September is a very busy time in the social, fundraiser and civic calendar in Monroe, Mich.

In keeping with the tradition that many families were out of town during the automotive factory shutdowns in July, the community calendar significantly slows down for about six weeks in the summer.

But the social calendar returns with a vengeance during the first week of school. You would not believe the number of e-mails, faxes and phone calls that The Monroe Evening News newsroom has received this week for fundraisers, dinners, club meetings, garage sales, open houses, festivals, speakers, chicken dinners … oh my!

If you are looking for things to do in Monroe County that will be cheap family fun, or help you live a frugal lifestyle, there will be plenty of events to pick from this month. Go to the MonroeTalks calendar and search by date or by category.

Here’s one example: charity garage sales and rummage sales.

I did pay a visit to the Salvation Army’s tent sale earlier today. There were several shoppers poking through  tables full of clothes. The sign said $4 a bag, so it was worth a few minutes of my time to check it out. But everything I liked was size 8. (Ahem! I have never been a size 8.)