All - Leep Calendar

IT'S ABOUT ROOTS: FAMILY HISTORY MONTH In the United States, October is Family History Month, a dedicated time for individuals to explore and celebrate their genealogical roots. The month-long observance encourages Americans to delve into their family past, uncovering stories and legacies that might otherwise be forgotten. The initiative to designate October as Family History Month began with Congress in 2001, following proposals by genealogy enthusiasts and organizations passionate about the educational and personal benefits of understanding one's lineage. Since then, libraries, historical societies, and genealogical organizations have actively promoted this month, providing resources and events to aid individuals in their genealogical research. Family History Month aims to inspire people to preserve and honor their familial legacies. The event underscores the importance of documenting family stories, gathering ancestral records, and passing this knowledge to future generations. This observance enriches personal identities and strengthens family bonds as relatives connect over shared heritage. HOW TO GET STARTED ON YOUR FAMILY HISTORY Beginning the journey into family history can seem daunting, but several steps can ease the process: —Interview Relatives: Start by speaking with older family members who can provide firsthand accounts, stories, and potentially, other documents about the family. —Gather Documents: Collect old letters, photographs, birth certificates, marriage licenses, and other artifacts from home archives. —Use Online Resources: Use online genealogy platforms like Ancestry, FamilySearch, and MyHeritage to access a vast array of public records and family trees. —Visit Local Resources: Local libraries and historical societies often have archives and resources tailored to specific regions or communities, which can be invaluable in genealogical research. —Document and Organize: Keep a detailed record of findings using genealogical software or traditional binders to organize information systematically. THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY Understanding one's family history is crucial for several reasons. It provides a sense of identity and belonging, linking individuals to their ancestral pasts and broader historical narratives. Knowing family health histories can also be vital for medical purposes, offering insights into genetic conditions and informing healthcare decisions. Lastly, preserving family history ensures that future generations have access to their heritage, fostering a deeper connection to their personal and collective pasts. Family History Month enriches one's understanding of one's lineage and celebrates the diverse tapestries of families that compose the social fabric of the United States.

Africa

Oct

Festival of Penha (BR-RJ): October

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Three hundred and sixty-five steps ascend the mountain to Rio de Janeiro’s famed Basilica de Penha. This landmark is known as a place of healing and draws pilgrims from throughout the region each Saturday in October, seeking hope and relief from sickness. The ritual is known as the Festival of Penha.

Africa

Oct

Filipino American History Month (1587): October

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Senate Resolution 287 passed on October 5, 2011, and created National Filipino American History Month. This month promotes understanding, education, enlightenment, appreciation, and enrichment through the identification, gathering, preservation, and dissemination of the history and culture of Filipino Americans in the United States. There are currently more than 30 Filipino American chapters nationwide and several conferences focusing on this unique culture. October marks the anniversary of the arrival of the first Filipino in America, October 18, 1587.

Africa

Oct

Financial Planning Month: October

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National Financial Planning Month focuses on helping people understand their finances and learn how to plan and manage money successfully. These include highlighting the importance of financial literacy and teaching Americans how to establish and maintain healthy financial habits. Examples include savings, investing, managing credit effectively, getting out of debt, retirement planning, buying a first home, and college for children.

Africa

Oct

Fire Pup Day, Ntl.: October 1

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Dalmatians have long been associated with fire fighting, though shepherds, Labradors, and pit bulls/terriers are more likely to be found with fire search and rescue. Before internal combustion engines, dogs were used to keep the horses running toward a fire (rather than away) beginning during the 18th century. Today dogs help first responders find injured people, pinpoint accelerants and explosives, and get into places too dangerous or small for people. These four-legged firefighters deserve appreciation, and most are happy to take payment in biscuits!

