It’s hard to believe but today is the first day of October, the first day of the last quarter of the year, and the first day of PAINT THE PAPER PINK.

Loyal LDN readers know that this is the month when we dedicate our daily editions to breast cancer warriors and survivors. Some of the “trim work” in the daily edition has been changed from basic black to pink. Throughout the month we will offer breast cancer awareness stories as well as stories about some of our local warriors and survivors.

The Pink Pumpkin Auction and several other “challenges” will take place, all raising money for the American Cancer Society.

And LDN will feature daily people representing local businesses, clubs and organizations, all showing their support for our local warriors and survivors by donning their pink shirts for a photo.

Following tradition that has been ongoing for the last several years, the first PINK picture of the month is the staff and management of Collision Concepts. Owners Erv and Cindy Guyett were extremely instrumental in getting the Pink Pumpkin Auction started along with Karen Castelein,  Nila Smith and the late Roy Logan of Lincoln Daily News.

This Thursday evening, the Guyetts will open their business for the auction, and their staff will be right there with them, helping throughout the evening.

It is part of their way of showing love and support for all warriors in our community, as well as cheering on those who are local survivors.

Photo by Karen Castelein  [Click on image for larger version] 

Lily Porter, a phlebotomist and patient access associate at Lincoln Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Month for August.

Many people experience anxiety about needles, which makes Porter’s job challenging. The phlebotomist does everything she can to make her patients feel safe and comfortable. She works to establish trust by explaining the steps involved.

“Lily is amazing at her job,” wrote her nominator. “She always does a good job sticking the patients and gets it right on the first try almost every time! She’s very soft-natured and spends an extra couple of minutes to make the patients feel okay.”

Porter has worked for Lincoln Memorial Hospital since 2022.

Photo by Kara Slating / Memorial Health  [Click on image for larger version]