“Community is a beautiful thing: sometimes it even heals us and makes us better than we would otherwise be.”  Philip Gulley

America, land that we love, our home sweet home. Enjoy the day. It is a beautiful, gorgeous October day. Go outside and look up at the clear blue sky. Enjoy the colorful landscape. Soak in the atmosphere. The morning sun is shining just for us. Find happiness in everything you do.

Early the other morning as I was looking out the window at my flowers, I saw a flock of at least 50 baby birds, different species.  They looked like fluffy balls of feathers pecking on the ground. The bird were so cute! I could not believe what I saw.

Nestled among the birds were many busy tail squirrels also munching on something on the ground. It was a slice of tranquility: serene, still and quiet.  It brought me a wonderful sense of joy and peace. It was a gentle reminder that good things are possible. It reminds us to embrace what is truly important in life and letting go of the rest. (I have never seen so many squirrels.)

Very soon we will be voting.  We have had decades of war, turmoil and world change in these confused and searching times. The future won’t be easy. But working together, I see no reason why we can’t accomplish whatever we make up our minds to do.  We want calmness, peace and social justice in our lives. Well, the 21st century can be a dangerous time of declining productivity or a decrease of opportunity with new markets and expanded growth.

October is a very busy month. Our community finds happiness in its achievements and everything it does. The choices in life are endless. Just to name a few. On the weekend of Saturday, Oct. 20 there will be a retreat at St. Demetrios Church at 186 Bradley St. in Saco.  His Grace Bishop Athanasios, from Misumu, Kenya will speak about Life in Kenya/Life in the United States concerning Spiritual & Practical Strength and Weaknesses. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. Followed by discussion and lunch! Free will offering. All monies collected will go for the work of the Diocese of Kisumu.

On Sunday Oct. 21, a service with His Grace Bishop Athanasios Orthos starts at 8:45 a.m. at the church; with Liturgy at 10 a.m. and after the Liturgy, a Reception. The church is asking everyone to bring food so everyone can enjoy a wonderful “Reception” all together.

To introduce Kisumu city, it is a quiet port town on the shores of Lake Victoria with wide streets and fine colonial architecture. Kisumu was awarded city Status in 2001 and has grown into an attractive urban center, with an excellent museum. It is one of Kenya’s largest open markets with excellent facilities for visitors.

Located just a Kilometer from Kisumu’s central business district is the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary. A walking sanctuary and holding area for animals which require special protection in this densely populated area. Herds of Impala and Zebra roam freely in the sanctuary.

Kenya is a renowned sporting nation and athletics is her forte. Kenyan athletes have earned the country the title, Home of Champions, as they represented the country as Olympic and Commonwealth champions: crossing the line in first, second and third place.