Africa

Oct

Fish Supper, RNLI (UK): October 1-15

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The RNLI Fish Supper began in 2014 and is an annual fundraising event supporting the work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which provides 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue services for the United Kingdom and Ireland. Registered participants host fish-themed dinner parties and donate the proceeds to the RNLI. The RNLI website includes a free fundraising kit with resources, including recipes, invitations, posters, and donation envelopes. Dinners typically occur in October around RNLI's Fishermen's Safety Week, an awareness campaign focusing on safe deep-sea fishing practices. The RNLI Fish Supper has raised over £2 million for the charity. It is a fun and delicious way to support the lifesaving work of the RNLI and enjoy a meal with friends and family.

Africa

Oct

Flu Season Begins, Northern: October 1

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The day everyone dreads is here. Welcome to the official start of the flu season in the northern hemisphere! While seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, flu activity usually peaks between December and February and can last as late as May. In the last 32 years, flu activity most peaked in February (14 seasons), followed by December (6 seasons), and finally January and March (5 seasons each). Some practical ways to avoid contracting the flu include frequently washing your hands, getting enough sleep, and sending sick coworkers home to recover. Avoid crowded locations and get the flu shot, which protects against the most common strains.

Africa

Oct

Freethought, Month of, Ntl.: October

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Some people think; differently, perceiving issues and information from a different perspective, and they are not afraid to share their views. Freethought Month and Freethought Day on the 12th is your opportunity to show the world your unique wisdom.

Africa

Oct

Gain the Inside Advantage Month, Ntl.: October

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National Get the Inside Advantage Month is about getting your life together in whatever area it needs: career, health, fitness, relationships. Use this month to plan and gather the tools you need to come out on top and be the success you deserve to be. Created by author Cathy Lauro. Annually in October.

Africa

Oct

Gay and Lesbian History Month (1979): October

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October is LGBTQ+ History Month in the USA and includes National Coming Out Day. LGBTQ+ History Month celebrates the lives, history, and achievements of the US's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-plus citizens.

Africa

Oct

German-American Heritage Month (1683): October

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German-American Heritage Month is celebrated annually and coincides with German-American day, as proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 and President Barack Obama in 2010. German-American Heritage Month celebrates the German immigrants who came from Europe and lived on American soil in the first days of colonization and their immense contribution to the American culture. On October 6, 1683, thirteen families from Krefeld, Germany, arrived in Philadelphia and created Germantown, Pennsylvania. It was the first settlement of Germans in what would become the United States. Today, nearly a quarter of American citizens can trace their ancestry to Germany. Many modern American traditions also have their roots in Germany, Christmas included.

Africa

Oct

Girls Night In (AU): October

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Fight cancer and have a fun night in with your gal-pals! Choose any night in October to host a girls' night, be it a movie night, card games, wine tasting, or whatever you like. To get started, register your event with the Cancer Council. Plan your event and get ready to enjoy an evening with your friends. It's as easy as 1-2-3, and all proceeds go to fight cancer and cancer research.

Africa

Oct

Go Sober Month (UK) : October

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Be a Sober-hero and go 31 days without alcohol this October – say no to the booze and yes to raising money for people living with cancer. And just like every hero’s trusty sidekick, Macmillan will be with you every step of the way to help you along your sober journey. By signing up for the challenge, you’re doing something unique for people with cancer. All the money raised by those Going Sober this October will help Macmillan support even more people facing cancer. So thank you for participating in Go Sober, raising a glass (of water), and standing proudly beside people facing cancer.

Africa

Oct

Golden Week (CN): October 1-7

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Golden Week is the first seven days of October in China, a national holiday. October 1 celebrates the founding of the People's Republic of China. The rest of the week is festive with people traveling the country on vacation or visiting relatives. What's also interesting is that October 1 is not the day the People's Republic of China was founded, which occurred on September 1, 1949. However, on October 1, 1949, the Central People's Government was founded, and the next day, the government passed the "Resolution on the National Day of the People's Republic of China." At that time, October 1 was declared National Day, and October 1-7 as Golden Week.

Africa

Oct

Golf Month, Australia: October

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Golf Month seeks to entice new and lagged golfers to the game of golf each October in Australia.

Africa