October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you have an opportunity walk please do. If you are not able to walk, try to donate some time or a few dollars to this worthy cause. Above all, take advantage of free breast cancer screening services.

Monthly

Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month. Oct. 1–31. To promote the adoption of dogs from local shelters, the ASPCA sponsors the observance. For more information, browse www.aspca.org.

Halloween Safety Month. Oct. 1–31. There are steps you can take to make it a safe Halloween for children and teens. Fore more information, browse
www.preventblindness.org.

National Book Month. Oct. 1–31. To invite everyone in America to take time out to treat themselves to a unique pleasure: reading a good book. Literary events are held throughout the month. For more information, browse www.nationalbook.org.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Oct. 1–31. To raise awareness of breast cancer and to provide access to screening services. For more information, browse www.nbcam.org.

National Crime Prevention Month. Oct. 1–31. To drive violence and drugs from our families, neighborhoods and communities. For more information, browse www.ncpc.org.

Weekly

National Work from Home Week. Oct. 2–8. A week to celebrate the trends, technology and tactics that allow millions of Americans to work from home as entrepreneurs and corporate teleworkers. For more information, browse www.chiefhomeofficer.com.

Fire Prevention Week. Oct. 9–15. To increase awareness of the dangers of fire and to educate the public on how to stay safe from fire. For more information, browse www.firepreventionweek.org or www.sparky.org.

National Networking Week. Oct. 10–16. Whether the goal is to grow a business or enrich your personal life, networking is invaluable. For more information, browse www.ibwc.org.

Freedom from Bullies Week. Oct. 17–23. A time for courage, support, inspiration and peace for people suffering health-endangering bullying and for others who witness the mistreatment. For more information, browse www.bullyinginstitute.com.

Give Wildlife a Brake Week. Oct. 23–29. A reminder to scan the road as you drive, watching the edges for wildlife about to cross. For more information, browse www.hsus.org/wildlife.

Daily

International Frugal Fun Day. Oct. 1. A day to celebrate that having fun doesn’t have to be costly. Do at least one fun thing for yourself and/or your family that is free of cost or under $5 per person. For more information, browse www.frugalfun.com/frugalfundayideas.html.

Ramadan: The Islamic Month of Fasting (begins at sundown on Oct. 3). Oct. 4–Nov. 2. A holy Islamic celebration because it was during this month that the Holy Koran was revealed.

Rosh Hashanah (begins at sundown Oct. 3). Jewish New Year observed on Oct. 4–5. It is the beginning of 10 days of repentance and spiritual renewal.

Columbus Day. Oct. 10. To commemorate the landing of Columbus in the New World, Oct. 12, 1492.

Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement (begins at sundown on Oct. 12) Oct. 13. Holiest Jewish observance. A day for fasting, repentance and seeking forgiveness.

Evaluate Your Life Day. Oct. 19. To encourage everyone to check and see if they’re really headed where they want to be. For more information, browse www.wellcat.com.

National Mammography Day. Oct. 21. On this day, or throughout the month of October, radiologists provide discounted or free screenings. For more information, browse www.nbcam.org.

Make a Difference Day. Oct. 22. A national day of community service sponsored by USA Weekend magazine. For more information, browse www.makeadifferenceday.com.

Halloween (or All Hallow’s Eve). Oct. 31. An ancient celebration combining Druid autumn and Christian customs. Now a day of fun and trick or treating for children.