The neighborhood's school children returned to classes this week. All across the community, the yellow buses rolled on Wednesday morning, and most drivers found a little difficulty adjusting to their newly-assigned routes. With the end of the summer schedule, parents and their kids struggled to make the adjustment to another set of new daily routines: where will the school bus arrive, and will it be on time; have the school assignments been made correctly; where can the children find a safe place for after-school activities, until their parents can pick them up and bring them home?

A survey of some local schools showed that there were some problems with bus schedules, and more than a few parents dealt with the frustration of missed class assignments. But the morning largely went off well, and the new school year opened with a great sense of promise for the children.

The first days of September are always hectic in the neighborhoods. And it occurs not just in the classrooms, but in the political and civic activities as well. As the calendar turns to this new month, political discussions heat up, as Boston voters will be asked to choose candidates for the Boston City Council. In District 3, popular incumbent Maureen Feeney - for the first time - faces no opposition, and is assured re-election. In District 4, 10-term Councillor Charles Yancey will face two opponents, while some 14 candidates are seeking election to one of four at-large Council seats. The winnowing-out process begins in just 19 days, as the preliminary municipal election is set for Tuesday, Sept. 23. Those nominated will appear on the ballot for a final election on November 4.

Meanwhile, civic activists will gear-up to deal with a host of new issues that have gone largely unattended over the summer. Dorchester's many civic associations have, collectively, long been one of our neighborhoods most meaningful institutions, examples of grassroots democracy in action. And the civic groups will begin their season in earnest this week, with meetings being held almost nightly in virtually every part of the community.

These groups really are a microcosm of neighborhood life. In every corner of the neighborhoods, from Columbia-Savin Hill to Mattapan Square, Neponset to Uphams Corner, residents come out of their homes, meet their neighbors and give their opinions on local issues that need to be addressed. From traffic congestion to crime activities, commercial expansions to the need for youth activities, much of what goes on in the neighborhoods is discussed and often decided in these remarkable public meetings open to every resident.

Especially welcome are newcomers to the neighborhood. The civic groups are all-volunteer, operating with virtually no budget. They meet in church halls, veterans posts, and living rooms all across the town. Often, a nominal fee is charged to help pay for postage and mailings, to keep members informed. Whether you are new to the neighborhood, or have lived here for years, you are encouraged to get active in your local civic association. It truly is amazing how effective these grassroots groups can be.

-Ed Forry