Awarenesses MONTH
National Literacy Month Literacy is "the ability to use printed and written information to function in society, to achieve one's goals, and to develop one's knowledge and potential." Yet more than 20% of US adults have low literacy skills, which often negatively impacts their health, employment, and financial status. This September is a great time to help our youth develop their literacy skills which will be an asset to them their entire lives.
https://www.allianceforchildrenandfamilies.org/september-is-national-literacy-month/ Better Breakfast Month Breakfast is the first meal of the day, and research has shown that those who regularly eat breakfast are more likely to have a healthier overall diet. A 2013 study revealed that men who skipped breakfast were more than 25% more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease. The quality of the food in that first meal of the day is important, too. Experts suggest that whole grains like oatmeal and whole grain cereals, low-fat protein, low-fat dairy, and fruits and vegetables are ideal choices. Start a new habit this September to make a healthy breakfast a part of your day, every day. Our Supreme Regent’s Cereal Box program encourages you to help the less fortunate have a healthy breakfast, too. Collect and donate healthy, whole-grain cereals and give others the chance to start their day on a good note. https://nutritots.com/blogs/learn/september-is-better-breakfast-month Classical Music Month First proclaimed in 1994, September is also home to Classical Music Month. The proclamation notes that “…music is a unifying force in our world, bringing people together across vast cultural and geographical divisions.” There’s a wide variety of classical music to choose from. Classical music began around 1150 and continued through five distinct periods until 1910, providing over three-quarters of a millennium of music to choose from. Celebrate by attending a symphonic performance, listening to a favorite of your choice, and perhaps tuning in to a classical station that will expand your knowledge. Even if you’re not a fan, you may find it soothing to listen to classical music when reading or meditating. You may find it brings out your artistic talents when writing a journal or painting. Music can be an important part of our most vivid lifetime memories — make some new memories today. https://blog.eldersong.com/2017/08/classical-music-month/
WEEKS National Assisted Living Week2nd Full Week of September, September 10-16, 2023 National Assisted Living Week was started in 1995 by the National Center for Assisted Living. The week provides an opportunity to honor seniors and those with disabilities and to recognize the staff and volunteers working in assisted living facilities for their work in making life better for their residents. Assisted living facilities can provide an improved quality of life to their residents over what they can do on their own. Many provide extensive social activities that feed the spirit in addition to physical and medical needs. This year’s theme is “Season of Reflection.” Take the time to visit an assisted living facility this month, to visit a family member or friend, to offer your skills by volunteering, or to see if it may be right for you in the future. https://www.ahcancal.org/Education-Events/Pages/NALW.aspx Deaf Dog Awareness WeekLast Full Week of September, September 24-30, 2023 “Man’s best friend” may need a friend themself. Deafness in dogs can be as much a handicap in their lives as it is in humans, and as a good owner, you need to be aware of their needs. Signs of deafness can include ignoring loud noises, frequent barking, repeated ear pain or infections, and snapping when surprised. Deafness can be more common in different breeds: for example, nearly a third of Dalmatians have partial or complete hearing loss. Celebrate the week with a trip to the dog park, honoring them with a social media post, or even adopting a deaf dog. https://ruffstartrescue.org/2022/09/20/national-deaf-dog-week/
National Farm Animals Awareness Week
3rd Full Week of September, September 17-23, 2023 National Farm Animals Awareness Week was first observed in 1993 to raise awareness of the harsh conditions that farm animals must often endure. Better conditions for farm animals can result in better and healthier food and products that we consume. A new awareness of consumers has helped to provide demand in the marketplace for now-common items such as grass-fed beef, free-range eggs, and prohibitions in some of the more horrendous feeding and caging that was previously unchecked. Healthier animals provide a quality of life to them as well as those who consume products of farm animals. Cattle farming has been around since at least 8000 B.C., and there’s no reason the commercialization advances of today mean that conditions for those farm animals must deteriorate. https://www.aspca.org/news/three-ways-help-farm-animals-honor-national-farm-animal-awareness-week
DAYS
International Day of CharitySeptember 5 The United Nations established the International Day of Charity in 2012 to raise awareness of the needs of others and encourage worldwide charitable activities for individuals and organizations at a local, regional, national, and worldwide level. September 5th was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the passing of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Councils returning from their summer breaks may well want to mark September 5th in their annual calendars to celebrate with a charitable event to honor this day. https://www.un.org/en/observances/charity-day
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
September 16 In 1994, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed September 16 as International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, also known as Ozone Day. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed in 1987, which led, 30 years later, to the closure of the hole in the ozone layer. The preservation of the part of the Earth’s stratosphere that absorbs most of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation remains important: the now-banned gases responsible for the depletion of the ozone are expected to continue to affect the ozone layer for 50 to 100 years. https://www.un.org/en/observances/ozone-day
