(Jill Loyden is pictured with her nephew Madden. Loyden's sister Britton, Madden's mother, was murdered in February 2012, and Loyden has created a foundation to help children as well as the Break The Silence Gala to raise awareness of domestic violence. Photo: NJ.com)

(Jill Loyden is pictured with her nephew Madden. Loyden’s sister Britton, Madden’s mother, was murdered in February 2012, and Loyden has created a foundation to help children as well as the Break The Silence Gala to raise awareness of domestic violence. Photo: NJ.com)

Here are our top five stories from October that are definitely worth another look.

5. Activist Shannon Galpin Uses Bikes As Vehicle for Women’s Voices, Social Justice‏

“Like any other person turning the big 3-5, Shannon Galpin set out for an adventure-filled celebration. She packed up her single speed bike, helmet, and lycra, and prepared herself for a solo vacation in… Afghanistan? Wait… that doesn’t sound right. Who goes to a war zone to celebrate a birthday?”

4. Quadriplegic Athlete Damon Boiser Says ‘Aloha’ to Limitations

“When you get injured, you have to learn how to talk, be funny, and get better at people skills,” Damon said. “It really helped me blossom as a person.”

3. Character Sports Programming: Learning from Derek Jeter How to Be a Captain

“Being named a captain of a team means that your teammates respect you and recognize that they want you to be the leader of the team. List the things you think it takes to be a good leader.”

2. Crushed By a Tree, Alaska’s Own Ira Edwards Skis Onward

“What happens when doing a service for others turns into a permanent disservice for yourself?

Unfortunately, Ira Edwards, 39, knows first hand.

The Anchorage, Alaska resident was working as a park ranger in 2010 clearing leaning and hazardous trees on one of the ski trails at the Nancy Lake State Recreation area when he was crushed by a falling tree.”

1. Jillian Loyden Speaks Out On Former Teammate Hope Solo’s Domestic Violence Charges

“Loyden played backup goalie to Solo on the National Team, but she’s taking the front stand now. She says that Solo should be benched until her early November trial plays out.”