October brings with it all sorts of annual celebrations and traditions, from fall football games to carving pumpkins. We love this month — it's a time when the weather cools, the leaves change, and we can take our favorite cozy sweaters out of storage and sip on warmed apple cider.
But that's not all. There are important events to take note of in October, along with fun holidays to celebrate. Here are 10 events and holidays our Macaroni KID families will be marking this month:
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Oct. 1-31
Breast cancer is by far the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women, according to the Centers for Disease Control. About 250,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Each of the women and men diagnosed has their own story. Read Angela Duncan's life story here. We are proud to have her as the Apollo Beach - Ruskin - Wimauma and St. Petersburg, Fla. Macaroni KID publisher.
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Homemade Cookie Day
Oct. 1
Kick-off October by making some cookies on Homemade Cookie Day. Check out this fun fall recipe for Caramel Apple Cookies. Yum!
What are your favorite recipes? Email Macaroni Kid Williamsport with your favorite recipe!
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International Frugal Fun Day
Oct. 2
Today is the day to find inexpensive fun! Guess what?! We have you covered with our Macaroni KID event calendar — you'll find it filled with free or low-cost local family-friendly events.
Check out our events calendar with free to low-cost events!
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Fire Prevention Week
Oct. 3-9
Fire Prevention Week is the perfect time to talk about fire safety with our families, and also to ensure our home and children are prepared in the case of an emergency. Check out these 10 National Fire Prevention Association fire safety tips for families.
Take a look at the Williamsport Bureau of Fire's website for more information on fire prevention!
The South Williamsport Fire Department is handing out bags with Fire Prevention materials to students in the SWASD in grades K-4. The department also provides smoke detectors to anyone who requests. If you are in need of a smoke detector and live in the South Williamsport area, be sure to contact the fire department at (570) 326-4167.
The Independent Hose Company No. 1 in Jersey Shore is offering fire drills at the local schools and they will hand out smoke detectors to anyone who requests. If you are in need of a smoke detector and live in the Jersey Shore area, be sure to contact the fire department at (570) 398-0531.
The Montoursville Fire Department will be doing some fire prevention activities and programs as well! Be sure to check back here for more information.
More information coming!
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Mental Illness Awareness Week
Oct. 3-9
One in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year and 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year, according to the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI). That number has only grown during the stresses associated with the pandemic. How can you help? By working to end the stigma around those affected by mental illness. The national NAMI organization writes: "Whether you are a friend, family member, caregiver or medical professional, getting to know a person and treating them with kindness and empathy means far more than just knowing what they are going through."
We have a local chapter here in our area. Click here to learn more about NAMI North Central Pennslyvania chapter.
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Indigenous Peoples' Day
Oct. 11
Did you know 14 states and the District of Columbia, along with more than 130 cities across the United States, now observe Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of or in addition to Columbus Day? It's a way to acknowledge and honor the people native to our lands. Find out the Native American tribes that called your area home on this map.
Before we were on this land that we call home, the Susquehannock People lived here and cared for our land. For more information on the Susquehannock people, click here!
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International Day of the Girl
Oct. 11
This year's theme identified by UNICEF is "Digital generation," and UNICEF and other organizations are using the platform to talk about gender inequality in technology and highlight girl tech trailblazers, like Nina, who lives in Brazil and teaches computer science on her YouTube channel and interviews female scientists from both Brazil and the African continent on her podcast.
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National Coming Out Day
Oct. 11
When someone "comes out" to you, it shows a deep trust. How can you support your loved one during this act of bravery? Tell them you love them. Still have questions? PFLAG offers tips, tools, and ideas for PFLAG members looking to support LGBTQ+ individuals planning to come out and new (and potential) allies who want to demonstrate their acceptance of LGBTQ folks in their lives. Find a PFLAG chapter near you.
Danville, PA has a local PFLAG chapter. Click here to learn more about our local PFLAG chapter!
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Make a Difference Day
Oct. 23
The fourth Saturday in October is devoted to helping others by doing volunteer work in the community. Find a project you and the kids can volunteer for and make a difference today!
Places to Volunteer at:
The Lycoming County SPCA-you need to be at least 14 years of age to volunteer here. Click here to learn more!
Some other ideas for volunteering are at our local food banks, thrift stores, churches, youth mentor programs, youth reading programs, Girl Scouts, hospice, nursing homes, animal sanctuary, local museum, community gardens, and local parks! Be sure to check these places out and ask if they need any volunteers!
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Halloween
Oct. 31
One of the most anticipated holidays of the year for many kids! Dressing up in fun costumes, fun treats, and candy... what's not to love? Be sure to check the Macaroni KID event calendar to find all of the great local Halloween activities and events happening today!
Link coming soon with all the happenings for Halloween!
