This month’s name stems from the Latin “octo” meaning “eight” because it was the eighth month of the early Roman calendar. When the Romans converted to a twelve-month calendar, the name October stuck, despite the fact that it’s now the tenth month!
The early Roman calendar, thought to have been introduced by Rome’s first king, Romulus (around 753 B.C.), was a lunar calendar. This ancient timekeeping system contained these ten months: Martius, Aprilis, Maius, Iunius, Quintilis, Sextilis, September, October (the eighth month), November, and December. Martius, Maius, Quintilis, and October contained 31 days, while the other months had 30, for a total of 304 days. In winter, the days were not counted for two lunar cycles.
It wasn’t until about 713 B.C. that a calendar reform, attributed to the second Roman king, Numa Pompilius, added the months Ianuarius and Februarius. Some historians think that both months were placed at the end of the year, while others believe that Ianuarius became the first month and Februarius the last. Later reforms organized the months as they are arranged today in the Gregorian calendar, whereby October became the tenth month, despite its name.
The CCA hosts several events throughout the year, including Murder Mystery Nights, Easter Egg Hunt, Stampede Kick-off Pancake Breakfast (co-hosted with the Lake Chaparral Residents Association), Summer Bash, Skate with Santa, and the Festival of Lights. We are looking for an Events Coordinator to help plan and organize events. If you would like to help out, please email us.
The CCA also has several pieces of sports equipment that can be used by members, including adult and child snowshoes, walking poles, and a portable disc golf game. Contact us to sign out equipment.
Monthly board meetings typically take place on the second Wednesday of the month.
Many hands make light work! If you would like to get involved in the community, please message [email protected].
Donna Reid
Chaparral Community Association President
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