Marianne Williamson has been lecturing on spirituality since 1983. She writes “Help the children of this world. They are hurt and hurting and are crushed between the weights of our insanity. Please bless the children, and awaken us before it is too late.”

A new school year! There is so much to think about. New schools, new methods and new philosophy. There are many theories for teaching today. There are opportunities for youngsters to learn traditionally and in newer settings.  Educators hope to better educate children with special needs creating different ways for youngsters to learn. All children do not learn from books.

Teachers have an impact on the little ones. Youth is fleeting and schools have the power to  make surprising and sweet memories that last forever. I am dipping deep into my memory. Digging deep into the forty five years I spent with primary children at school and child care at the gym. I have given much thought to early childhood education. Education is changing, going in many different directions.

The school room feels different than it did many years go. Teaching in our modern world you need patience and persistence. What do the minds and hearts of the youngsters need to learn? We need to invest and meet their needs. Today, more than ever we need to honor people’s cultures.

We ask “What do the students need?” We have to keep the learning going because things of the world change so fast. At this time we need intercultural education. There is research about how important play is. Play is their work. Students are influenced by the love, excitement and enthusiasm the teacher puts into teaching.

A good plan is to strengthen our schools, empower good teachers and principals, and give our children the best learning opportunities.

Look at us! Maine has everything. Our surroundings-the thousands of miles of beautiful coastline, beaches, rivers and lakes. To date, 12.5 tons of trash and debris has been removed from 20 miles of river cleaned. This year’s family-friendly 4^th Annual Saco River Trash Drive will be expanded to include an additional five miles.

On Sunday, Sept. 9, the Saco Salmon Restoration Alliance and its network of partners and volunteers will once again round up the trash and debris in the lower Saco River and a number of its tributary streams to dispose of it properly.  Volunteers and staff use their motorboats, canoes/kayaks or clean along the riverbanks on foot. The event is once again being done in conjunction with the Maine Deptartment of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife’s Landowner Appreciation Day.

Pre-registration is required to facilitate planning. For more information and to register, please follow the links on the SSRA website at www.sacosalmon.com

If you would like to spend an evening with one of America’s leading interior designers as he shares secrets of how to create beautiful timeless designs for your home and gardens on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m.

Southern Maine Health Care is partnering with Vinegar Hill Music Theatre and high-end interior designer Anthony Catalfano, for an evening benefit event- 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. Presentation timeless designs. Anthony will be interviewed by former Ralph Lauren creative director, Chris Sawyer. Anthony will also be signing and selling his new 300-page interior design book “Embellished Spaces.”

Dr. Brandei Windgard, SMHC cardiologist, will be saying a few words. Tickets are $100 each and can be found at the following link: castevens@smhc.org or call 283-7235 with any questions.

Proceeds will benefit SMHC’ cardiac and vascular services.