Category: October 02

  • NATIONAL SMARTIES DAY | October 2

    NATIONAL SMARTIES® DAY | October 2

    National Smarties Day on October 2 celebrates the sweet legacy of an iconic candy and the smarty pants people who never stop learning.

    #NationalSmartiesDay

    Smarties have been around since 1949. That’s over 70 years of celebrating this sweet candy wafer roll. In honor of National Smarties Day, we invite everyone to take a walk down memory lane and enjoy this nostalgic candy. If you’ve never tried Smarties, this is your chance to become a new member of the smarty pants club.

    What are Smarties? Smarties are rolls of a small pastel colored candy tablets that are sweet and a little bit sour. Unlike most candy, Smarties have only 6 ingredients, too. There are six different flavors in a Smarties package. Flavors are randomly mixed together for each individual Smarties roll.

    Smarties Original Flavor Lineup

    • White = Orange cream
    • Yellow = Pineapple
    • Pink = Cherry
    • Green = Strawberry
    • Purple = Grape
    • Orange = Orange

    A Smart Choice

    When it comes to candy, Smarties are considered a smart choice. For starters, Smarties are free from the nine major food allergies: milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy and sesame.

    If you are at a loss for classic gluten‑free candy, Smarties products are your delicious solution. The sweet treat is also gluten-free. Interestingly, the ingredients found in Smarties candy contains no animal products, making them a tasty and cruelty-free choice for anyone looking for delicious vegan candy. Did we mention they are only 25 calories in each roll of Smarties? 

    SMARTIE PANTS CELEBRATIONS

    There are an endless number of ways to celebrate today. If your candy cravings are keeping you from thinking straight, here’s a list of ideas to get you started:

    • Incorporate some Smarties in your favorite sweet treat. Use as a topping on ice cream, jello, or cake. You can even bake them in cookies, brownies or mix into homemade jam!
    • Create a DIY “Smartie Pants” Halloween costume.
    • Craft a thank you note for teachers and tape a Smarties roll to it.
    • Use Smarties as a teaching tool to learn to count, identify colors, match items, and build shapes to help with motor skills.
    • Make up your best Smarties pun or go with the classic, “Thanks for making me a Smartie!”
    • Eat a roll of Smarties, of course. Or maybe two.
    • Pick up some Smarties Mega Lollies for a friend.
    • Tag and post your Smarties celebration using #NationalSmartiesDay.

    CLASSIC HISTORY

    In 2022, National Day Calendar welcomed the Smarties Candy Company to our list of Founders. Beginning October 2 and every year after, we will be celebrating National Smarties Day in sweet style. The October 2 date also pays a beautiful tribute to the birthday of company Founder and Smarties creator Edward Dee, who was born on this day.

    Edward Dee, Smarties Founder
    Edward Dee, Smarties Founder 1924-2019

    Iconic Legacy

    Edward Dee (1924-2019) came to the U.S. from England with his family in 1949. As a third-generation candy maker, Dee arrived with a candy idea that would build his legacy. Beginning in a factory in Bloomfield, N.J., Dee began Ce De Candy Inc. in a rental property with two machines–a wrapping machine and a candy pellet-making machine. Dee would move his company to Elizabeth, N.J. in 1959 and finally to Union, N.J. in 1967, where the business remains today.

    Smarties Co-Presidents
    Co-Presidents Sarah Dee, Jessica Dee Sawyer and Liz Dee

    In 2011, the company decided to change their name from Ce De Candy Inc. to Smarties Candy Company. The Dee family has always been sole owners of the company, keeping their family tradition alive. In the 1970s, Dee’s sons Jonathan and Michael joined the business. The company is now led by the founder’s granddaughters, Co-Presidents Sarah Dee, Jessica Dee Sawyer and Liz Dee, making it a woman run company for the first time in its history.

    There have been many updates over the years including improving manufacturing facilities, adding solar power to their NJ candy factory which offsets half of their energy usage, and releasing new candy products including Mega Smarties – the largest Smarties roll available!

    A Sweet Future

    Education was an important aspect in Dee’s life long before he would immigrate to the U.S. He was a Cambridge University graduate and he knew the value of education. Because of this, he decided to name his candy Smarties as a way to encourage others to never stop learning. In 2013 the company began the “Smarties Think” initiative to continue his vision. Since then, Smarties has given more than $250,000 to classrooms in need.

    The early days of Edward Dee going door-to-door to make candy sales clearly paid off. Today, the Smarties brand continues to be a leader in the candy industry producing billions of Smarties rolls per year. With factories in New Jersey and Ontario, the Dee family continues the tradition of providing an iconic candy for smarty pants people everywhere.