International Day of Sign Languages
September 23 The life-altering power of sign language was perhaps most forcibly demonstrated by the life of Helen Keller, who lost her sight and hearing when she was 19 months old. Anne Sullivan taught her sign language, allowing Helen Keller to become the first deaf-blind person in the United States to earn a Bachelor’s degree, author 14 books, and founded the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The UN chose September 23 to commemorate the day when the World Federation of the Deaf was founded in 1951. Celebrate by hosting a fundraising event or begin learning sign language to connect with the estimated 70 million deaf people worldwide. https://www.un.org/en/observances/sign-languages-day
Holidays and Observances Patriot Day - September 11 The worst terrorist attack in the United States is commemorated by Patriot Day. It is a day of remembrance of the 2,977 innocents whose lives were lost, including hundreds of first responders who bravely rushed into the burning Twin Towers in New York City. All Americans are called to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. Eastern daylight time to honor the victims who perished that day. Patriot Day 2023: 7 things to know about the day, connection to 9/11 Rosh Hashana Begins - 1st day of Tishrei - September 15, 2023 The Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah is the first of the Jewish High Holy Days designated in Leviticus. It also marks the beginning of the ten days known as the “Days of Awe,” a spiritual time of repentance that concludes with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It is celebrated with many traditions including a sequence of blasts from the shofar, or a hollowed-out ram’s horn, eating sweet foods to symbolically bring in a sweet new year, rest, and relaxation. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/rosh-hashanah-history International Day of Democracy - September 15 In 2007, the UN designated September 15 as the International Day of Democracy to promote the principles of democracy, with a call to raise public awareness of democracy. Democracy has its roots in ancient Greece and is founded on the ability of people to participate in the decision-making process of their nation. America has the oldest democracy today, but history around the world shows that history isn’t a guarantee for the future. Use this day to recommit to participating in your government and help protect democracy around the world. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/democracy Fun Days Read a Book Day on September 6 is an ideal day to relax and read a book, or a section of a book, and encourage others to do the same. You can also celebrate by donating books, hosting a book reading party, and visiting your local public library. https://blog.theliteracysite.greatergood.com/national-read-a-book-day/ Avast ye! September 19 is International Talk Like a Pirate Day, hearties! Begun in 1995 by John Baur and Mark Summers on a racquetball court in Albany, Oregon, the idea became popular when humorist Dave Barry wrote about it in 2002. Learn a few pirate phrases and have a jolly good time. https://www.islands.com/40-useful-pirate-phrases-for-national-talk-like-pirate-day/ National Pancake Day is on September 26. Well, that’s one of the dates it’s celebrated on: it is also celebrated on Shrove Tuesday, aka Mardi Gras, aka the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The French celebrate Chandeleur, or Candlemas, 40 days after Christmas, and small breads or pancakes are traditionally given to the poor that day. They all seem like a great time for a short stack of pancakes and syrup. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-pancake-day-september-26/
Historical Events
September 2, 31 B.C.: Mark Anthony’s naval forces are defeated by Octavian (later known as Augustus Caesar) at the Battle of Actium, a turning point battle ultimately leading to Anthony’s death less than a year later. September 3, 1783: The American Revolutionary War officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. September 5, 1774: The First Continental Congress gathered in Philadelphia to decide how to respond to the grievances the Colonies had with the British government, and ultimately led to the Declaration of Independence. September 6, 1860: Social worker Jane Adams was born in Cedarville, Illinois, and later founded Hull House in Chicago to serve the sick and poor. September 8, 1565: Spaniard Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles founded the first European settlement in America that has remained continually occupied. September 9, 1776: Congress officially renames the nation from the United Colonies to the United States of America. September 13, 1788: New York City is chosen by Congress as the Federal capital of the United States of America. September 14, 1812: Napoleon enters Moscow as retreating Russians set fire to the city, ultimately leading to Napoleon’s fall in one of the greatest military defeats in history. September 16, 1908: General Motors was founded by William Crapo "Billy" Durant in Flint, Michigan. September 17, 1908: The first powered flight fatality occurred when Orville Wright crashed his plane from 75 feet high, killing his 26-year-old passenger Lt. Thomas E. Selfridge. September 19, 1893: New Zealand became the first country to allow women to vote. September 22, 1791: Michael Faraday was born; he later discovered electromagnetic induction which led to today’s modern electronics. September 25, 1690: The first American newspaper, Publick Occurrences Both Foreign and Domestick, was published in Boston, Massachusetts. September 28, 1542: California was discovered by Europeans when Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed into San Diego Bay.
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