Aristotle once said, “To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing and be nothing.”

How do we shape our nation’s future more intelligently? We love peace and want to live our lives with faith and freedom honored equally. We want to remain safe and secure, in the face of the spirit of fear, as the worries of the world crowd in and steal our vibrancy. America has lost her innocence but still shines as a beacon of hope, opportunity and justice.

I try not to get involved in politics, but I surely would love to. Perhaps the changes in Washington will make the disjointed changes in our society and in America seem more hopeful. The many problems we face have shaped a deep and profound shift in the way we live and the way we perceive our country.

The American Idea is worth fighting for. We must make government simpler, leaner and smarter. We want the American Idea to live to restore prosperity, opportunity and security. We must be a beacon ”“ a magnet for all who want freedom. It is a worthy fight to preserve democracy.

Across our country there is a sense of worry and anxiety. A huge economic storm hit America in 2008. As a result, families are struggling. Nearly eight million Americans are unemployed and too many are living in poverty.

Our communities are a work-in-progress. Folks are attacking the problems with new energy and innovative thinking. Through-out our country people are thinking: We want a better future for our children, and we are ready for a comeback. Leadership can bring our country together again.

So, what steps can we take together to unite us? What is good for our country? Is it too late to solve our problems? We are faced with many; for example, we have problems associated with finance, the military, housing, commerce, energy, the environment, labor, national security, veteran’s affairs and many more. They are all extremely important and interesting issues.

In our community the great American turnout is starting. Knowing that the ladies of the Art Quilt Designers have a unique ability, Leslie Rounds, the executive director at the Dyer Library/Saco Museum, and Museum Director Tara Raiselis announced an exhibition, “Definitions: Words Interpreted by Fiber Artists,” which will run from Jan. 17 to Feb. 28. There will be an opening reception at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16.

“Definitions,” say museum officials, is the realization of more than a year’s worth of meetings and work on the part of the Art Quilt Designers. About 18 months ago, after participating in many theme-related monthly projects and studying from several design books, the members of the Art Quilt Designers challenged themselves to interpret one word per month.

Each month a different member provided the word challenge, but there were no limitations imposed on the members as to the size of the finished works, the material used or the method employed. “Definitions” is the culmination of this project and features fascinating, visually stunning and widely varying interpretations of a single word.

For people who are gifted with their hands, the Greeks say, “appreciate your hands.”

— Zaffie Hadiaris of Saco is the host of “Zaffie,” a weekly television talk show on Channel 3 Biddeford public access. It can also be seen at biddefordmaine.org. Contact Hadiaris at [email protected].