BABY SAFETY MONTH

All September long, Baby Safety Month highlights the importance of providing babies and families with safe, quality products.

Children are a precious commodity. Parents and caregivers strive to provide the safest environment for children. Putting children’s safety first is a high priority. That not only means protecting them where they live but also protecting them from dangerous products. 

For babies, every room in the home poses safety concerns. The paint on the walls, the temperature of the water, cleaners under the sink all present risk factors. But there are actions parents and caregivers can take to protect babies. These are just a few:

13 Baby Safety Tips

  1. Anchor large pieces of furniture and televisions.
  2. Place gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs.
  3. Cover outlets.
  4. Remove blinds and curtains with long or looped cords.
  5. Install smoke detectors and test twice a year.
  6. Add a fire extinguisher to every level of the home.
  7. Put safety latches on cabinet doors and the toilet.
  8. Check the thermostat on the hot water heater; install a temperature guard.
  9. Remove toys with pieces small enough to swallow. Throw away broken toys.
  10. Test old paint for lead. Have it removed or sealed.
  11. Place bumpers on sharp corners.
  12. Remove poisonous plants.
  13. Complete the registration cards that come with baby furniture, supplies, and toys. If there is a recall, you’ll be notified.

Babies keep parents and caregivers busy, but these are just a few steps to help make their jobs less stressful and keep their small humans safe.

BABY SAFETY MONTH HISTORY

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association founded Baby Safety Month in 1983 as Expectant Mother’s Day. Over the years the celebration has grown into a full month of information, education, and focus on infant safety.

Explore More…

  • National Safe Toys and Gifts Month
  • National Seat Check Saturday
  • National Bath Safety Month

HOW TO OBSERVE #BabySafetyMonth

Visit the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) website for more Baby Safety Tips. Take the time to explore your home and car from a baby’s eye view. Crawl around on the floor and see what your baby sees. You might discover some safety hazards that need immediate attention. 

Make sure your baby is safe and use #BabySafetyMonth to post on social media.

NATIONAL MARYLAND DAY

On August 24, we usher in the 7th state to join the Union with National Maryland Day.  Maryland’s coastal location brings with it a deeply rooted maritime heritage that includes an ocean battle defending the city of Baltimore at Ft. McHenry during the War of 1812. One witness to the action became so inspired, Francis Scott Key penned the words that later became our National Anthem.

The Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812: The History of the Battle that Inspired the National Anthem Kindle Edition

by Charles River Editors  (Author) 
The Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812: The History of the Battle that Inspired the National Anthem

by Charles River Editors  (Author) 
Chesapeake Bay

Just over 200 years before these traditions flourished, Captian John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay and the Nanticoke River. He kept a record of his travels, documenting the Native American people. Smith wrote about their cultures, the abundant animal, and plant life. Since this vast watershed is the largest estuary in the United States, the complex ecosystem thrives with diverse plant and wildlife.

Captain John Smith: A Select Edition of His Writings (Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture and the University of North Carolina Press) Kindle Edition
by Karen Ordahl Kupperman (Editor) 
Captain John Smith: A Select Edition of His Writings (Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture and the University of North Carolina Press) Kindle Edition

by Karen Ordahl Kupperman (Editor) 


Boardwalk

Spending a weekend or a vacation at Ocean City with friends or family is a highlight of any Maryland trip.  The boardwalk and beaches provide plenty of relaxation, adventure, and fun in the sun. The Eastern Shore offers scenic views, site seeing, peaceful accommodations, festivals and events for everyone.

Civil War History

Head west to Antitiem and Maryland will take you into another era.  Here, the battlefields and Antietam National Cemetery hold a solemn reminder of the bloodiest singled day battle of the Civil War that occurred on September 17, 1862. Five days later, President Lincoln issued a Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Although Maryland was a southern state as defined by the Mason-Dixon line, it never seceded from the Union. While many families throughout the war fought on opposing sides, for Maryland families, it was a reoccurring theme.

Industry

Being located close to Washington D.C. makes Maryland ideal for aerospace, defense, and federal cybersecurity jobs. The state’s fishing industry thrives and is the largest producer of blue crabs in the state. The Oldline State is also home to McCormick & Company, Perdue Farms, Lockheed Martin, Black & Decker and Underarmor.