  • NATIONAL PRODUCE MISTING DAY – October 2

    NATIONAL PRODUCE MISTING DAY | OCTOBER 2

    National Produce Misting Day on October 2nd recognizes the innovation of keeping fruits and vegetables fresh. Misted fingertips rest assured that produce remains crisp, plump, hydrated and nutrient-dense.

    #ProduceMistingDay

    Given a choice between fresh and tired produce, we choose fresh every time. After all, who wants dried-out veggies.

    Before automatic misting systems, grocers threw away too much dated product. No one likes to waste food, especially those in the business. As a solution, grocers soaked burlap potato sacks in water. At night, they laid them over their stock. The wet sacks prevented the fruits and vegetables from drying out. They even applied this technique to cheeses. While this nightly task worked, it was labor-intensive. There had to be a better way.

    Eventually, there was. In 1979, along came an invention or two that changed how we get our fresh food. Automatic produce misting systems revolutionized the grocery world. While these systems extended the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, it also increased the variety of foods available.

    Before, exotic food shipped in refrigerated trucks, but the time for distance traveled dramatically reduced their shelf life. Now, exotic foods stood a chance with the help of hydration. Customers no longer wait for vacation to savor a favorite delicacy. Amazingly, shoppers ask grocers to order foreign ingredients to make exotic dishes fresh in their homes.

    Today, these technologies make shopping for delicious and nutritious food easy. It also improves accessibility here and around the world.

    HOW TO OBSERVE PRODUCE MISTING DAY

    Get your fingers misted! Pick out your favorite fresh produce or try something new. Don’t hesitate to test that recipe you’ve been thinking about. Your grocer probably stocks the exotic vegetable you need, thanks to produce misting technology. Your recipe is now possible!

    When you’re shopping, be sure to notice when the misters start working. Tell someone that it’s #ProduceMistingDay. Share your favorite fresh recipes by using #ProduceMistingDay on social media. Don’t forget to give a shout out to your local grocer for misting your fingers and having delicious, fresh product.

    You can also discover more amazing inventions that made grocery shopping more convenient. We found 7 Inventions That Made Grocery Shopping Easier.

    NATIONAL PRODUCE MISTING DAY HISTORY

    Corrigan_HR

    Corrigan Corporation of America founded National Produce Misting Day in 2018 to share the fascinating history behind the inventive engineering that brings fresh produce to our local stores. They honor and celebrate Jack Corrigan, who is credited with establishing the first patents for automatic produce misting systems back in 1979 and his son Mike Corrigan, for having the vision to bring it to market.

    As the owner of the Carrot Top produce market, Jack Corrigan also had a civil engineering background. Out of necessity, he combined his two interests and set to work. Corrigan’s inventions led to the development of innovative tools and a market-leading manufacturing company.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the first National Produce Misting Day in 2019 to be observed on October 2nd annually.

  • NATIONAL CONSIGNMENT DAY – First Monday in October

    NATIONAL CONSIGNMENT DAY | FIRST MONDAY IN OCTOBER

    As the seasons change and our lives evolve, so do our styles and budgets. On the first Monday in October, National Consignment Day offers a way to elevate both. The holiday celebrates consignment as the smart, sustainable way to shop, earn money, and extend the lifecycle of your items.

    #NationalConsignmentDay

    Check your overstuffed closet and what will you find? In everything from designer clothes to evening gowns and fine jewelry, last year’s blue jeans and the never-worn is the opportunity for cash in your pocket. Conversely, is your wardrobe looking a little thin? Update it by shopping consignment, which offers new and gently used, name-brand items for a fraction of the retail price.

    Another bonus: nothing ends up in the landfill. That’s right! Exchanging someone else’s fashion sense for your own keeps the cycle of good taste going.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CONSIGNMENT DAY

    How much money is lingering in your closet or garage? National Consignment Day offers an excellent way to reap some rewards while clearing out space. It also gives your gently used items a second life!

    The RealReal is introducing the #NeverThrowAway movement urging consumers to either consign or donate items they no longer want. While you go through your closets, storage rooms, and garages, consider these ways to celebrate the day:

    • Consign – Set up a free consultation and in-home consignment appointment. Get started here.

    • Donate – Send your items to GOOD+ Foundation to help break the cycle of poverty. Learn more here.

    • Valuations – Office or facetime appointments with one of The RealReal’s experts to receive a free price quote, or drop off your items at one of our Luxury Consignment Offices. Get started here.

    • Share –  Demonstrate your commitment to sustainable living and conscious consumption by posting your consignments and donations on Instagram this week using the hashtags #NeverThrowAway and #NationalConsignmentDay.

