“…the farm is headed for the woods. The wild is already veined in it everywhere, its thriving.” Wendell Berry

Summer is vanishing. We are now navigating into fall. We are intent, bursting like the season with energy for the coming New England months.

We have grown into this season enjoying the comfortable weather while harvesting. The sweet endless rustle of summer and the mild autumn air smells of leaves, apples and wild grapes.

I know autumn is here when I hear the football players practicing at Thornton Academy. The wind carries the sound of clashing helmets and cheering to my ears.

They turn in my heart like a key unlocking memories of football events.

We want to hold our community in our hands and make it work for us. We weave our community from the farm all the way to the ocean, rocky coast, mountains, rivers, lakes and fields.

As we enter another harvesting season we give thanks to the farmers for their hard work in putting quality food on our table.

This is the perfect time to visit our farmer’s markets and fresh vegetable stands in our communities such as Saco Farmer’s Market, Saco River Market, Old Orchard Beach Ballpark Farmer’s and Artisan Market and more.

Because of the cool climate, Maine is one of the best apple growing states. Picking apples begins around the end of August.

Many of Maine’s apple orchards are open to the public on weekends for apple picking. It is breathtaking to look and see clusters of shiny red apple clinging to the trees. It is mouthwatering. Oh, how I enjoy crisp, juicy apples!

This is a good time to remind folks of the Shaker Hill Apple Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 23 and Sept. 24.

Apples are an exceptionally healthy fruit with many researched backed benefits. While we are on the subject of apples let us find out what vitamins are in apples? Vitamin A, B 1=thiamine, B 2, B 3= niacin, B 5, B 6, B 9, C=ascorbic acid, K, E.

The following is from an evidenced-based article from experts at Authority Nutrition about the top health benefits of apples:

1. Apples are nutritious.

2. Apples maybe good for weight loss. They are particularly filling due to high fiber content.

3. Apples may be good for the heart.

4. They are linked to a lower risk of diabetes.

5. They may have prebiotic effects and promote good gut bacteria.

6. Substances in apples may help prevent cancer.

7. Apples contain compounds that help fight asthma.

8. Apples may be good for bone health.

9. Apples may protect against stomach injury from Naiads.

10. The antioxidants in apples help may protect your brain in old age.

11. Apples are incredibly good for you, and eating them is linked to a lower risk of major diseases.

For the greatest benefit eat the whole fruit – both skin and flesh.

The York County Retired Educators Association Travel Committee has planned a trip to experience the wonder of McAulliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, New Hmpshire on Friday, Oct. 20.

Their coach leaves Biddeford Walmart parking lot at 9 a.m., stopping at Wells Transportation Center at 9:40 a.m.. (No stop in Kittery) The coach will take you to Concord, New Hampshire for a buffet lunch at the Red Apple. The coach will arrive at the Discovery Center to enjoy an afternoon of learning, including a show in the Planetarium. Participants should be back in Biddeford by 6 p.m.

The cost of the trip is $48 per person, which includes transportation, your admission to the Discovery Center and Planetarium, and driver’s tip. The buffet at Red Apple is not included.

Participants are asked to get their check in before Sept. 22  deadline. Mail checks to, Sheila Painchaud, 69 Fox Hill Lane, Saco, Me. 04072.

Fore details. call Marie Maguire at 499-7401, Sheila Painchaud at 282-1795, or Joan Warren at 499-2304.