September

On the last Sunday of September, we observe Gold Star Mothers’ Day as a quiet and somber occasion. American families display their service flags with a blue star representing each member deployed in war. Those lost to combat are honored with a gold star on the flag. We remember that those lives lost in war […]

Whether you live in the city, on a country road or nestled in the suburbs, we all share a commonality. We are all neighbors. Our lifestyles limit efforts to get acquainted to an occasional wave.   National Good Neighbor Day, observed annually on September 28, reinstates the good neighbor policy. School has commenced, the best […]

The name could be snazzier, but nonprofits, state and local governments, and federal agencies rarely master catchy phrases. And though they don’t always play well together either, National Public Lands Day celebrates a remarkable alliance between all the powers that be and the rest of us. Every year, it happens on the last Saturday in […]

Few people can resist the tug of innocent cuteness from one of the animal kingdom’s softest critters. They sport long ears, powder puff tails and can twitch their noses better than the character Samantha on the television series, “Bewitched”. Every Easter, children eagerly await its arrival which precedes the hunt for colorful eggs. And from […]

They say, “be careful what you wish for”.   By the way, who are they? Is that a stupid question?   If so, it qualifies for entry in the day teachers now dread. In response to educators wanting students to ask more questions, the 1980s saw the emergence of Ask a Stupid Question Day, observed […]

Your family tree is filled with intrigue, secrets and life stories waiting to be revealed.   Ancestor Appreciation Day, observed annually on September 27, affords you the perfect opportunity to announce,   “I’m going to climb my family tree!” Most of us are well versed in who our parents and grandparents are, no sleuthing skills […]

If you imagine him dressed in ragged clothes complemented by a tin pot hat, historic drawings support that impression. Stories about his dedication to the ordinary act of planting and nurturing trees are also well-documented. The Johnny Appleseed of legend was a simple, religious man who introduced his beloved fruit throughout northeast America during the […]

Life may not always be a bowl of cherries, but on September 24, a luscious treat can provide a jubilant outlook as you celebrate Cherries Jubilee Day. This classic dessert was pushed backstage while other trendy confections, such as tiramisu and lava cakes, took turns in the spotlight. But this is the holiday on which […]

It has its own rich colors and delicious aromas. The days are a little shorter, and things begin to slow down. Still, there’s a sense that we need to prepare. The squirrels chatter and dash and scold us for taking it easy. They don’t see past their nests to the tops of the trees, but […]

Some dates on the calendar are all about celebration. We embrace the joy of different holidays. Other dates are about remembrance. We reflect with respect and longing. On the third Friday of each September, we honor those we’ve lost through their military service by observing National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The flag that commemorates this day […]

Give a nod to dining history by celebrating TV Dinner Day, observed annually on September 10. We’ve all enjoyed at least one of these quick, easy meals. The TV Dinner is one of the most iconic symbols of American food culture. During World War II, women entered the workforce locally while men served our country […]

She is Gramma or Granny. He is Grampa or Gampy.   Whatever appellations of endearment you may call them, the unique bond is one to be cherished. On Grandparents’ Day, observed annually on the first Sunday after Labor Day, we take time to honor, and remember, these loving individuals. Grandparents are special. They have no […]

As football season approaches, the first Saturday in September leads the way with Tailgating Day. This is a fun, tasty way for die-hard fans to come together and pay homage to the football-food culture. Most tailgating takes place in stadium parking lots prior to kick-off. As the name implies, these parties are hosted from the […]

In the 1850s, New York City was short on prime real estate and deep into establishing our nation’s financial centers. Chicago’s population exploded from less than 100 hardy souls in 1830 to more than 30,000 just two decades later. These two historic facts alone don’t explain Skyscraper Day. Still, they give you an idea of […]

Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, was once observed as a day to acknowledge our nation’s workers, has transcended into a last hurrah and final farewell to summer. We take to the shores for a day of sun and surf, or seize the day to gather with friends and family for a […]

The concept of a telephone operator conjures recollections of Lily Tomlin’s snorting, sarcastic portrayal in TV episodes of “Laugh-In”.   Her character of Ernestine kept viewers in stitches watching her outrageous lack of skills. The first true female telephone operator proved to be just the opposite. During the late 1800s, the Boston Telephone Dispatch Company […]