Walk, Drive, Prevent Fires, And Eat Pickled Peppers — And Do It All This Week

Heads are spinning this week over a cavalcade of special days and special events playing out at the same time. Indeed, if you are looking for something to "observe," then this is your moment to shine!

On Wednesday, October 6, it's International Walk to School Day, which falls smack in the middle of, ironically, Drive Safely Work Week. In addition, this also is Fire Prevention Week, which comes around right at the start of what's known as National Pasta Month, National Pizza Month, and National Pickled Peppers Month. Try saying that three times fast.

But first things first. On Wednesday, Montclair's elementary and middle school students will be encouraged to walk or bike to school instead of being driven. Most of the schools will organize groups to walk or bike, and will provide incentives such as healthy snacks, certificates, and stickers. Check with your chid's school to see what's being organized.

As an aside, you can find out your address' "walkability rating" by going to www.walkscore.com. For example, the Municipal Building at 205 Claremont Avenue is a "walker's paradise" with a walk score of 91.

Next, Fire Prevention Week is celebrated through October 9. Montclair's public schools have joined with local fire official, David Allin and Safe Kids New Jersey to present the first in a series of important fire safety and prevention lessons introducing students and family members in grades 5, 6 and 7 to the reality and danger of fire.

A notice went home to families of students requesting they watch the first lesson together, "Fire Is Black." The family assignment notice includes a place for parents/caregivers to acknowledge, by signature, that they watched the series with their children. Concepts viewed in the video will be reinforced in the classroom.

The lesson is available on the Internet at www.fireis.com; Channel 34, Monday to Friday at 7:30 p.m.; and at the Montclair Public Library and Montclair Township fire stations.

"Montclair holds monthly fire drills in our schools to practice fire safety procedures but we recognize that most fires don't happen in school — they happen in the home," said Superintendent Frank Alvarez. "We request that all families watch this important series of lessons during Fire Prevention Week and we encourage family members to engage in discussions about fire safety in their own households."

Safe driving is the focus of Drive Safely Work Week that runs through October 8. The annual workplace safety campaign is sponsored by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety's (NETS) and is supported in northwestern New Jersey by TransOptions.

DSWW provides a turnkey program with messages and free materials available to employers to promote safe driving practices. The 2010 campaign focuses on the dangers of distracted driving, particularly the use of cell phones and texting while driving.

"Distracted driving is also against the law in New Jersey," said John Ciaffone, president of TransOptions. "Drivers face a $100 fine plus court costs and fees for talking or texting on a hand-held cell phone as a 'primary' motor vehicle offense."

Now for the fun stuff. To find out what foods are celebrated this month, go here. Not only is it National Pasta, Pizza, and Pickled Peppers month, but it's also National Apple Month and for you real foodie aficionados, Friday, October 8 is National Fluffernutter Day. What is a fluffernutter you ask? It's a sandwich made with peanut butter and marshmallow creme. Its name comes from the common use of "Marshmallow Fluff" brand marshmallow creme.

And it's apparently partcicularly popular in the Northeastern United States. Who knew?