Official Maryland

State Capital – Annapolis
State Nickname – The Old Line State
State Motto – Fatti maschs parole femine
State Bird – Baltimore Oriole
State Flower – Black-eyed Susan
State Folk Dance – Square Dance
State Fish – Rockfish
State Dessert – Smith Island Cake
State Fossil – Ecphora gardnerae
State Tree – White Oak
State Song – Maryland, My Maryland
State Gemstone – Patuxent River Stone
State Insect – Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly

NOTABLE PEOPLE

Johns Hopkins – Philanthropist – (May 19, 1795 – December 24, 1873)

The Ghosts of Johns Hopkins: The Life and Legacy that Shaped an American City Kindle Edition

by Antero Pietila  (Author)
The Ghosts of Johns Hopkins: The Life and Legacy that Shaped an American City Kindle Edition

by Antero Pietila  (Author)


Harriet Tubman – Activist – (1822 – March 10, 1913)

Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom Paperback – January 5, 2005

by Catherine Clinton  (Author)
Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom Paperback – January 5, 2005

by Catherine Clinton  (Author)

Harriet
Harriet



Frederick Douglass – Journalist – Activist – ( unknown – February 20, 1895)

Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom Kindle Edition
by David W. Blight  (Author) 
Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom Kindle Edition

by David W. Blight  (Author) 


American Experience: The Abolitionists
American Experience: The Abolitionists


Upton Sinclair – Author – (September 20, 1878 – November 25, 1968)

Upton Sinclair and the Other American Century Kindle Edition

by Kevin Mattson  (Author) 
Upton Sinclair and the Other American Century Kindle Edition

by Kevin Mattson  (Author) 


Babe Ruth – Professional Athlete – (February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948)

The Big Bam: The Life and Times of Babe Ruth Paperback – May 1, 2007

by Leigh Montville  (Author)
The Big Bam: The Life and Times of Babe Ruth

by Leigh Montville  (Author)
Babe Ruth Story
Babe Ruth Story


Thurgood Marshall – Supreme Court Justice – (July 2, 1908 – January 24, 1993)

Thurgood Marshall: His Speeches, Writings, Arguments, Opinions, and Reminiscences (The Library of Black America series) Kindle Edition

by Mark V. Tushnet  (Editor), Randall Kennedy (Foreword) 
Thurgood Marshall: His Speeches, Writings, Arguments, Opinions, and Reminiscences (The Library of Black America series)

by Mark V. Tushnet  (Editor), Randall Kennedy (Foreword) 
Thurgood Marshall: America's First African American Supreme Court Justice
Thurgood Marshall: America’s First African American Supreme Court Justice


Barbara Mikulski – U.S. Representative – (July 20, 1936 – )

Barbara Mikulski
Barbara Mikulski

Mike Roe – Television host – (March 18, 1962 – )

The Way I Heard It Kindle Edition
by Mike Rowe  (Author)
The Way I Heard It Kindle Edition

by Mike Rowe  (Author)



Maryland Flavor

Milk
Cream of Crab Soup
Fisher’s popcorn
Stuffed Ham
Crab dip
Berger Cookies
Steamed Crab
Crab Cakes
Thrashers Fries

Marylanders know their crab. It’s a big deal. Crab cakes, crab dip, steamed crab or a good old fashioned crab boil. However, they serve it up, they serve it deliciously and with pride. They know their seafood, but they know their crab. Don’t forget the Old Bay, either.

Follow that with Thrashers Fries and Fisher’s Popcorn from Ocean City’s boardwalk. It’s a required stop.

Fisher's Popcorn Caramel Popcorn, Gluten Free, 5 Simple Ingredients, Handmade, No Preservatives, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Zero Trans Fat, 20oz Tub

by Fisher's Popcorn
Fisher’s Popcorn Caramel Popcorn, Gluten Free, 5 Simple Ingredients, Handmade, No Preservatives, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Zero Trans Fat, 20oz Tub

by Fisher’s Popcorn

Stuffed ham gains a favored place on the table in Maryland. Seasoned cabbage, kale, and onions are stuffed into a boneless ham, boiled and served cold.

For dessert, Marylanders like peach pot pie and the official state dessert, Smith Island Cake. Peach pot pie is similar to a cobbler with a sweet biscuit crust. As August 24th is also Peach Pie Day, it could be that this is how the tradition got started. The eight layers of the Smith Island Cake features fudge and moist yellow cake.

But, let’s remember crabs, in whole or part, are outstanding in Maryland.

Hidden Treasures

National Capital Radio & Television Museum – Bowie

John Paul Jones’ Crypt – Annapolis

Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave – Baltimore

College Park Airport and Aviation Museum – College Park

Underground Railroad Experience Trail – Ashton-Sandy Spring

Gathland State Park – Frederick County

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMarylandDay

This beautiful state spans mountains and oceans, countryside and metropolis.  Celebrate Maryland’s people and their history on August 24. Use #NationalMarylandDay to share on social media.

Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial
Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial

NATIONAL CONNECTICUT DAY

Woven into the fabric of this state’s historic landscape, we find revolutionaries, innovators, and philosophers. On August 10th, National Connecticut Day recognizes the contributions of the fifth state to join the United States of America.