    Use #NationalConsignmentDay to share on social media.

    NATIONAL CONSIGNMENT DAY HISTORY

    The RealReal founded National Consignment Day in 2017 to celebrate consignment as the smart, sustainable way to shop, earn money and extend the lifecycle of luxury items.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Consignment Day to be observed on the first Monday of every October.

    ABOUT THE REALREAL

    The RealReal is the leader in authenticated luxury consignments with a certified expert inspecting every single item. The company has reinvented luxury resale and has changed how people think about and consume luxury goods. The RealReal provides the largest selection of pre-owned, authenticated luxury items including women’s and men’s fashion, fine jewelry & watches, and fine art & home decor. Consignors earn up to 70% of the sale price and items sell quickly. The company operates Luxury Consignment Offices in seven US cities that offer free fine jewelry and watch valuations from certified gemologists, as well as white glove consignment service.

    The RealReal is a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s CE100. The RealReal has successfully disrupted the old consignment model by bringing the experience into a digital marketplace that focuses on trust, fast sell-through, and great service. Founded in 2011, The RealReal has 6 million buyers and consignors with 5 million items sold across all luxury categories and is a leader in the circular economy.

    DATES:
    3 October 2022
    2 October 2023
    7 October 2024
    6 October 2025
    5 October 2026
    4 October 2027
    2 October 2028
    1 October 2029
    7 October 2030
    6 October 2031

    Consignment FAQ

    Q. What can I sell on consignment?
    A. Consignment shops often specialize in specific products. They may only take women’s clothing, children’s toys and clothes, or sporting goods. Check with the consignment shop to see what they are accepting. Sometimes they have too much of a particular item. Also, make sure you’re selling something in good or excellent condition. If you wouldn’t buy it at a consignment shop, you shouldn’t sell it there either.

    Q. How should I price my consignment items?
    A. Of course, you want to get the best bang for your buck. A good rule of thumb for pricing items on consignment is between 20-40% of what you originally paid. Also, follow the consignment shop’s guidelines. They may require items to be laundered or prepared in a specific way before accepting consignment.

    Q. What happens to unsold items?
    A. While consignment shops are designed to sell the best gently used items, sometimes shoppers show no interest in an item and it doesn’t sell. When this happens, the consignment shop returns the items to the seller.

     

  • NATIONAL FRIED SCALLOPS DAY – October 2

    NATIONAL FRIED SCALLOPS DAY | OCTOBER 2

    Right at the beginning of National Seafood Month, National Fried Scallops Day serves up a seafood dish enjoyed across the country. October 2nd each year brings scallop fans together to celebrate their favorite dishes. 

    #FriedScallopsDay

    The word scallop refers to the common name applied to many species of marine bivalve mollusks in the family Pectinidae. Every ocean in the world provides habitat for these mollusks, too. 

    When is National Shrimp Day?

    In fact, many areas of the world prize scallops as a food source. The name scallop applies to the meat of the scallops when it is used as seafood. The tender meat is harvested in a variety of sizes. Larger medallions grill deliciously over an open flame. Smaller scallops pair nicely in soups or pasta. However, this tender and prized meat requires very little season and often takes center stage of a meal. 

    Like many types of seafood, cooks should be careful not to overcook. The meat becomes tough and rubbery. However, when cooked to just done, the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender. In the United States, we consume three types of scallops: sea scallops, bay scallops and calico scallops. The flavor and versatility of scallops leads us to celebration! 

    HOW TO OBSERVE FRIED SCALLOPS DAY

    Scallop lovers rejoice! Head to your favorite seafood restaurant and order a plate of scallops. Are you handy in the kitchen? Pick up some scallops to make at home. Here are two very good recipes to enjoy these Fried Scallops:

    Pan-Fried Sea Scallops
    Pan-Fried Scallops

    Or share your favorite recipes with us. Invite someone to taste scallops for the first time. Introduce them to the best methods for cooking scallops, too. Or, take a cooking class and become master of your kitchen, a la scallop style. While you’re celebrating, be sure to use #FriedScallopsDay to post on social media.

    Did you know, in Italy, scallops is a dish of potatoes, veggies and thin slices of pork in a brown gravy? So, don’t be surprised if you order scallops and the waiter doesn’t bring you seafood! Yep, this happened to me recently. The dish was very good, just imagine my surprise expecting a seafood dish and receiving pork.

    NATIONAL FRIED SCALLOPS DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this delicious food holiday. 

    Fried Scallops FAQ

    Q. What flavors complement fried scallops?
    A. Many flavors go well with fried scallops. Try these flavors the next time you make fried scallops.

