August 27, 2009. Don't know if it's just a hold-over from the years I was in education (used to teach grades 8 to 12), but I always think that the year "really" starts in September, and this January to December demarcation seems quite artificial, to me. The Fall is a signal for new beginnings, to me. Evening classes offered, symphony and opera seasons, theatre playbills, yoga classe beginner levels (no excuse not to try it!), book club meetings, Fall schedule at the pool, you name it/there's something, and September seems to unleash that creative spark that summer's softer rhythm submerged. It is "back to school" time, though, and in some areas they've already started/in others, it's right after Labour Day (which is "late", this year). Pay attention to crosswalks, to distracted children, and to inattentive motorists...it's suddenly busy again on the streets/sidewalks, after the summer lull. Keep alert, and remember those speed zones. Locally, remember to thank all current members of the Lions Club...they do such good work on the Island, and support so many things. It's their 50th Anniversary on Salt Spring Island! Appreciated! Catch J. Mitchell Gallery's summer show -- runs till Sept. 20th. Talented roster of artists...welcome the new owner, and his manager. A new look to the gallery's displays. Drop by Auntie Pesto's, nearby, to view photographs by Gillean Proctor (from his Botanical series). Tree House Cafe continues the live music, nightly -- tonight, catch Sharon Bailey; on the 28th, it's Julia Beattie; on the 29th enjoy Lisa Maxx; on the 30th it's Billie Woods; Monday the 31st, enjoy Gene Grooms. The popular Open Stage is on the 1st, with Stephanie Rhodes holding down top spot on the 2nd. Always something great at Treehouse! More music at Moby's, with Classic Rock, by Paxton Bachman, from 8 to 11, and jazz with Henry Boudin & Friends on the 30th (7 to 10 p.m.). Enjoy! Drop by ArtSpring, or the Chamber/Tourist outlet, and pick up the brochure of ArtSpring's lineup for their Fall/Winter season...some great events coming to Salt Spring, from September 16 to May 4. Don't miss out! Tomorrow, at Salt Spring Vineyard, their new release, 2008 Pinot Gris & Merlot Rose, takes place...live music on Fridays, too, from 2 to 4 p.m. September 2, the Music & Munch series, at All Saints by the Sea, showcases Black Velvet Band (concerts are free, in this series, and begin at 12:10. Optional lunch, to follow, for $5.50. If you haven't attended this series, start now! A special evening with Valdy and The Usual Suspects at MarketPlace Cafe, in Harbour Centre, on the 30th, at 7 p.m. Enjoy the food and the sounds! Mark your calendars for the annual Terry Fox Run -- Sept. 13th. I saw Terry on his run, in northern Ontario, heading west, just before he had to call off his race across the country. It was both heart-breaking and inspiring, and is not something one ever forgets. Terry Fox 09, for cancer research. Call 1-888-836-9786 for more information. This Sunday, the 30th, there's a half-day Zen meditation retreat, at Ango Retreat, with Peter Levitt. Contact Simon at 250-537-1721 for more details. An opportunity to feed your soul? If you can't dial in the local radio station (107.9 on your fm dial), then catch them over the web at: cfsi-fm.com Have your ideas for programming? Give them a call! Winding down summer/gearing up for Fall...it's a hiatius moment. Tread lightly!