High school sports teams for the fall season are in action. Schools have been back in session for several weeks already. Labor Day is history. The calendar says September. Many activities are scheduled for the coming weeks, including Day of Play, Movie in the Park, Ballet under the Stars, Oktoberfest. The first full day of – gasp! – autumn is Sept. 22.

Ah, perhaps the worst of our summer blues are over…

Our restaurants and retailers – at least most of them – have survived yet another long and hot summer. Scores of people were gone over the past three or four months, but we’re hoping they are slowly trickling back into town.

On the political front, two separate citizens groups are gearing up for a November mail-in only ballot featuring questions on a street bond for Saguaro Blvd. and budget overrides and a capital bond for the Fountain Hills Unified School District.

Our local economy has rebounded somewhat in the past few years, but everyone will tell you that additional progress is needed.

Nonetheless, as we fade from summer into autumn – maybe not in temperatures but perhaps a state of mind – let us celebrate our spirit of community through special events, volunteerism, school-related functions and a slew of other activities and festivals that will be occurring through the fall months and into the festive holidays.

It’s a beautiful time of the year in the Sonoran Desert, and we believe the Town of Fountain Hills remains a viable community for people of all ages where they can live, work and play.