by M.J. Flinkstrom
FITCHBURG, Mass. — Last month's major event was Kesäjuhla with its usual Finnish activities being filmed by a crew from New York City for a documentary depicting Finns living on the East coast of America. They came a day earlier to visit the site and to do an interview attempted in the old Finnish language that I learned in the 1930s and '40s. It was laughable and took twice as long as planned. Then on Sunday, after 6 months still recovering from a stroke, our President Linda appeared in her wheelchair to greet the crowd and give tribute to hard-working volunteers who have made Saima Park a memorial to Finns.
Raivaaja was there with books and music to sell. Festival Artist Elizabeth Syvari's creative designs of gnomes were on display along with sample fabrics and craft supplies she used to make them. People were eating barbecued chicken, hotdogs, coffee and pulla near them in the ravintola and outside in the pavilion the orchestra and folk musicians were playing.
The program included Maija Mård's son Tuomas making a loving memorial speech about his parents. The chess tournament and basket raffle winners were announced and the students being recognized were on stage to speak as they received their awards. Scholarships of $1,000 each were presented to six winners sponsored by Finnish Center members. It is gratifying to be able to support the varied interests of young people with goals they want to accomplish.
Here is how they were introduced before they spoke at the award ceremony —
Kallen Donalds, Lunenburg, MA — Kallen is headed to Finland in July to pursue his higher education in a place connected to his heritage. He has studied Finnish language and culture at Saima Park. His future plans include medical school.
Sage Orni, Lunenburg, MA — Sage recently graduated from Lunenburg High School and plans to explore economics, applied mathematics, or statistics in her higher education. As a frequent attendee at Saima Park's breakfasts, she declares that Saima pannukakku is the best she has ever tasted!
Kayla Flinkstrom, South Berwick, ME — Kayla is currently a student in the Integrated Studies Program at Saint Joseph's College of Maine, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2028. Kayla promotes disability awareness through her involvement with Special Olympics and raising awareness on her campus. She hopes her studies will lead her to more independence.
Mary Pariseau, Phillipston, MA — Mary is currently the Head Surgical Technician at Lunenburg Veterinary Hospital. She is pursuing a nursing degree at Mount Wachusett Community College. She is drawn to nursing because it combines technical skill and human connection, qualities she has spent years developing through her work and life experiences.
Max Fitch, Arlington, MA — Max recently graduated from Arlington High School and is planning to major in psychology. He is specifically interested in how psychology impacts the large language models that drive AI, and how personal biases of an AI creator can impact the moral and practical perspectives of these programs.
Alise Sulin, Rindge, NH — Alise recently graduated from Conant Middle High School in Jaffrey, NH. She would like to pursue a career as an animal specialist to support not only the animals, but also the people who love and care for them.
Summer events are coming to a close, but Revontulet dancers continue to welcome people to their Friday night dances. Fourth Saturday Breakfasts are back on schedule. Gentle Yoga at Saima Park is free and open to the public to the end of August.
Beginning now on Sunday mornings, Nordic Walking has become another athletic activity to participate in at Saima Park. It's an idea from the “future” committee of younger folks who want to revive the traditional things enjoyed by families years ago.
Vacation time has ended and soon we will be busy making plans for the Saima Car Cruise and Nordic Tori/Marketplace in September at the Finnish Center. Let there never be a dull day, only joyful ones!