It's happening in November

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, but did you know there are many other events to celebrate during the month of November? Some are commemorations of food and family; others are historical milestones. Here's a sampling of some of the humorous - and more serious - happenings in November:

Peanut Butter Lovers' Month: Designed to commemorate America's favorite lunchbox staple.

National Georgia Pecan Month: Heralds Georgia as the nation's top pecan-producing state, which provides 50 percent of America's pecan supply.

Hockey Mask Invented (Nov. 1, 1959) Montreal Canadiens goalie Jacques Plante was tired of getting hit in the face with hockey pucks, so he created a fiberglass and resin mask. (A leather mask that had been invented in the 1920s never quite caught on.)

Homemade Bread Day: Set aside Nov. 17 to savor fresh-baked bread.

Mickey Mouse's Birthday. On Nov. 18, 1928, this squeaky-voiced cartoon character first appeared on the screen of the Colony Theatre in New York City. The film, Walt Disney's "Steamboat Willie," was the first animated talking cartoon picture.

National Family Volunteer Day: Nov. 19 is designed to encourage families to help their communities. It's a way to kick off the season of caring and giving. For details, see: www.familycares.org or www.pointsoflight.org.

National Better Conversation Week (Nov. 21-27): Celebrate your gift of the gab or work on polishing conversation skills with your friends and family.

Buy Nothing Day (Nov. 25): A 24-hour moratorium on shopping to celebrate simplicity and avoid excessive spending.

Source: Chase's 2005 Calendar of Events