Since 1987, library sign-up month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. From Astor to Umatilla, Lake County has 16 public libraries. Residents can check out books and non-residents can browse thousands of volumes and other materials. In Sumter County, there are five libraries, in Bushnell, Webster, Lake Panasoffkee and two in The Villages. For more information, visit www.mylakelibrary.org or www.sumtercountyfl.gov. 

The South Lake Animal League’s Puttin’ Fore Paws golf tourney is planned for Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Green Valley Country Club, 14601 Green Valley Blvd., Groveland. Registration starts at 8am, followed by a 9am shotgun start. Golfers of all skill levels are invited to attend and participate in a day of friendly competition. Proceeds raised will directly benefit animals rescued by the animal league. For tournament fees and details, visit www.theanimalleague.org/puttinforepaws.

According to almanac.com, the first day of fall—aka the autumnal equinox—arrives on Sept. 22 (in the Northern Hemisphere). Floridians may not experience significantly cooler temperatures, but we will see shorter and shorter days.  

September is World Beach Month, so why not celebrate at one of the serene West Coast or surf-worthy Atlantic beaches less than two hours away? Here are some sandy statistics courtesy of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection:

There are 1,350 miles of coastline in Florida
Florida is home to 575 beaches
There are 825 miles of sandy beaches in our state
Florida’s beaches host 33 million tourists annually
Florida’s beachy businesses generate roughly 56 billion dollars in annual revenue
About 900,000 Floridians are employed doing beach-related jobs

Thirty years ago, September was established as “Classical Music Month” in the U.S. to celebrate classical music’s beauty, complexity and timelessness. The proclamation recognizes this musical genre’s historical influence and role as a unifying force in the world. Locally, we can experience this beautiful artistic excellence by The Villages Philharmonic with Maestro Pasquale Valerio and the talented musicians in the orchestra. For more information about the 2024-’25 season, visit www.thevillagesphilharmonic.org.

September is National Mushroom Month, time to celebrate mushrooms, a specialty crop cultivated in Florida all year. Fungi, which are full of fiber, are also a great substitute for meat. The following is a great recipe for veggie stuffed mushrooms provided by Fresh from Florida:

24 medium-sized Florida mushroom caps, rinsed and stems removed
1 cup Florida zucchini, finely diced
1/2 cup onion, finely diced
1/2 cup radish, finely chopped
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
3 Tbsp. parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tsp. freshly ground pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine all ingredients except mushrooms; mix well. Stuff mixture into mushroom caps and place stuffed mushrooms on large baking pan. Bake until mushrooms soften and mixture begins to brown, approximately 15 minutes.

You can say “cheers” in many languages but this month “prost!” will be heard all over Germany as steins clink celebrating Oktoberfest. Fortunately, you don’t have to visit Bavaria for tasty suds because Lake County has its share of brewmeisters. To smell the boiling hops and taste local brews, visit the following breweries:

Clermont: Suncreek Brewing Company, Clermont Brewing Company
Eustis: Wolf Branch Brewing Company
Leesburg: Bully Brewing Inc., Wolf Branch Brewing Company, Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room
Mount Dora: Eden Abbey Brewing Community, Wolf Branch Brewing Company

Local author and project management professional Casel Burnett lays out his lessons for achieving one’s fullest potential in “No Regrets-What My Dad Tried to Teach Me and Now I Know.” Burnett, an expert in Kaizen (meaning ‘change for the better’ or ‘continuous improvement’ in Japanese), explains his plan for success based on his work and life experiences. “I love being in The Villages and am inspired by local high school students as I see them promoting skilled trades and even prepping for college,” he says. With this in mind, Casel hopes “No Regrets” becomes a source for all ages. Leaders Press, 2023. Available on Amazon.

Hear what Lake County political candidates have to say during a public Meet & Greet on Saturday, Oct. 5, 1-3pm, at the Universalist Unitarian Congregation, 1235 Mt. Home Rd., Eustis. The event, hosted by the church’s Social Justice and Environment Committee and the League of Women Voters of The Villages/Tri-County, will feature tables in the Social Hall for local candidates from all parties to display literature and talk with voters. At 2pm, candidates will speak briefly in the sanctuary about their qualifications and plans for serving voters while in office.