first graders. I still treasure the classroom. Washed chalkboards are begging to be written on and the wonderful smell of wax crayons fill the air. Best of all, I treasured the little hearts and souls at their desks looking up at me. School is a unique, special place—a make believe world.

Children are precious and special. The caring and teaching of children are huge and terribly responsible tasks. Teachers and parents have a very serious job to do. Children matter—they need to learn. Going to school is a tribute to a child’s mind and heart.

Thoughts of the future rock my world. We live in a time of vast changes, accelerating globalization, mounting information of science and technology and clash of civilizations. It is mind-blowing and beyond all perception. These changes call for new ways of thinking and learning in schools, businesses and the professions. A person needs to be equipped to deal with what is expected in the future. We need to inspire lifelong learning in students. In our global, weird society, knowledge is sought after, cultivated and praised. Teaching the young heart and mind is beautiful. We hope that an educated populace can lead us to better times.

Can you feel summer? I sure can. The fullness of a glorious new summer is upon us, holding different meanings for different people, but one thing is for sure: We all enjoy sharing together. She is a saucy flirt bathing us in warm sunlight while beckoning us with long days to enjoy simple pleasures. We savor the summer days and surrender to them.

There is a brief chapter in the colorful history of festivals and fairs in our wonderful state. Festivals in Maine are a part of the landscape from the northern-most point to the southern-most point. Maine’s festival territory inspires a fun-loving following. Each festival has individuality and its own traditional identity. In Saco, for the adventurous and those who enjoy traditional Greek food and tables   respondent with delectable pastries, we invite you to attend the annual Greek Heritage Festival, July 13-15. A time for family fun, socializing, food, music and dancing. With warm hospitality we are happy to serve you and share our culture with: book store, ethic grocery store, jewelry and more. Special children events and dancing.

Our cooks, men and women, take their culinary passion very seriously and prepare a tour that is a food lover’s dream. Come and enjoy the taste of several centuries of cooking-our cooks and bakers go to great lengths to find the freshest and best ingredients when preparing their bold recipes.  The ladies are baking thousands of different pastries.

The time for planning is ongoing. We roll up our sleeves and prepare for what promises to be a wonderful event with ever expanding features. For some folks the Greek evening dancing is special. Stay tuned for more surprises, as the festival will have something for everyone. We hope that with friendly hospitality and community connection it will be a memorable and satisfying time for all.

P.S If you are interested, don’t forget pre-orders.