The transition from summer to fall is full of intensity and contrast: hot sun to cool winds, long evening light to moody early dusk, bright green leaves to warm yellow and orange, lazy summer vacations to structured school days.
Going back to school always brought about a wide range of intense and sometimes conflicting emotions for me. Sadness at the end of summer freedom and excitement for new supplies and old friends. Nervousness for new classes and teachers and eagerness to remember and revive old skills (someone please remind me how to find the volume of a sphere or cite sources in an essay!); And all of this bound by an unrealized yearning for routine and structure.
Nowadays my life is in constant transition with two little boys. Just when one routine is established, the baby or the three-nager enters a new phase and we are finding a fresh rhythm all over again. But in the big picture, I feel like I have finally made it through the major transition of becoming a second-time mom and also the Managing Editor of Our Broomfield at the same time! Our next big transitions include Pre-K, potty training, and crawling. Oh boy!
In this issue we have two great Back To School articles with tips to ease the transition into routine, whether your students are older or younger, excited or nervous. For all parents and students headed back to school this fall, I wish you a happy first day and a year full of learning and growth!
It is also a great time to remember that some kids desperately look forward to returning to school, as it is the only place they can reliably expect a meal. Broomfield FISH (the local food bank) is having its annual luncheon to acknowledge all that has been accomplished in our community to help those in need, as well as raise funds to continue the effort. Look for the article on page 26 to learn about the event and how to help.
In this intro-to-fall issue you will also find articles and recipes about how to utilize your fall garden harvest. Pack a healthy school lunch, make a comforting dinner, share with a neighbor, or pass along the abundance to community members in need.
Here at Our Broomfield, we are getting ready for two annual community participation traditions that begin in the fall. The first is our Pet Contest! Each year we accept photos of your cute and cuddly creatures to be featured in the October Pet issue. Check out our ad on page 37 to submit your furry, feathery, or fishy friend! The best pet photo, as selected by the Our Broomfield team, will be on the cover with other favorites sprinkled throughout the pages.
Speaking of favorites, it is once again time to begin voting for Our Broomfield Favorites! We want to hear all about YOUR favorite local businesses. Check out the QR code on page 24 to vote from now until October 15. Winners selected by the community will be featured in our January 2027 issue.
Until next time!
Megan Mayes
