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I’ve started a file in my office that I call “Excellence.” In it, I have begun to collect little success stories involving the people and programs in our community, especially ones about the schools and our young people. Some of these stories you may already know, some you may not. I’d like to share them with you, so here’s one: The Mass. Dept of Education announced in April that the Lowell Even Start Program ranked Number 1 in the state based on a comprehensive review that focused on criteria such as learning gains, test scores, and attendance. Operated by the Early Childhood Development office for the past six years and located at the Family Literacy Center, Lowell’s Even Start Program works with the Adult Education Center to provide educational programs for the parents and children of disadvantaged families. Lowell’s program is one of 19 statewide. If you haven’t visited the Family Literacy Center at 26 Palmer Street, you should—it’s a wonderfully colorful, child-centered, family space that is especially good for reading together. (They also appreciate donations of gently used children’s books.)

My mother often refers to someone she likes particularly well as ‘a peach.’ Now that I’ve discovered the joy of a fresh local peach, I can see why the usage came about to describe someone rare and special and always welcome.  The peaches, blueberries, corn and tomatoes, among other things, are now being picked at Parlee Farm in Tyngsboro.  You can buy from their store or save money and get more of a farm experience by picking your own.  They also have home-made baked goods (people seem to like the apple cider doughnuts that do smell heavenly), ice cream and an animal-petting area.  Families with young children, daycares, and elementary school groups by the busload come to enjoy a day at the farm. Occasionally I treat myself to a bouquet of their fresh flowers: