When we think of October, many of us think Halloween, autumn leaves, crisp evenings and for Coloradoans, the first snow! However, October shines a light on a slew of worthy causes. Here are two of them.October is Adopt a Shelter Dog month. We should be running with our tails between our legs because of this statistic. About 3.3 million dogs are taken in by animal shelters every year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This number is solely caused by human activity. Maybe there is some legitimate reason here and there for the relinquishment of a dog (heaven knows itís better than dumping a dog off on the side of the road), but 3.3 million? If you canít adopt a shelter dog this month or any other, volunteering your time or donating money is a big help to animal welfare organizations. And please spay and neuter your pets and encourage others to do the same. Be sure to read LC Gradyís article on Harleyís Hope Foundation, an organization based in Black Forest that helps keep people who have fallen on hard times and their beloved pets together through a variety of interventions. And of course check out our Pyrenees Rescue dogs up for adoption this month. For more information, visit†https://www.aspca.org/adopt/adopt-a-shelter-dog-monthOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We have made significant strides in breast cancer but we need to get to a point where breast cancer is a thing of the past. (Actually, all cancers!) It seems like lately, I have heard about friends of friends and relatives of friends ó all ranging from late 30s to 70s who have been diagnosed with cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, with the exception of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Breast cancer is the†second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. (Only lung cancer kills more†women each year.) In 2022, about 43,250 women will die from breast cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, cancer is caused by changes (mutations) to the DNA within cells. We have made strides in cancer prevention and treatment, but there is a long way to go.This month, be sure to read our columns. Terry Stokka in Land & Water covers the new Falcon Area Water and Wastewater Authority ó itís an interesting concept but the question remains: Where is the water really coming from? Also, Mark Stoller in his Markís Meanderings educates us on the details of the preparations and implementation of every aspect of Queen Elizabethís farewell services. Itís amazing. And in Prairie Life, Bill Radford talks about tumbleweeds, a topic germane to residents on the eastern plains. Weíve included an update on the sheriffís substation (although somewhat vague) and we reported on the final outcome of the rezoning request for Meadow Lake Industrial Park. Keeping up with development is challenging, but we are trying and we welcome your comments, questions and suggestions.It seems that School District 49 is constantly addressing SEL (Social and Emotional Learning). Itís different from critical race theory in education but equally controversial. So we are going to research it further for our November issue.Enjoy October; I think itís a month of great beauty and a fresh outlook. Have fun and be safe on Halloween.See you in November!– Michelle
