FALL FORWARD.(SPACES)

Touchstones for the season aheadImportant dates Sept. 22 First day of autumn Sept. 25 Yom Kippur Oct. 11 Columbus Day Oct. 15 Ramadan begins Oct. 31 Halloween in season The sweet scent of ripe apples hangs in the air over the Hudson and Mohawk valleys. Look for new varieties such as Ginger Gold, a good choice for baking. Oysters come back in season with the onset of colder water temperatures. Blue Point oysters are named for Blue Point, Long Island, where these exceptionally fine bivalves were first discovered. Rich and hearty meats take center stage this time of year. Look for special prices on beef, hams and turkeys and buy ahead for the holidays. gardening Empty …