I n the turning of the seasons, the awesome beauty of autumn surrounds us. The color of the leaves turn from green to beautiful, breathtaking shades of yellow, orange, rust red and brown. The trees drop their leaves, scattering them to the ground, painting the soil. As the natural world changes and the creative process continues, we also feel our own creativity gaining power.

This creativity releases energy that goes through us and out to others. We are fortunate to have an abundance of creative people in our community, people who use their creativity to positively affect the world around them. We have men and women who serve special and unique purposes, opening themselves to opportunities and progress. They move forward continuously, from one experience to the next, with confidence, trusting the strength needed will be given to them. Their forward steps make it easier for those who follow.

These people serve our community in so many ways. They work and/or volunteer in municipalities, hospitals, libraries, charities, support groups, food pantries, fundraising groups, historical societies and service clubs, and on environmental projects, among other services. They volunteer at churches, through board or committee participation, worship service support, choir participation, religious education and meal programs.

They assist with education, youth and school services, committee work, classroom help, library assistance, tutoring, office assistance, special needs assistance, sharing books with local children, after-school care for neighborhood children, alumni association service, teaching adult classes and literacy help volunteers.

One group of creative people serving our community is the York County Retired Educators Association. It held its first meeting of the season at the Dutch Elm Golf Course in Arundel. The meeting was called to order by Nancy Sullivan. The organization provides needed services in the community.

Another group of creative individuals who provide service are the women of the St. Fotini Society of St. Demetrios Orthodox Church. Their new season began this month with a dinner meeting called to order by Carol Xanthopoulos.

The Greek ladies society was organized for the first time in 1928 under direction of the priest of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, then located in Biddeford. The society was named “The New Generation,” and the original constitution was adapted at that time. The purpose of the organization was to give support, financial and moral, to the church and Greek School, and to propagate philanthropic deeds.

In November 1937, the ladies society was re-organized and a new name was chosen, St. Fotini Society. From that date on, the organization has played a very significant role in the growth and prosperity of the church.

St. Fotini will hold its annual holiday bazaar at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Saco on Nov. 19.

We are blessed with many more wonderful organizations. One special group is the Southern Maine Health Care Ladies Auxiliary. They will hold their opening meeting on Oct. 26 at the Nonantum, 95 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport. The event begins with a social period and business meeting at 11 a.m., at noon will be lunch and Jeannie Madore, owner and pilates instructor at Forever Fit of Biddeford, will speak.

The menu includes roasted pumpkin soup with spiced pecans; a choice of entrees, which includes petite pot pie, apple stuffed pork loin or vegetarian strudel; orange-scented orzo and green beans; and for dessert, Cranberry Pear Crisp a la Mode.

Cost is $25 per person; checks – payable to SMHC Auxiliary – may be mailed to SMHC Development Office at: 1 Medical Center Drive, P.O. Box 626, Biddeford, ME 04005-9923. To pay with a credit card, call Chrissie Attura at 283-7235.

— 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 Zaffie at zhadiaris@hotmail.com.