The big shred: It’s time to start sorting through your paperwork to locate any unneeded documents ready for shredding at the CountrySide/Cascades free shred event on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. until noon. As you sort, remember to remove any plastic materials. Paperclips, staples and any metal that can be bent by hand may remain. You should plan on taking any cardboard carrying boxes back home with you for reuse.

Shining shores: The Alice Ferguson Foundation is hosting a shoreline cleanup along the Potomac at Algonkian Regional Park on Saturday, Sept. 15, in honor of the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup Day. The 9 a.m. until noon cleanup is open to the public, but attendees must r.s.v.p. in advance to participate. For information and to reserve a participant spot, contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Writing on quilts: The CountrySide Quilters group meets Tuesday, Sept. 18, for a business meeting and a presentation titled “It’s OK to Write on Your Quilt” by Cindy Souder of Moonlighting Quilts. Souder, a quilt designer, teaches at a variety of area locations. The presentation she brings to CountrySide was originally offered at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, a landmark national event for the quilting community. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Lutheran Church in Cascades. Non-members are welcome to attend. For information, contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Vendors wanted: The CountrySide Proprietary is searching for crafters and vendors to participate in the community’s 2012 Family Fall Fest, to be held Saturday, Oct. 6, from noon until 4 p.m. Crafters of all types are encouraged to participate, as are vendors representing national businesses such as Avon, Mary Kay, Home Living and others. CountrySide residents may rent a space for $10. The space rental fee is $15.00 for non-residents. Tables are available for $10, on a first-come, first-served basis. To participate, contact Kelly at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Start rehearsing: The Sterling Playmakers hold auditions on Friday, Sept. 21, and Saturday, Sept. 22, for “A Visit to the North Pole,” to be performed on weekends in December. The auditions will include cold readings, Christmas carol singing and the performance of any special skills such as dancing or juggling. The auditions take place at the Sterling Community Center on Friday at 7 p.m. and on Saturday at 2 p.m. For information, contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Farmers Market: Although the days are growing shorter and the air may be growing cooler, keep in mind that the Cascades Farmers Market continues on Sundays through Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the Cascades Senior Center. And, in case you’re wondering, yes, the time is right to begin pre-ordering holiday treats from area farmers.