NATIONAL HONEY MONTH

Honey is a sweet and viscous fluid produced by honey bees, and derived from the nectar of flowers. According to the United States National Honey Board and various international food regulations, “honey stipulates a pure product that does not allow for the addition of any other substance…this includes, but is not limited to, water or other sweeteners”.

Honey is Not All the Same.
Honey is available in many varieties! Did you realize that honey is available in many different varieties? When bees visit mostly one kind of flower as they gather nectar, the honey they produce has a unique taste, aroma and color from that particular flower. Other honeys are delicious blends of floral sources (look for Mixed Flower, Polyfloral, Wildflower).  The Honey Locator is a website you can use to find suppliers of these many varieties of honey. 

September is significant for honey producers as it is the month that marks the end of the honey collection season for many beekeepers in the United States.

Honey and its use
The main uses of honey are in cooking, baking, as a spread on breads, and as an addition to various beverages such as tea and as a sweetener in commercial beverages. Because honey is hygroscopic (drawing moisture from the air), a small quantity of honey added to a pastry recipe will retard staling.

Medicinal uses and health effects of honey
For at least 2700 years, honey has been used to treat a variety of ailments through topical application, but only recently have the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey been chemically explained. As an antimicrobial agent honey may have the potential for treating a variety of ailments.

  • Topical honey has been used successfully in a comprehensive treatment of diabetic ulcers when the patient cannot use other topical antibiotics. Some studies suggest that the topical use of honey may reduce odors, swelling, and scarring when used to treat wounds.
  • Raw honey also contains enzymes that help in digestion, several vitamins and antioxidants.
  • Honey may also prevent the dressing from sticking to the healing wounds.
  • Honey has been shown to be an effective treatment for conjunctivitis in rats.
  • Honey (especially when combined with lemon) is often taken orally by pharyngitis and laryngitis sufferers, in order to soothe them.
  • Honey has been a part of many folk cures, it is common and cheap (compared to pharmaceuticals), and cannot be patented.

A Honey for All Skins
Skin is the body’s largest organ and its most exposed. Throughout life, the skin comes into contact with more damaging conditions and environments than any other part of the body. Pamper it with one of the world’s oldest skin care secrets, honey.  read more http://www.honey.com/consumers/sb/skins.asp

History
The awareness month was initiated by The National Honey Board, a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) founded and overseen organization. (a US government established, USDA-overseen, organization) in 1989.

Biblical Period
The Old Testament contains many references to honey as a symbol for all that is pleasant and desirable. For example, the book of Exodus famously describes the Promised Land as a ‘land flowing with milk and honey’ (33:3). There, however, the Hebrew devash refers to the sweet syrup produced from the juice of the date. In contrast, bees’ honey is referred to explicitly in The Book of Judges when Samson found a swarm of bees and honey in the carcass of a lion (14:8). Matthew 3:4 John the Baptist lived for a long period of time in the wilderness on a diet consisting of locusts and wild honey. The word “honey” appears 61 times in the King James Version of the Bible.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honeyy

HOW TO OBSERVE

Add some honey to your diet and use #NationalHoneyMonth to post on social media.

NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY

On August 21st, National Senior Citizens Day recognizes the achievements of the more mature representatives of our nation. The day provides an opportunity to show our appreciation for their dedication, accomplishments, and services they give throughout their lives. 

According to the 2017 census, 47 million seniors live in the United States. By 2060, that number will nearly double. Their wealth of knowledge, skill, and experience offer so much to the next generation. As technologies advance, these are the people who’ve experienced each step of change. Not only have they contributed to it, but they understand first hand the benefits and the drawbacks. They know life without the advancements that exist today. 

By the time you’re eighty years old you’ve learned everything. You only have to remember it. ~ George Burns

Just Getting Started

Morgan Freeman (Actor), Tommy Lee Jones (Actor), & 1 more
Just Getting Started

Morgan Freeman (Actor), Tommy Lee Jones (Actor), & 1 more

Our senior citizens are pioneers of science, medicine, psychology, civil rights and so much more. Their valuable contributions to our communities create better places to live. They deserve the respect and dignity their achievements earn them. The day encourages supporting senior citizens to live their lives to the fullest and as independently as possible. 

