The newspaper has received the annual “Chase's Calendar of Events” book for several years and it's always fun to look over the listings of events and to find out such important facts as when “Six Million Dollar Man” premiered on TV (October 20, 1973 — 40 years ago this year!) or that you need to make sure you have a pen and paper ready next week for “Love Note Day,” September 27! If you forget or happen upon this article after September 27, write it on the 2014 calendar as it always celebrated on the fourth Friday in September.

To keep you up to date for next month, October 2013, we've chosen 10 of the top celebrations as listed in Chase's:

1. October is Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month. We know a few people who have adopted dogs from shelters and we commend them for doing so. If you have a place in your home and a place in your heart for these abandoned canines, please do so. They'll love you for it.

2. It's also American Cheese Month! Who doesn't like cheese!? And remember, the Boothbay Region Historical Society is holding its annual Cheese and Sweet Treats sale on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the society museum on Oak Street.

3. Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Raise money, raise awareness. We want to conquer this disease!

4. Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Peggy Pinkham, Tina Tucker and other local citizens have worked hard to educate the public about this social problem. Become more educated by logging on to www.ncadv.org.

5. October is National Bake and Decorate Month. If you want anyone to test your creations, we are at 97 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor.

6. National Popcorn Poppin' Month. Chase's calls it “America's native snack.” According to the fun website, www.popcorn.org, the average American eats 51 quarts of popcorn annually. And Julie and Doug Roberts of Coastal Maine Popcorn have probably boosted that consumption total locally by opening that great store on the main drag!

7. October is National Work and Family Month. Ten years ago (2003), the U.S. Senate passed a resolution which, in part, states: “supporting a balance between work and personal life is in the best interest of national worker productivity,” and that reducing any conflict between the two “should be a national priority.” Love work ... then go love your family.

8. Squirrel Awareness Month. We added this one in because one of our co-workers was working outside this week and a squirrel jumped (or fell) out of a tree onto her face! So if you go outside in October … be aware (or beware!). If you really love these critters, visit www.thesquirrelloversclub.com. Our former colleague, Lynn Cartwright, might belong to this club.

9. October is Intergeneration Month. Connect with your kids, parents and grandparents sometime this month. Make a scrapbook, plan a supper together, attend an activity together, etc. We are FAM-IL-Y!

10. And last, but not least, October is Photographer Appreciation Month. Say thank you to a photographer who helps capture family history, current events or nature's beauty. Thanks, from me, to all the local photographers (including my brother) for being an inspiration to me.