October 2026 Newsletter

Holiday and events

Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Dyslexia Awareness Month
Cybersecurity Awareness Month

• Oct 1 – International Coffee Day

• Oct 4 – National Golf Lovers Day

• Oct 5-11 – Mental Illness Awareness Week

• Oct 8 – World Dyslexia Day

• Oct 9 – International Beer and Pizza Day

• Oct 10 – World Animal Road Accident Awareness Day

• Oct 10 – World Mental Health Day

• Oct 15 – National Motorcycle Ride Day

• Oct 16 – National Boss’s Day

• Oct 19 – Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day

• Oct 21 – National Apple Day

• Oct 24 – Make a Difference Day

• Oct 31 – Halloween

Is El Niño Coming? Now Is the Time to Prepare for Flooding

Meteorologists are closely monitoring a developing El Niño pattern for the 2026-27 season, with forecasts suggesting many parts of the country could experience wetter-than-normal conditions. While weather patterns can change and no forecast is guaranteed, states including Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Nevada, Tennessee, and Virginia may face an increased risk of heavy rainfall, flooding, and severe winter weather.

In particular, California, Arizona, Nevada, and parts of Oregon could see a greater risk of flooding and mudslides, especially in areas affected by wildfires or located near steep terrain.

Now is the time to prepare. Homeowners should inspect roofs and foundations, clear gutters and drainage systems, create an emergency plan, and stay informed through local weather alerts. One of the most important steps you can take is to review your flood insurance coverage. Standard homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage.

Remember, flood insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period to become effective, unless required by a mortgagee.   Once heavy rains begin or flood waters start to rise, it is too late to secure coverage for that event.  

Whether you live in a designated flood zone or not, flooding can happen almost anywhere. Don’t wait for the forecast to turn into a flood warning. Contact our office today to discuss your flood insurance options and make sure you’re protected before the next storm arrives.

Flood Safety Reminder: Never drive through flooded roadways. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” remains one of the most important flood safety messages, as many flood-related fatalities occur when motorists attempt to drive through standing or moving water.

Super Easy Chicken and Dumplings

This recipe for easy chicken and dumplings could not be simpler, and it tastes great, too! You can mix in some dried herbs or sprinkle a bit of garlic or onion powder onto the biscuit dough to give the dumplings extra flavor.

Submitted by ALLIE101

Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Total Time: 20 mins Servings:8

Ingredients

• 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup

• 3 (14-ounce) cans chicken broth

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken meat

• 2 (10-ounce) cans of refrigerated biscuit dough

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.

2. Stir condensed soup, chicken broth, and shredded chicken together in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until it begins to simmer.

3. Cut each biscuit into quarters and gently stir into the simmering soup.

4. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until biscuits are no longer doughy in the center, 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Serve and enjoy!

Cook’s Note

I like to use a mix of shredded cooked chicken breast and chicken thigh meat for a richer flavor. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top of each serving for a pop of color.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026: Don’t Make It Easy for Them

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to focus on protecting ourselves, our businesses, and our communities from cyber threats. This year’s theme, ” Don’t Make It Easy for Them,” encourages everyone to take simple steps that make it harder for cybercriminals to succeed. As phishing scams, ransomware, and AI-generated attacks become more sophisticated, cybersecurity awareness has never been more important.

While technology plays an important role in cybersecurity, people remain the first line of defense. Simple actions such as enabling multifactor authentication (MFA), using strong, unique passwords, keeping devices updated, and thinking before clicking links or attachments can significantly reduce cyber risk. These everyday habits help protect personal information, customer data, and business operations.

One of the most effective ways organizations can strengthen their security culture is through ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Platforms like Wizer help businesses educate employees through engaging training modules, phishing simulations, security newsletters, videos, posters, and awareness campaigns designed to reinforce safe online behavior. Rather than relying on a once-a-year training event, Wizer promotes year-round learning that helps employees recognize and respond to emerging cyber threats.

During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, organizations can leverage Wizer’s awareness materials and educational resources to encourage participation and improve cybersecurity knowledge across the workplace. These resources help employees identify phishing attempts, create stronger passwords, protect sensitive information, and report suspicious activity before it becomes a security incident.

At AGENT2000, we understand that awareness and prevention are only part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. That’s why we offer Cyber Insurance solutions designed to help businesses protect themselves from the financial impact of cyber events, including data breaches, ransomware attacks, business interruption, and cyber liability exposures. While proactive security measures can reduce risk, cyber insurance provides an additional layer of protection in the event of unexpected incidents.

Cybersecurity is not just an IT responsibility. Every employee, business owner, and individual has a role to play in creating a safer digital environment. By combining strong cyber hygiene, ongoing awareness training through programs like Wizer, and Cyber Insurance protection, organizations can build a stronger defense against today’s evolving cyber threats.

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, take a few minutes to review your cybersecurity practices. Enable MFA, update your software, use strong passwords, stay alert for phishing attempts, and invest in cybersecurity education. Together, these actions can help protect your family, workplace, and community.

Remember, cybercriminals look for easy targets. This October, don’t make it easy for them.

Check out Wizer Here.

Dyslexia Awareness Month 

Both Derek and Brittany have dyslexia. Dyslexia is a common learning disability that affects how the brain processes written language. It can make reading, spelling, writing, and sometimes speaking more challenging, even though individuals with dyslexia typically have average or above-average intelligence. Dyslexia is not a sign of laziness or a lack of effort. It is a neurological difference that affects people in different ways and to varying degrees.

One of the most important steps for anyone who may have dyslexia is to get a professional evaluation. Early testing and diagnosis can help individuals access the resources, accommodations, and support they need to be successful in school, the workplace, and everyday life. A diagnosis can also provide a better understanding of personal strengths and challenges, allowing people to develop effective strategies for learning and communication.

While there is currently no cure for dyslexia, many tools and techniques can help individuals overcome obstacles and thrive. Assistive technologies such as text-to-speech programs, read-aloud software, speech-to-text applications, audiobooks, and grammar-checking tools can significantly improve productivity and confidence. In our office, we use Grammarly and read-aloud software to help support reading comprehension, writing accuracy, and effective communication.

People with dyslexia often develop exceptional strengths in areas such as problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, innovation, and visual-spatial reasoning. Many successful entrepreneurs, inventors, scientists, artists, and business leaders have dyslexia. With the right support, accommodation, and determination, individuals with dyslexia can achieve their goals and excel in their careers.

For Derek and Brittany, dyslexia presents challenges, but it has also taught persistence, adaptability, and creative ways to approach problems. By utilizing available resources and embracing helpful technology, they continue to demonstrate that dyslexia does not define a person’s potential. With understanding, support, and the right tools, people with dyslexia can be just as successful as anyone else.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed each October to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment. Breast cancer affects about 1 in 8 women during their lifetime, but when found early, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100%. Regular screenings, knowing your family history, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help save lives. Wear pink and help spread awareness this month. Another way we can help is by ensuring our family members attend their doctor’s appointments and get their routine checkups.