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #SeniorCitizensDay

Spend time with the senior citizens you know. Let them know they are appreciated and loved. It may also be a good day to volunteer at a retirement home. Share your smile with those who may not otherwise get a visitor today. 

Secondhand Lions [Blu-ray]

Michael Caine (Actor), Robert Duvall (Actor), & 1 more 
Secondhand Lions

Michael Caine (Actor), Robert Duvall (Actor), & 1 more 

As Covid19 is still a great concern for these age groups, take it virtual. Video chats, telephone calls, even a special care package direct from Amazon will seriously brighten someones day. With lockdowns being reimposed, communication becomes more important.

Lockdowns mean in some cases they are confined to thier rooms. They cannot speak to or see each other. They can no longer have activities and social meals. No physical therapies room, and no exercise in the halls. While these measures are ment to protect them, they still fall short as we have seen by the numbers reported from facilities. Some do a very good job and some are still struggling.

The biggest danger is the isolation many feel. With no visitors allowed they have been cut off from family, community outreach and as I said even each other. I’ve worked with seniors for many years, that social interaction helps prevent both mental and physical decline. Some more than others profoundly feel the effects. No one wants to be forgotten.

Send a card, chat, patiently endure teaching about technology if possible. Remember when you get frustrated, they may have taught you how to use a spoon.. among other things.

Grumpy Old Men 

Jack Lemmon (Actor), Walter Matthau (Actor), & 1 more 
Grumpy Old Men (DVD)

Jack Lemmon (Actor), Walter Matthau (Actor), & 1 more 

If you are a senior citizen, check for special discounts and promotions that may be offered at stores and restaurants in your area.

Use #SeniorCitizensDay to post on social media.

Red (Special Edition) [Blu-ray]

Bruce Willis (Actor), Morgan Freeman (Actor), & 1 more
Red (Special Edition) [Blu-ray]

Bruce Willis (Actor), Morgan Freeman (Actor), & 1 more

NATIONAL MASSACHUSETTS DAY

National Massachusetts Day on August 17th recognizes the first New England colony and the sixth state to join the Union. Named after the indigenous people who populated the area when explorers (and later the pilgrims) first arrived, Massachusetts became an incubator for independence, education, and industry.

Cradle of Liberty

It should come as no surprise that the state earned the name of Cradle of Liberty. After all, Massachusetts hosted the founding of the Sons of Liberty and the Boston Tea Party. The list of notable names from history grows long from Massachusetts. Of course, their stories and the historic events leading up to the founding of a country make for fascinating tales.

Patriots come to mind first, but don’t stop there! Poets, inventors, authors, politicians, architects, activists, athletes and those who have managed the amazing. It’s much too long for these pages. So, we encourage you to explore them further during National Massachusetts Day!

With her numerous bays and abundant shorelines, Massachusetts offers many seaside escapes. Discover mountain exploration inland, and for those who seek urban adventure, encounter adventures there, too. Everywhere you go, there’s history, beauty, and perhaps a bit of an adjustment to the New England language. Either way, dive into the food, the past and the future of Massachusetts.

Explore More States

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMassachusettsDay

During National Massachusetts Day, explore all the adventures, history and more the state has to offer. Share your favorites by using #NationalMassachusettsDay on social media.

Massachusetts Flavor

Chocolate Chip Cookies
Boston Cream Pie
Cranberry Juice
Corn Muffin
Cod
Fried Clams
Fluffernutter
Boston Cream donut
Clam Chowder
Cranberry

Massachusetts Day Flavor

We’ll start with the obvious when the topic of Massachusetts food comes to the table: Boston Cream Pie. What other states would this layered, hot milk cake hail from? Well, to be specific, it was created in 1856 in the kitchen of the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston and is still made there today.

Next, we turn to the salty sweet combination of Fluffernutter. A blended combination of marshmallow fluff and peanut butter, Fluffernutter became a household name in New England in the 1960s.

On July 3, 1916, Lawrence and Bessie Woodman fried the first clam at their roadside concession stand in Essex, Massachusetts. The rest, as they say, is history. Massachusetts has been in love ever since. Speaking of clams, don’t forget the chowder.

For those who like a less fishy flavor of the sea, cod is the way to go. Massachusetts celebrates the Sacred Cod. A notable cape is named after it. Also, it’s their state fish.

