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.
There are several cancer related organizations in the North County San Diego area designed to meet the needs of patients during various stages of cancer treatment and recovery. North County Cancer Fitness gym offers modified fitness classes to meet the individual needs of the client. Classes are led by professionally certified trainers and instructors. Classes include, Tai Chi, Gentle Kickboxing, Gentle MAT Pilates, Zoomba, Boot Camp, and yoga. This organization accepts both volunteers and donations. For more information on how you can become involved, click here.
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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!
I will be making the BEST Pumpkin Cookie Recipe courtesy of my mom. I have been eating these cookies every Fall since my earliest childhood memories.
Pumpkin Cookies
1 c. sugar
1 c. shortening (cream sugar and shortening together)
1 8 oz. can pumpkin
1 egg (add above two to the creamed sugar and shortening)
1 t. vanilla
2 c. sifted flour
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. soda
1/2 t. salt
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. nutmeg
1/2 t. all spice
Mix ALL together. Add: raisins, chocolate chips, dates, nuts (optional)
Drop by scoop onto cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Let cool and ENJOY!
 Macaroni KID |
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.
See Oceanside Macaroni KID's event calendar for low cost or FREE events in your area! Click 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.
Oceanside Fire Department recommends the interactive website Sparky for teaching children about fire safety. By completing the training, children can become official members of Sparky's Fire Safety Club. Click here for more information.
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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."
Oceanside has a local NAMI-North Coastal chapter located at 1701 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92057. Many resources including, helpful articles on coping with mental illness in families can be found on the NAMI website. Click here for more information.
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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.
San Diego has a rich history of American Indian groups living in San Diego dating as far back as 10,000 years ago. Earliest Indian groups include the San Luis Rey and the Cuyamaca cultural groups. Other Native American tribes living in San Diego include, Kumeyaay, Luiseno, Cupeno, Cahuilla, and Northern Diguenos. Click here for further study on these groups. Oceanside is home to the Shoshone Tribe. The Franciscan Fathers called these Indians the "San Luisenos" later shortened to the Luiseno.
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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.
Oceanside's very own Boys and Girls Club has received the distinguished award by the San Diego County Office of Education for its alignment with Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Standards in Math. Boys and Girls Club Oceanside has moved from providing STEM education to STREAM education to create a more comprehensive program with its added emphasis on RESEARCH and ARTS. Click here for more information.
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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.
Oceanside has a resource center that serves and advocates for members of the LGBTQ community. Learn more about how you can help others feel safe, accepted, and valued through various resources at the North County LGBTQ Resource Center. Click here for more information.
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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!
Top Organizations for volunteering in the Oceanside area:
- Oceanside Public Library
- Pacific Point Healthcare Services
- Love Your Feral Felines (Bonsall)
- Foundation for Senior Care
- St. Vincent de Paul Society
- Oceanside Museum of Art
- "Solutions for Seniors on the Go" City of Oceanside
- Oceanside Senior Citizens Association, Inc.
- San Diego Humane Society Oceanside
- Teri (Help children and adults with disabilities)
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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!
See Oceanside Macaroni KID's Fall Guide for all the happenings around town. Events are updated daily. Click here for the Fall Guide.