Connecticut Icons: Classic Symbols of the Nutmeg State Kindle Edition

by Charles Monagan  (Author) 
Connecticut Icons: Classic Symbols of the Nutmeg State

by Charles Monagan  (Author) 

Like other colonies of the region, the Dutch first explored and founded trading posts in Connecticut. In 1633, Puritans from Massachusetts established the first permanent settlement.  From the outset, the industry established a means to prosperity in the colony. Production of brass buttons and munitions placed the colony in a position to later supply the Revolutionary Army. The colonial governor of Connecticut, Jonathan Trumbull, was the only governor who supported independence.

All three Connecticut delegates to the first Continental Congress continued their representation of the colony at the Second Congress and signed the Declaration of Independence.

Creating Connecticut: Critical Moments That Shaped a Great State Kindle Edition

by Walter W. Woodward (Author) 
Creating Connecticut: Critical Moments That Shaped a Great State

by Walter W. Woodward (Author) 

In fact, Roger Sherman is the only person to have signed the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution. Eliphalet Dyer served the state of Connecticut as chief justice after the revolution.

Silas Deane served as a spy during the war and was for a time branded a traitor along with another Connecticut native, Benedict Arnold. He died penniless, but decades later in 1840, his granddaughter would petition Congress to review his records. His name would be cleared.

Connecticut’s small but full landscape holds countless revolutionary stories and adventures along New England’s National Scenic Trail. Through every season and every era, there’s something for every generation to enjoy!

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalConnecticutDay

Explore all the adventures Connecticut has to offer and share your favorites by using #NationalConnecticutDay on social media.

Delectable Flovors of Connecticut

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library – New Haven

Wild Bill’s Nostalgia Store

Grave of XYZ – Deep River

Mystic Seaport – Mystic

Hogpen Hill – Woodbury

Louis’ Lunch – New Haven

Capital building in Hartford

Official State of Connecticut

  • State Capital – Hartford
  • State Flower – Mountain Laurel
  • State Nick Name – Constitution State
  • State Song – Yankee Doodle
  • State Tree –
  • State Mineral – Almondine
  • State Motto –
  • State Fish – American Shad
  • State Hero – Nathan Hale
  • State Heroine – Prudence Crandoll
  • State Bird – American Robin
  • State Insect – Praying Mantis
  • State Folk Dance – Square Dance
  • State Animal –

NOTABLE PEOPLE

Noah Webster – Educator – (October 16, 1758 – May 28, 1843)

Noah Webster: The Life and Times of an American Patriot Kindle Edition

by Harlow Giles Unger (Author) 
Noah Webster: The Life and Times of an American Patriot Kindle Edition

by Harlow Giles Unger (Author) 

Nathan Hale – Patriot – (June 6, 1755 – September 22, 1776)

Spies, Patriots, and Traitors: American Intelligence in the Revolutionary War Kindle Edition

by Kenneth A. Daigler  (Author)
Spies, Patriots, and Traitors: American Intelligence in the Revolutionary War Kindle Edition

by Kenneth A. Daigler  (Author)

Charles Goodyear – Chemist – (December 29, 1800 – July 1, 1860)

Charles Goodyear - Chemist - (December 29, 1800 - July 1, 1860)
Charles Goodyear – Chemist – (December 29, 1800 – July 1, 1860)

PT Barnum – Entertainer – (July 5, 1810 – April 7, 1891)

The Life of P.T. Barnum (Collins Classics) Kindle Edition

by P. T. Barnum  (Author) 
The Life of P.T. Barnum (Collins Classics) Kindle Edition

by P. T. Barnum  (Author) 
The Greatest Showman
The Greatest Showman

Harriet Beecher Stowe – Author – (June 14, 1811 – July 1, 1896)

Harriet Beecher Stowe: A Life Reprint Edition

by Joan D. Hedrick  (Author)
Harriet Beecher Stowe: A Life Reprint Edition

by Joan D. Hedrick  (Author)

Uncle Tom's Cabin: With Original 1852 Illustrations by Hammett Billings
by Harriet Beecher Stowe  (Author), Hammatt Billings (Illustrator)
Uncle Tom’s Cabin: With Original 1852 Illustrations by Hammett Billings

by Harriet Beecher Stowe  (Author), Hammatt Billings (Illustrator)



Samuel Colt – Manufacturer – (July 19, 1814 – January 10, 1862)

Samuel Colt - Manufacturer - (July 19, 1814 - January 10, 1862)
Samuel Colt – Manufacturer – (July 19, 1814 – January 10, 1862)


Frederick Law Olmsted – (April 26, 1822 – August 28, 1903)

Frederick Law Olmsted - (April 26, 1822 - August 28, 1903)
Frederick Law Olmsted – (April 26, 1822 – August 28, 1903)

William Gillette – Actor and playwright – (July 24, 1853 – April 29, 1937)