Finally, and tastefully, Massachusetts is one of five states known to grow cranberries. It’s their state berry and juice, too! Of course, each state has a wide list of favorite combinations of flavors. Share with us your Massachusetts favorites!

Massachusetts State Symbolism

State Capital – Boston
State Nickname – The Bay State
State Motto – Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem
State Bird – Black – Capped Chickodee
State Flower – Mayflower
State Animal –
State Folk Dance – Square Dance
State Fish – Cod
State Dessert – Boston Cream Pie
State Fossil – Dinosaur Tracks
State Mineral – Babingtonite
State Tree – American Elm
State Song – All Hail to Massachusetts
State Gemstone – Rhodonite
State Folk Hero – Johnny Appleseed
State Heroine – Deborah Samson Shurtleff
State Insect – Ladybug

Notable People

Squanto- Native American Guide – (c.1585 – November 1622)

Squanto (The Inside Guide: Famous Native Americans) Library Binding – August 15, 2020

by Ann Byers  (Author)
Squanto (The Inside Guide: Famous Native Americans)

by Ann Byers  (Author)

Benjamin Franklin – Founding Father – (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790)

The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin Kindle Edition

by H. W. Brands  (Author) 
The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin Kindle Edition

by H. W. Brands  (Author) 

John Hancock- Patriot – (January 23, 1737 – October 8, 1793)

John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot Kindle Edition

by Harlow Giles Unger (Author) 
John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot Kindle Edition

by Harlow Giles Unger (Author) 

Eli Whitney – Inventor – (December 8, 1765 – January 8, 1825)

Eli Whitney
Eli Whitney

Susan B. Anthony – Activist – (February 15, 1820 – March 13, 1906)

Susan B. Anthony (Illustrated) Kindle Edition

by Alma Lutz  (Author) 
Susan B. Anthony (Illustrated) Kindle Edition

by Alma Lutz  (Author) 


Theodore Seuss Geisel – Author – (March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991)

Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination Kindle Edition

by Brian Jay Jones  (Author) 
Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination

by Brian Jay Jones  (Author) 
Dr. Seuss's Beginner Book Collection (Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks) Hardcover – Box set, September 22, 2009

by Dr. Seuss  (Author)
Dr. Seuss’s Beginner Book Collection (Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks) Hardcover – Box set, September 22, 2009

by Dr. Seuss  (Author)
Dr. Seuss's Second Beginner Book Collection (Beginner Books(R)) Hardcover – Illustrated, September 27, 2011

by Dr. Seuss  (Author), Random House (Illustrator)
Dr. Seuss’s Second Beginner Book Collection (Beginner Books(R)) Hardcover – Illustrated, September 27, 2011

by Dr. Seuss  (Author), Random House (Illustrator)

John F. Kennedy -President – (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963)

John F Kennedy
John F Kennedy

George H. W. Bush – President – (June 12, 1924 -)

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


Donna Summer – Singer/Songwriter – (December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012)

Ordinary Girl: The Journey Kindle Edition

by Marc Eliot (Author), Donna Summer (Author)  Format: Kindle
Ordinary Girl: The Journey Kindle Edition

by Marc Eliot (Author), Donna Summer (Author)  Format: Kindle

Last Dance one of my favorites.
Last Dance
One of my favorites.

Emeril Lagasse – (October 15, 1959 -)

Eat the World with Emeril Lagasse

Season 1
Eat the World with Emeril Lagasse

Season 1
Sizzling Skillets and Other One-Pot Wonders (Emeril's) Kindle Edition

by Emeril Lagasse  (Author)  
Sizzling Skillets and Other One-Pot Wonders (Emeril’s) Kindle Edition

by Emeril Lagasse  (Author)  


Martha Ballard – Midwife – (1735 – May 1812)

A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812 Kindle Edition
by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich  (Author) 
Midwife’s Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812 Kindle Edition

by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich  (Author) 




Hidden Treasures

Salem Witch House – Salem  Hammond Castle Museum – Glouster  Franklin Park’s Overlook Shelter Ruins – Boston (See National Connecticut Day Notable People, Frederick Olmsted for more information).  Fort Standish – Hull  Dr. Seuss Museum – Springfield