All about fall

We've packed an enormous amount of information in this issue, so I'm having trouble deciding where to begin ...

How about celebrating fall? Yes, the season of changing leaves, football games and apple cider is upon us. And we have all the fun, family-friendly places to go in our annual Fall Family Fun Guide. This is the place to look for cool-weather happenings around town. Want to find the perfect pumpkin patch? We've got it! Corn maze? Got it! Be sure to save this special section to help plan your weekend activities.

While on the subject of special sections, also included in this issue is our award-winning third annual Family Guide to Ohio Colleges. I challenge you to find a more thorough guide to gearing up for college anywhere. Writer Jerrie Strickling takes almost an entire year to compile this indispensable guide - an idea born out of her family's first trek through the college navigational system just 3 years ago.

The theme of this year's guide is the cause and effect of education over three life stages: the early years, the middle years and continuing education. We'll show you step-by-step what to do to prepare for college, saving you tons of time trying to figure everything out on your own. Plus, comprehensive school listings make it easy to compare and choose a school. Even more info is available on our Web site.

The crown jewel of the guide is our exclusive interview with Bill Cosby! A longtime advocate for higher education, Cosby tells us why he thinks education is so important and why YOU can go to college - no excuses.

Also in this issue: Profiles of breast cancer survivors - a subject close to the heart of many, including me. Having lost a friend last year to this disease, and having other amazing survivors in my life, I'm committed to helping spread the word about breast cancer and what all of us can do to help get rid of it.

Speaking of helping others, read the story about Dining by Design, a fundraiser organized by the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA). This swanky event being held later this month features design luminaries and culinary giants in a feast for the eyes and palate. Proceeds benefit the Pater Noster House and Nationwide Children's Hospital.

Let's talk about boys and girls. Who's harder to raise? I'm sure you have an opinion. Check out our article and see if you agree with other parents around town. And just why are there so many gender differences anyway? Read up to find out.

Finally, if you're looking to re-enter the workplace, we have a story just for you. Where to start, how to plan, even what to wear. Be sure to check our online story calendar too, because we have several job-related articles this month, full of more resources than you can imagine.