ROCKLAND – The Penobscot Language School, at 28 Gay Street in Rockland, celebrated its 30th anniversary as a language center on Thursday, April 6. Board members, staff and some of the original founders all crowded into the space and enjoyed talk, a festive atmosphere and a sampling of hors d'oeuvres from around the world.

Joe Steinberger, of Rockland, was one of the originals founders of the school 30 years ago. He said he was pleased to see that Penobscot School was still going and making people happy. Steinberger retired form the school's board four years ago.

"I'm proud that with my former wife, Julie Schultz, to have started the school," he said. "It really started because Julie was teaching French and our friend, Bay Bigalo, was teaching Japanese. The idea came around that it might be fun to have an institution, and nonprofit would be the right format. This is the result."

Steinberger noted that things have changed a lot.

"The school is much more upscale which, is a mixed thing in my opinion," he said. "It's still going and making people happy and I am so pleased and I am grateful to have been invited."

Leslie Fillnow, president of Penobscot Language School, said the event was a wonderful turnout.

"For 30 years we've been very successful," she said. "Some of the founders had written to us and said they couldn't attend tonight. I think we have a bright future, but we are still trying to keep our unique charm."

Fillnow started taking German at the school 12 years ago.

"When I retired four years ago I became involved with the kitchen campaign," she said. "After that I joined the board and became president. We teach language cooking classes. I teach beginners Italian and cooking classes."

Fillnow said they do Saturday children's cooking classes in French, Portuguese and Italian. And they are preparing to do a culture camp for children which will involve them doing food, as well.

Dave Robichaud and Fillnow prepared all the food served for the evening event. There were 48 different dishes.

"We did the bulk of the food prep over the last two days," said Robichaud. "Some of the things were made ahead of time and some of the Italian things we made in Italian class. There are 48 different appetizers, Four for each country."

Founded in 1986 as a non-profit language school and center for international exchange, Penobscot School is a unique community international school. Over the years, over six thousand locals and over 500 foreigners have advanced their foreign language skills at Penobscot School and have learned more about the world in the process.