Good Thursday to All!
If you are currently in the central Maine area, I hope you are enjoying this steady rainfall that is so needed. I am sure it is raining in other areas, but I have not had a chance to check the weather map or see the news. Wouldn't it be a great day to be in a little cabin, deep in the woods, away from the hub bub of everyday life, sitting in front of a small wood fire, sipping a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage. And yes, it can be an adult beverage for it's 5 o'clock somewhere! This may not be everyone's first choice, but with everything going on in my life, I would enjoy the downtime. Oh, that would have to mean no cell phone service, not sure if I can do!
Last week I wrote about the upcoming State Fairs and I asked our readers to tell us what their favorite events of the fair were and I told you I would report back. Here are some of the responses we received:
Marilyn from Albion wrote : "A fond memory of the fairs from the time I was a teenager until my Mom passed away when I was in my late thirties was that my Mom used to exhibit canned fruits, pickles, vegetables and canned goods and she won multiple ribbons and cash prizes. I remember how proud she was when she got a Best of Show ribbon for her dill pickles and they put her picture and story in the newspaper."
Shirley from Monmouth wrote: "I like the jam/jelly and pie judging. I can appreciate what goes into them because I make a mean pie, jams and jellies myself..... at least my family thinks so."
Stephanie from Washington wrote: "I love to watch the horse races and my husband loves the food stands. I also love the Windsor Fair so much because of all the livestock they have."
Sybil from Livermore Falls wrote: "I love to look in all the exhibition buildings."
Linda from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania wrote: "We usually go to the Kutztown, PA fair with so many crafts to see and buy, so much good food to eat and lots of exhibits, artists and performers to see."
Margaret from Augusta wrote: "Growing up my favorite fair was the Skowhegan Fair. After my marriage, we always enjoyed the Union Fair and Fryeburg Fair. I miss them now that my husband is gone, but also as we get older it is very tiring to walk around the grounds. We live our memories."
Brenda from Troy wrote: "My favorite part of the fair was always the rides on the ferris wheel. I took my son last week to the Bangor Fair and there was no ferris wheel! Disappointed! But the rest of the fair was good."
This past Monday the China Dine-ah sponsored a team in the annual local United Way Golf Tourney. I had the pleasure of taking three of my kitchen staff and we had a great time! Ralph Arbour, who is our breakfast chef has been with us since we started in 2007; Ryan Cotnoir who is our assistant kitchen manager has been with us since the fall of 2008 and Ray Cotnoir who is our fry station cook and has been with us since the fall of 2009. Along with Megan Rogers our Head Chef/Kitchen Manager these folks do a tremendous job putting out some 90,000 meals last year. Kudos to you all! See photo below of our team.
Ralph Arbour, Ray Cotnoir, Ryan Cotnoir and Norm Elvin
Thanks to you all, we have our 5th anniversary coming up in October and we are making plans to celebrate! Not only are we still here, which is a feat in of itself, but we are also doing very well. In fact, we have the strongest staff that we have ever had.
We all look forward to serving you along with our very capable wait staff, headed up by Sherri Glidden and Michelle Glidden.
Hope to see you soon, thanks for following us through our newsletter.
Norm