Five Things You Need to Know Today: Window Painting Contests, Fundraisers for Breast Cancer and a Bill of Rights Institute Essay Contest

1. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, putt for pink today at the golf fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and the UFFA Local 1394. Taking place at , the locker room opens at 9 a.m. and the scramble golf format begins at 11 a.m. Players can swing their clubs for a cure by paying a $225 fee, which includes greens fees, a golf cart, a complimentary T-shirt and gift bag, a continental breakfast, lunch and dinner and a reception (open bar included!) following the tournament at the . For tickets and more information about the event, contact Patrick Gorham at (914)740-5516 or email scarsdaleputtforpink@gmail.com.

2. Scarsdale may be a small village, but it's big enough to hold two breast cancer fundraisers in the same day. Tonight, swing by the at 6:30 p.m. for a fundraiser hosted by Chef Sal Cucillo in conjunction with Breast and Ovarian Cancer Month. Dina Khader, a registered dietician and integrative nutrition consultant, will address attendees as they compete for raffle prizes and dine on a three-course dinner and enjoy cocktails, coffee and dessert. The event is $55 per person, and reservations are required. Proceeds will be given to Support Connection, a free confidential support service with people affected by breast and ovarian cancer. For more information, call Linda at (914) 722-0808 or visit Support Connection's website. 

3. What does it mean to be an American? The Bill of Rights Institute thinks your student may have the answer. The Institute's 6th Annual "Being an American Essay Contest," now open for the 2011-2012 school year, will use the Constitution's founding principles as the contest's guiding theme. High   schoolers grades 9-12 will be asked to expound on the following question in 1,000 words or less: “How does the Constitution establish and maintain a culture of liberty?” Essays will be judged by a panel of high school teachers on their originality, organization, analysis and adherence to the essay's question. First Prize winners will be awarded $1,000 each, and Second and Third Prize winners will receive $500 and $250 each. Essays are due on Dec. 15 at 11:59 p.m. For more information, visit the contest's official website. 

4. It's October, a slight chill is lingering in the air and pumpkins, gourds and ingredients for savory stews and crackpots are filling farmers' market tables and supermarket shelves across Westchester County. Get into the spirit of the season by registering for Scarsdale's Annual Halloween Window Painting Programs, now available on the Recreation Department's website. Parent/child teams can enter joint submissions, and 3d-10th graders can enter both individual or group entries. Registration is due by Wednesday, Oct. 12th, but hurry — spaces are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis!

5. If you've "liked" Scarsdale Patch and other Facebook pages, then you know that social media is a great way to get up-to-the-minute updates, connect with other individuals and voice your opinions… as well as scoring some free stuff to boot! Today, TotalBeauty.com is awarding those who "like" their Facebook page with the chance to receive free Redken samples. Those who use Redken's ever-popular "Color Extend" and "SmoothDown" salon shampoos know that the products are slightly pricey but help hair look ever-so-perfect. So you might as well liven up a mundane Monday — and your hair — by scoring some swag online today. Why not, right?