More to this month than just Trick-or-Treats

More to this month than just Trick-or-Treats
Page 3 Charter Oak-Ute NEWSpaper & Schleswig Leader- Thursday, October 5, 2006

Welcome to October. You may be aware that this is “Hispanic Heritage Month.” Around here, there are plenty of people who know it as National Pork Producers’ Month. There are also those (usually in the Volunteer Fire Department) who will be working to promote Fire Prevention Week, October 8-15.

But I bet that you were not aware that this is also Billiard Awareness Month. If you weren’t, be sure to be aware of billiards. I’d hate for you to get knocked in the head by one.
Someone, somewhere decided that this should also be “Celebrate Sun Dried Tomatoes Month.” Probably someone in the sun-dried tomato industry. No doubt in California or Italy or somewhere where they can dry their tomatoes in the sun in October with no fear of frost, rain, or falling leaves.

It’s Church Safety and Security Month, so talk to your congregation’s trusty trustees about making sure your church is safe and secure.

So you say you get frustrated by the whole “Hispanic Heritage Month?” You don’t mean to be racist or to resent recent immigrants, but you don’t understand the need to focus on one ethnic group? Not to worry, for all you “Traditional American” (AKA white) native-born Iowans can enjoy “German-American Heritage Month.” Listen to “Polka Party” and grill some brats and enjoy being from Western Iowa, or wherever.

Did you realize that this is also international Strategic Planning Month? No? Neither did the White House.

My Librarian and English/Language Arts teacher friends want you to know that this is National Book Month. Why not read one?

It’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A subject close to many people’s heart. Get it? Breast...Heart? Yeah, you’re right, it isn’t really something to joke about.
I love that it’s also National Chili Month. I’d make a pot, but let’s face it, it’s pretty much “guy food” and I live with four females. I guess I’m hoping that my Farmer-in-Law makes some, his chili is great.

It’s National Communicate With Your Kids Month, not that that’s actually possible. But just remember, you didn’t HAVE to buy them that cell-phone and you can disconnect the internet or TV satellite hook up any time you want to.
October is National Dental Hygiene Month. And what better finale than all those caramel apples and Halloween candy!

Sad to say it’s also National Depression Education & Awareness Month. (Get it?) You’re right, that was a pretty sad attempt at humor.
Why hasn’t anyone told us before now that this is National Ergonomics Month? Well, now that you know, why not get comfortable and think about redesigning your living room?
It’s National “Gain The Inside Advantage” Month. If you’d only known, maybe you would’ve already.

What else? Pajama Month, National Popcorn Poppin’ Month, and Roller Skating Month. I’d like to see some people celebrate all three of these at once.

Just to warn you, this is National Sarcastics Awareness Month. Seriously, it is, I’m not making this up, and I’m not being sarcastic.

If like me, you’re not a professional plumber, you probably didn’t know that this is Toilet Tank Repair Month. Have fun with that one. (note sarcasm).
YES! It’s finally Positive Attitude Month! It’s “Right Brainers Rule! Month.” See, I knew this because I’m a right-brainer. Oh, did I mention that it’s also Self-Promotion Month?

Believe it or not, this is Spinach Lovers Month. That’s gotta be difficult after last month!
This is the LAST week to register to vote in 2006 US general elections in November.
Tomorrow is the last day of Mental Illness Awareness Week. Crazy!

It’s National Carry A Tune Week. Wish I could.

Here’s some irony, you’re reading a newspaper right now, and it happens to be National Newspaper Week. Good going, you know how to celebrate that one.

It’s not just National 4-H Week, it’s also Squirrel Appreciation Week which, coincidentally is the SAME week as National Chestnut Week!

Did you miss October 1st? “International Day of Older Persons.”
Or did you farmers all celebrate this past Tuesday with your livestock? It was World Farm Animals Day.

Hang on to your hats, today is Mad Hatter Day.

Oh, remember how it’s German-American Heritage Month? Well, TODAY, October 6 is also National German-American Day.

I hope that made you grin because it is World Smile Day.
Sure, next Monday is Leif Erickson Day and Columbus Day. But I’m going to celebrate “National Kick Butt Day.”

Just so you’ll be aware, National Bring Your Teddy Bear To Work & School Day will be October 11. If your teacher or boss gives you a hard time, don’t fret, the very next day, October 12 will be “International Moment of Frustration Scream Day.”