William Gillette, America's Sherlock Holmes Kindle Edition

by Henry Zecher  (Author) 
William Gillette, America’s Sherlock Holmes Kindle Edition

by Henry Zecher  (Author) 


Edith Roosevelt – (August 6, 1861 – September 30, 1948)

Edith Kermit Roosevelt: Creating the Modern First Lady Kindle Edition

by Lewis L. Gould  (Author)
Edith Kermit Roosevelt: Creating the Modern First Lady Kindle Edition

by Lewis L. Gould  (Author)

Katharine Hepburn – Actress – (May 12, 1907 – June 29, 2003)

Me: Stories of My Life Kindle Edition

by Katharine Hepburn  (Author)
Me: Stories of My Life Kindle Edition

by Katharine Hepburn  (Author)

The Philadelphia Story (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

Cary Grant (Actor), Katharine Hepburn (Actor), & 1 more
The Philadelphia Story (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

Cary Grant (Actor), Katharine Hepburn (Actor), & 1 more

Bringing Up Baby
Bringing Up Baby

George W. Bush – President – (July 6, 1946 – )

George W. Bush: The American Presidents Series: The 43rd President, 2001-2009 Kindle Edition

by James Mann (Author), Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. (Editor), & 1 more
George W. Bush: The American Presidents Series: The 43rd President, 2001-2009 Kindle Edition

by James Mann (Author), Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. (Editor), & 1 more


Annie Leibovitz – Photographer – (October 2, 1949 -)

Annie Leibovitz. The Early Years, 1970–1983 Hardcover – Download: Adobe Reader, December 10, 2018

by Luc Sante (Author), Jann S. Wenner (Author), & 1 more
Annie Leibovitz. The Early Years, 1970–1983 Hardcover – Download: Adobe Reader, December 10, 2018

by Luc Sante (Author), Jann S. Wenner (Author), & 1 more
Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens
Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens



INTERNATIONAL BLUES MUSIC DAY

Today is August 5 we are celebrating the  soulful sounds on International Blues Music Day. On this International Day, we are encouraging everyone around the globe to enjoy the historical sound of the American South.

Blues Music is a combination of form and music that creates a heavy sound filled with emotion. Often associated with sadness, blues music releases emotional feelings meant to free the soul. On International Blues Music Day, let’s learn the vast history behind this musical genre while listening to your favorite blues musician.

DID YOU KNOW?

“Walking the blues” is a blues bass guitar playing during a song. The bass guitar has the important role of creating the “feeling” of the song being played.

Historically, blues music seems to have developed shortly after the Civil War. Originating the in the deep South, this music genre was an artistic way for African Americans to sing work songs while working in the fields during slavery. It’s important to note many of these songs were a depiction of sadness and melancholy, which were current feelings of slaves during this era. However, because of the resilience of slaves, they also incorporated spiritual songs with feelings as a way of dealing with every day life. The early sounds of blues serve as the oral history of slaves. In fact, many of the early blues songs are the only documentation available telling us of work conditions, treatment, and life as a slave.

Between the late 1800s and early 1920s, blues began taking a new shape in mainstream America. Spreading across the entire South, blues music was heard in dance halls and speakeasys. It was during this time instruments, such as the banjo and trumpet, began amplifying the sound of blues. It was also a time when black musicians were recording their music, opening doors for music to enter into households across the world.

6 Famous Blues Musicians

  1. Bessie Smith (1894–1937)
  2. Mamie Smith (1891–1946)
  3. Etta James (1938–2012)
  4. Howlin’ Wolf (1910–1976)
  5. Muddy Waters (1913–1983)
  6. B.B. King (1925-2015)

Blues musician Johnny Childs receives credit as the founder of International Blues Music Day. On August 2, 2013, Childs began an initiative to create an annual celebration in honor of blues music and its musicians around the world. The International Blues Music Day organization, along with the NYC Blues Society, began planning the first ever International Blues Music Day celebration.

Blues Playlist
Jen’s Perspective Blues Playlist

HISTORY BEHIND INTERNATIONAL BLUES MUSIC DAY

Blues music is one of the most widely known music genres in the world. Celebrations bring together musicians, communities, educators, historians, and fans, alike. According to the International Blues Music Day website, this international day is to ‘celebrate and learn about blues and its roots, future and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforce international cooperation and communication.’

What is the International Blues Music Day organization?

The International Blues Music Day organization promotes the art of blues music and educates people on the vast heritage blues music has. The organization’s core goals are to:

  • Promote peace and equality
  • Create dialogue among cultures
  • Encourage diversity
  • Eliminate discrimination
  • Encourage social change

How to OBSERVE #InternationalBluesMusicDay

Gather your friends and family on International Blues Music Day and celebrate the sound of music loved by millions of people around the globe. We want to see your photos on social media as you enjoy celebrations in your area. Tag #InternationalBluesMusicDay so you can join in on this musical celebration.