Kim McMahill

"In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous," Aristotle. I can think of no better way to describe Yellowstone in the fall. The park is always amazing, but nothing compares to the opportunity to enjoy its wonders without the hordes of people and to find complete solitude in much of its diverse landscape.

Make a Difference Day was initiated in 1990 and is observed on the fourth Saturday in October (October 24, 2020). This is a national day devoted to helping others by doing volunteer work in the community. On this day, millions of Americans participate in community improvement projects, including tasks to cleanup, fixup, paint, and conduct repairs in poorer neighborhoods, parks and municipal facilities. It doesn't matter whether you help a non-profit organization, parks, your community or town, a nursing home, a church, a food kitchen, or any other group in need, or what project you undertake. What matters is that you participate.  

  A recent day trip to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area left me asking myself why I don’t go there more often. Being past the summer boating and tourist season, we had the place nearly to ourselves. The scenery was stunning and spotting bighorn sheep and wild horses up close was a special treat. There are a number of cultural sites as well, including tepee rings and historic ranches. And, after a few overnight freezes and cool daytime temperatures to force the rattlesnakes into hiding or at least into a more sluggish behavior as they search for warming sunshine, I felt a little more comfortable hiking.

Sweetest Day was started in 1922 by Herbert Birch Kingston, a Cleveland, Ohio philanthropist and candy company employee. He gave candy and small gifts to orphans, shut-ins, and the under-privileged to bring happiness to these people and show them that they were not forgotten.   The popularity of this holiday quickly spread; however, the tradition morphed into people giving chocolates, candies, and other sweets to loved ones and friends. While this is nice, if you want to follow the original selfless intent of this special day, find ways to give candy and small gifts to those in need. In 2020, Sweetest Day is on October 17.

“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” ―  Kahlil Gibran

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  “Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” ―  R.J. Palacio,  Wonder

October has a number of days that remind everyone to be kind. I hope we can all exhibit empathy for others and look for what unites us during this very divisive month this year. Here’s what’s happening in October. 1 st – International Day for the Elderly 2 nd – World Smile Day 4 th – Oktoberfest ends in Germany 12 th – Columbus Day, Indigenous People Day, and Thanksgiving Day in Canada 16 th – Boss’s Day 17 th – Sweetest Day 24 th – United Nations Day and Make a Difference Day 31 st – Halloween