— Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) I magine, summer is over and autumn has arrived. Summer’s light-hearted serenade ends and we begin to reap the rich harvest of fall. September is the harvest month. Maine’s beauty is captured. Since ancient times September has been viewed as the beginning of the new year.

Autumn brings to Maine many changes in the natural world. Autumnal changes bring new spirit and drama to our lives. Most everyone favors fall. In autumn one wonderful thing usually leads to another. How many seasonal pleasures do we seek?

There are some things that never change in our state. The dazzling of the leaves, state fairs, harvesting, farmer’s markets, and shorter and cooler days. The stores are being dressed for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

For me, I favor apple picking. It is breathtaking to be out in the open looking up at the trees bent over with red apples. I cannot wait to be reaching up for a beauty and then crunching a crisp, juicy apple. Thoughts of apple pie, apple sauce, apple dumplings and more make me drool. How many other fall tastes are there? Native watermelon, pumpkin, suppers of boiled, freshpicked corn, sliced tomatoes, winter squash and lobsters.

Autumn asks that we prepare for the future: letting go of our youngsters as they go off to school, packing up college students, football games and all the wonderful experiences that await them. Moms and dads, everyone recognize one moment of exquisite beauty in your own daily round.

Our community has many things to offer.

Southern Maine Health Care President Edward McGeachey would like to spread the word about SMHC’s walk-in care centers in Saco, Kennebunk and Waterboro. Walk-in care centers are a convenient option for non-emergency care and are gaining popularity both nationally and locally. These centers are open seven days a week.

At walk-in care centers no appointment is necessary and you do not have to be a patient of an SMHC physician to receive care. While it is important for everyone to have a primary care physician to maintain good health, when your doctor is not available, walk-in care offers another option for nonemergency care.

We are all grateful for all the SMHC Auxiliary does for SMHC, which allows the hospital to move forward on vital projects such as this.

It is the mission of Caring Unlimited to work with the community to end domestic violence in York County. This includes providing support and safe haven to women, their children and men whose lives are affected by domestic violence in a manner that honors their essential worth, nurtures their inherent strengths and respects their right of self-determination.

Caring Unlimited of Sanford receives many requests from users who would like to donate to the women’s shelter list. Call the shelter directly at 490-3227 and ask how to donate your items. If you would like to volunteer, call the same number and ask for current volunteer opportunities.

Lastly, the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce and Industry invites you to attend its 11th Annual Business to Business Expo Wednesday, Sept. 16 at XL Sports World, 400 North St., Saco.

— 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].