September is not only the full-fledged beginning of the new school year, it is also start-up time for organization activities that have filled many planning hours during the "dormant" days of July and August.

One has only to read the community calendar of Dawson events to be aware of the many happenings that vie for our time (and money). It's true that some of the most publicized are fundraisers, but they are also opportunities for fun.

Actually, that combination is embodied in the title of the Woman's Club's Luncheon Fashion Show on Saturday, "Giving Goes Glam." It's a glamorous way to help that group to give to many worthwhile projects. If you don't already have a ticket, it is probably too late - better luck next year!

Of course, you can still dress up your dog and parade in the Humane Society's "Pups in the Park."

It will soon be too late to enjoy the Rotary Island at Rock Creek, but not too late to say thanks to the Rotary Club for envisioning and financing that facility.

Congratulations also go to the newly launched REACT program, which partners technical schools and businesses with selective jail inmates for education and on-the-job training. Lanier Technical College, here in Dawson County, is a participant.

Another round of kudos goes to Bette Holland, who received the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women's president's award.

But I digress. It is easy to wander from "things to do" to "those who have been doing things." And I do want to remind folks that there are many local activities that cost little or nothing. Just check out programs at the library, senior center, arts center, and parks and rec, to name a few.

Some present and future activities also look to the past. For instance, Colby Hunter at our branch of Chestatee Regional Library has recently started a new book club featuring Georgia history. Last month's discussion was on "White Columns in Georgia," stories about some interesting buildings; Sept. 17's meeting focuses on some highly entertaining Savannah characters in "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." And DCWC members learned some Georgia history at the September meeting, when Sara Hines Martin talked about her book "More than Petticoats," describing some exceptional Georgia women born before 2000.

(Incidentally, there are several book clubs available to interested readers.)

Back to history - three members of the Dawson County Historical and Genealogical Society are working hard to finish a history of the county which they plan to have for sale in time to be Christmas gifts. More on that later.

If you failed to get a copy of the late Charles Finley's delightful history of Dawson County schools, "Yesterday Once More," the Retired Educators Association still has some for sale. Check at the library or call Nicky Gilleland.

Of course, if you're a golfer (or even a pheasant shooter), there are tournaments open, and racing fans can absorb both history and current information at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame.

But don't get too tired to enjoy the several church-sponsored barbecues in October. And, before you know it, the Mountain Moonshine Festival will be here.

Helen Taylor's column appears periodically in the Dawson Community News.