all is a time of transition, we often hear. And certainly, we feel the change in the air and see it in the landscape. We mourn the joys of summer as we’re forced to leave them behind for another year and think about going back to school, the gradual retreat indoors, the holidays in the distance. And maybe, as we change our activities and the pace of our lives, we ponder personal change. But if we are transitioning, the question is, to what?

In this issue, we could find out On the Street. In our popular interview segment, we asked a random sampling of area residents what they most anticipate with the approach of autumn. While a couple appear to think globally, and some locally, most choose to act personally, which may come as no surprise given the current state of global affairs. What are you looking forward to as the season changes?

If nothing speaks to you there, perhaps a vineyard getaway will turn your thoughts toward the pleasures of fall. Although Bend is well known for its love of beer, oenophiles are making their presence felt. Maybe you’re one. Maybe you need a Grape Escape.

Many people change things up for fall, switching out pillows and throws to give a different look to their home in the spirit of the season. Why not freshen up your wardrobe with accessories? In Wear This, we look at the gorgeous work of area artisans. Check them out—your wardrobe will thank you. Or see our design story later in the issue to find out what to do about those throw pillows.

For a bit of fun, check out our comparison between Bend and Portland—can you tell the difference? Or take a voyage of discovery, everything you never knew, or thought, about french fries.

We went out and met some of our fellow citizens around the area and are excited to tell you all about them in our feature section, A Day in the Life, where we share their stories and their working lives in the hope that we may all learn a little about worlds different from our own.

In the first, find out about a bright spot on the fall calendar, October’s BendFilm Festival, with director Todd Looby.

If you want to get acquainted with the people in the know in their neighborhoods, read about Steve Forrester, Prineville’s city manager; Jim Cornelius, editor of The Nugget in Sisters; Andrea Price, La Pine Park and Rec’s office manager; and Aly Waibel, a Bend business mentor and educator.

As the campfires of summer give way to the homey autumn scent of woodstoves, we are increasingly aware of a new shoulder season inserting its way in between—wildfire season, the smoky haze of which may make us wish to hasten our way into fall. Susan Stewart, who runs an on-site unit catering to firefighters, describes her job from the front lines.

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, they say (especially nowadays). And where there’s fire . . . we need to think about water use and management, issues of great concern in the High Desert. Madras farmer Phil Fine describes his involvement with the North Unit Irrigation District and Deschutes River Conservancy.

Delve into one more story in “Meet the Seatons,“ our Ageless feature. Muffy and Doug appear to be ageless indeed as they rocket about in their driving carriage. Find out how they’ve competed in, and won, competitions around the world. It will make you feel your oats.

Speaking of irrigation districts, Central Oregon Irrigation is celebrating its 100th year in 2018. What would we have done without them? (Seriously, what?)

Also celebrating 100 years of operation—the City of Prineville Railway. Read about its history on our Prineville town pages, and continue on to find out what’s happening in our other communities.

As we transition into a new season, I find myself thinking about changes I’d like to make, changes I hope for in the world, others I fear. But reading about the good work of people in the area, lives unlike my own, I feel a connection and a sense of optimism that together we can work it all out. •