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.
Our area has many opportunities to support various organizations that help with funding for research and support. Look for 5Ks, fundraisers, and awareness nights like this one on October 8th at the Lebanon Valley Mall. https://fb.me/e/1MSd92uVj
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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 is your favorite cookie 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.
There are a ton of free events on our event calendar. Check it out HERE!
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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.
Most local Fire Companies offer private tours, swag and activities for kids or families.
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Mental Illness Awareness Week
Oct. 3-9
One in five U.S. adults experiences 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."
Click HERE for Pennsylvania's NAMI's website or call (412) 366-3788.
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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.
Native tribes in the area of what is now Lebanon included the Shawnee, Susquehannock, Gawanese, Lenape (or Delaware), and Nanticoke peoples. Which creeks in our area do you think derive from these tribes?
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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.
There are a number of STEM-related summer camps for girls and boys of all ages. Watch for our Summer Camp guide next Spring.
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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.
The local chapter of PFLAG is PFLAG Harrisburg/Central Pennsylvania Email: pflagcenpa@yahoo.com
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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!
Look for volunteer opportunities in your community HERE.
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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!
There's SO MANY Halloween events in our area! Check out our EVENT PAGE!