    • Lemon
    • Garlic
    • Thyme
    • Tarragon
    • Parsley
    • Paprika
    • Fennel

    Q. How do I order sea scallops in Italy?
    A. If sea scallops are on the menu, they may be listed as le capesante.

     

  • NATIONAL NAME YOUR CAR DAY – October 2

     

    National Name Your Car Day | October 2
    National Name Your Car Day | October 2

    NATIONAL NAME YOUR CAR DAY | OCTOBER 2

    National Name Your Car Day on October 2nd encourages a special commitment to your wheels. It’s time to give your trusty automobile what it really needs, a name. 

    #NameYourCarDay

    Many of you most likely remember Herbie the Love Bug, Lightning McQueen from Cars, Kit from Knight Rider, General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard and Bandit from Smokey and the Bandit. These are just some of the famous car names that are known by millions of people.

    Make a day of it.  Take the ol’ jalopy out for a spin, a nice wash, and shine and then just maybe you will select a signature meant for one so reliable. After all, you spend all that time together and take such good care of each other, isn’t it time to give those four wheels a name?

    HOW TO OBSERVE NAME YOUR CAR DAY

    • Pick out a name for your car if you haven’t already.  
    • Show pictures of your jalopy with that new name on a sign placard for all to see.
    • Tell the story behind your car’s name.
    • Take your Betsy, Arnold, Chuck, Delores out for a spin.
    • Use #NameYourCarDay to post on social media. 

    NATIONAL NAME YOUR CAR DAY HISTORY

    In 1990, television feature reporter John Pertzborn from St. Louis created National Name Your Car Day. The day honors his 1954 blue and white Buick that “shakes, rattles, and rolls.” The car’s name? Elvis. 

    Name Your Car FAQ

    Q. How many people name their cars?
    A. According to a 2019 poll conducted by autowise.com, 40% of people name their cars?

    Q. Are cars more likely to receive a female or male name?
    A. Most people who name their cars give them a female name. According to Autowise, 53% identify their car as female vs male.

    Q. Do people name other types of transportation?
    A. Yes. Humans have been naming sea-going vessels for thousands of years.

     

  • NATIONAL CHILD HEALTH DAY – First Monday in October

    NATIONAL CHILD HEALTH DAY | FIRST MONDAY IN OCTOBER

    In the United States, National Child Health Day occurs each year on the first Monday in October. The day recognizes the care and guidance children need to grow strong and healthy. 

    #ChildHealthDay

    Each child deserves to be the healthiest he or she can be. From the food they eat to the words they hear, children require support and opportunities to grow. Parents often worry about chronic disease, accidents or childhood illnesses. At the same time, they focus on a child’s mental health and general health. Whether it’s their environment, the food they eat or how much TV they watch, the day is an excellent opportunity to support the children in your life. 

    HOW TO OBSERVE CHILD HEALTH DAY

    Go for a walk, play in a park, do some yard work or participate in activities to promote child health. Other ways to participate in the day include:

    • Schedule your child’s next routine checkup.
    • Ensure vaccinations are up to date.
    • Schedule a routine dental checkup.
    • Add new healthy activities to your children’s routine.
    • Set an example by letting your children catch you in healthy habits.
    • Inspect your child’s toys. Are they broken or age-appropriate? 
    • Share your best tips for helping your children live a healthy lifestyle.

    While you’re celebrating, be sure to use #ChildHealthDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL CHILD HEALTH DAY HISTORY

    Each year since 1928, under a Joint Resolution of Congress, the President of the United States proclaims Child Health Day. Originally observed on May 1st each year, in 1960 the date was changed to the first Monday in October.

    In a response to a plea from both the American Federation of Labor and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs to proclaim the day, United States President Calvin Coolidge was the first president to issue a Child Health Day Proclamation while the resolution was still pending in Congress.

    DATES:
    3 October 2022
    2 October 2023
    7 October 2024
    6 October 2025
    5 October 2026
    4 October 2027
    2 October 2028
    1 October 2029
    7 October 2030
    6 October 2031

  • NATIONAL CUSTODIAL WORKER’S RECOGNITION DAY – October 2

    NATIONAL CUSTODIAL WORKER’S RECOGNITION DAY | OCTOBER 2

    On October 2nd, National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day encourages appreciation to the employees who keep our schools and workplaces across the nation running smoothly. 

    #CustodialWorkersRecognitionDay

    Custodial workers operate behind the scenes. They are often under-appreciated for the hard work they do day after day, too. These are the personnel keeping schools, hospitals, office buildings, museums, churches, and other buildings clean and well maintained.

