Welcome to Summertime!

Dear Readers:

Summertime 2008 . . . hurray! What better recovery from a long winter of snowy isolation, heating challenges, and endless white-knuckle driving — and, of course lots and lots of shoveling — than this warm, gentle, free-to-go-barefoot, green and sunny season.

We approach this summer with great enthusiasm. All the components are in place for the lifestyle we dream of: lakes at every turn of the road, scenic hills in the background, yards alive with greenery, and safe, simple events and celebrations throughout the region.

As the popularity and pace of summer in central Maine intensifies, so does the coverage in Summertime in the Belgrades. In addition to our usual interesting, informative, and action-generating stories, articles and columns, several new features will be covered each week. Among these are a weekly series by the dynamic Green Fusion 4^th graders who are making a difference, and setting an example, in the environment; a revision of our Calendar Directory to town by town, designed for trips with gas economizing in mind; hints on adapting to our changing world — weather patterns, emergency preparation, helpful resources; and tips on gardening and other food strategies to keep those shelves full . . . and share the extras.

Continuing a 17-year tradition, our regular summer articles will include a far-encompassing blend of events and activities, from watershed awareness to history, to fishing, to all the wonderful artistic and creative presentations in the area, to local lore, and to the unending festivals and outings that are fun, enriching, and family-oriented.

We encourage you to check out our many advertisers. They make our "Summertime" and your summertime possible and are the key to a great visit or vacation.

We also encourage you to check out our website, which carries an issue-by-issue sampling of articles and photos, and includes links to many of our advertisers.

We look forward to seeing you strolling through a farmers' market, eating ice cream by a lake or waterway, lugging blankets to an outdoor concert, gliding silently by watercraft through a golden sunset, smiling with the crowd at a loon-calling contest or Grange supper, and hugging your children or grandchildren because they deserve it and because you deserve the satisfaction that here is a time and a place, and a season, where life can be good.

Esther, Erle, and all the staff . . .

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Summertime in the Belgrades

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Welcome to Summertime!