    While delivering outstanding services and running a well-maintained building, they contribute to critical first impressions and the success of any business. They’re the people we call on to give our brick and mortar businesses a polished look. The bank, schools, and office buildings look organized and presentable because custodial workers efficiently keep everything in top condition.

    Additionally, their skill saves businesses and organizations money. Well-maintained carpets and surfaces last longer. Seasonal updates and maintenance help buildings to run more efficiently, too. Custodial workers make sure buildings are ready for each season and running correctly. As a result, the buildings are safer and healthier for those entering them. They also free-up time for the rest of the organization to focus on growing a business, teaching students, or caring for others.

    The work is physically demanding. Depending on the position, custodial workers may work varying shifts and possibly in several locations. They may be part of a team or work independently. No matter where they work, this day recognizes their dedication and hard work.

    HOW TO OBSERVE CUSTODIAL WORKER’S RECOGNITION DAY

    If you know a custodial worker, THANK THEM today! Use #CustodialWorkersRecognitionDay to post on social media.

    And we can all do out part to help them do their jobs too. We can be clean ourselves by keeping work stations neat. After a break, pick up after ourselves in the lunch/break room. We can even do some light dusting around our desks, office or cubicle. There is no reason to leave a mess for anyone else when we can simply do our part to help.

    NATIONAL CUSTODIAL WORKER’S RECOGNITION DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this worker recognition day. 

     

    October 2nd Celebrated History

    1866 

    J. Osterhoudt receives patent No. 5,8554 for a method of opening tin cans with a key. His design includes a lip for a key to turn the lid back.

    1872 

    In the Jules Vern novel Around the World in Eighty Days, Phileas Fogg sets out on his journey around the world.

    1950

    Charles M. Schulz publishes the first Charlie Brown cartoon strip, Li’l Folks. It was later named Peanuts.

    1959 

    CBS debuts Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone. The anthology series tells bizarre stories that often encompassed strange events with plot twists and moral lessons.

    1967 

    Thurgood Marshall takes the oath from Chief Justice Earl Warren. The attorney and civil rights activist was the first African American Supreme Court Justice. He served until 1991. One of Marshall’s career highlights was the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka.

    1988 

    Canadian Lennox Lewis takes gold in the super heavyweight bout at the Seoul Olympics. He TKOs American Riddick Bowe in the 2nd round.

    October 2nd Celebrated Birthdays

    Hannah Adams – 1755

    Working professionally as a writer, Adams compiled early U.S. history and the study of religion. She was the first woman in the U.S. to earn a living as a writer.

    Nat Turner – 1800

    Born into slavery, Turner organized and launched a two-day campaign that ended with the deaths of whites and slaves alike. Turner was hanged after eluding militia for six weeks.

    Mahatma Gandhi – 1869

    The social activist became the leader of the nationalist movement in India. Known for his non-violent resistance, in 1894 his labors for his country began when the Natal Legislative Assembly began considering a bill that would remove the right to vote from Indians. Gandhi’s efforts would take years and in 1947 the Indian Independence Bill created two independent nations: India and Pakistan. Only a few months later, Nathuram Godse assassinated the peaceful social activist.

    Groucho Marx – 1890

    The witty comedian joined his brothers on stage, radio and television performing shtick comedy. Groucho became known for his hallmark style which included a painted-on mustache, cigar, bushy eyebrows and trench coat.

    Ruth Cheney Streeter – 1895

    The first director of the United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve also became the first woman to attain the rank of major in the Marine Corps. By the time she retired in 1945, she had achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel.

    Nicolai Poliakoff – 1900

    As the creator of the CoCo the Clown, Poliakoff gained fame in the UK and later the US. After immigrating to the UK from Russia, Poliakoff perfected is auguste clowning style with the Bertram Mills Circus.

    Ruby Stephens – 1924

    The right-handed pitcher played six seasons in the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. During her baseball career, she traveled all over North and South America playing exhibition games. When her baseball career ended, Stephens worked for the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Chicago, IL.

    Robert Henry Lawrence – 1935

    The first African American astronaut served as an instructor with the Manned Orbiting Laboratory. However, Lawrence would perish during a training flight for the Space Shuttle program before ever being given the opportunity to fly in space.

    Johnnie Cochran – 1937

    During the O.J. Simpson murder trial, the attorney made the phrase “if it doesn’t fit, you must acquit,” famous.

    Annie Leibovitz – 1949

    The photographer is best known for her stunning portraits of celebrities.

    Paul Teutul Jr. – 1974

    After co-founding Orange County Choppers with his father, Teutul Jr. co-starred in the reality show American Chopper on the Discovery Channel and TLC for 8 seasons.