Jubilant in July

July arrives in a blaze of sunshine, backyard gatherings, and patriotic pride. As the heart of summer, this vibrant month invites us outdoors to enjoy long days, warm evenings, family vacations, and community celebrations. From fireworks lighting up the night sky to beach trips, barbecues, and festivals, July captures the spirit of adventure and togetherness that makes summer unforgettable.

This year, July carries special significance as Americans continue commemorating the historic America 250 celebration, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Communities across the nation are hosting special events, educational programs, concerts, historical exhibits, and patriotic gatherings leading up to and surrounding Independence Day on July 4. The milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history, honor those who shaped it, and celebrate the enduring ideals of freedom and democracy.

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Property of Freedom250

Celebrating All Month

Independent Retailer Month
National Blueberry Month
National Contract Sewing Month
National Anti-Boredom Month
National Baked Bean Month
National Cell Phone Courtesy Month
National Culinary Arts Month         
National Grilling Month
National Hemp Month                         National Watermelon Month
National Horseradish Month
National Hot Dog Month
National Ice Cream Month
National Fragile X Awareness Month
National Picnic Month
National Peach Month
World Watercolor Month                         Ruby The Passion and Power of July’s Birthstone

July’s birthstone is the radiant ruby, a gemstone long associated with passion, courage, and prosperity. The month’s birth flowers are the larkspur and water lily, both symbols of positivity, grace, and joyful living. Those born from July 1 through July 22 belong to the nurturing and intuitive sign of Cancer, while birthdays from July 23 onward fall under the confident and charismatic sign of Leo. Famous July birthdays include author and activist Helen Keller (June? Actually June 27—not July, avoid), astronaut Neil Armstrong (August), so use: author Ernest Hemingway (July 21), artist Frida Kahlo (July 6), actor Tom Hanks (July 9), inventor Nikola Tesla (July 10), and former President Gerald Ford (July 14).

Summer fun reaches its peak in July. Families flock to beaches, lakes, and parks while communities host outdoor concerts, farmers markets, county fairs, and sporting events. It is the perfect month for camping under the stars, watching fireworks, enjoying fresh seasonal produce, and creating lasting memories with friends and loved ones. Whether you’re exploring a new destination or simply relaxing in your own backyard, July offers countless opportunities to embrace the season.

As the nation celebrates independence, honors history through America 250, and enjoys the pleasures of summer, July reminds us to appreciate both our heritage and the simple joys of the present moment. So grab your sunglasses, gather your family and friends, and make the most of every sun-filled day. Here’s to a jubilant July filled with celebration, discovery, and unforgettable summer memories.

If you need some fun activities here’s a page out of my book….

Jubilant July is here!
IS Here!

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIGHT

Every year on May 16th, the International Day of Light promotes awareness for the appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, art, education, and sustainable development. The day also recognizes the natural benefits of light, as well as its many technological applications.

Even though everyone knows what light is, it can be hard to define. Light is not just the opposite of darkness. It is electromagnetic radiation within the electromagnetic spectrum that is perceived by the human eye. Visible light has wavelengths between 400 and 700 nanometers. Another way to define light is a stream of photons that travel with wavelike properties at the speed of light.

While we perceive the world in many ways, light is one of the most significant ways we comprehend the world around us. Additionally, light energy comes in many forms including visible light, infrared waves, ultraviolet light, gamma rays, and radio waves. According to Audrey Azoulay, the director-general of UNESCO, the understanding of light allows us to achieve the greatest of scientific and technological progress.

Here are just a few of the many applications that light is used for:

  • Lights are used to illuminate spaces, such as homes and offices.
  • UV lights are used in phototherapy to treat certain illnesses.
  • Ultraviolet energy is used to eradicate bacteria and viruses from the air and water.
  • Light is used in optical fiber networks, which helps to transmit information.
  • Lights are essential for safety, such as headlights for vehicles and traffic lights.
  • They are used in many household items, such as television sets, microwaves, and cell phones.
  • Natural light helps plants grow and provides many health benefits to humans.

It seems that every part of our lives are affected by light in some way.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIGHT HISTORY

Due to the success of the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies 2015, UNESCO decided to organize a day dedicated to light. The first official International Day of Light was held on May 16th, 2018. The date May 16th marks the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser. American physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman is credited for inventing the laser. He fired the first laser in 1960.

HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalDayOfLight

Worldwide events to celebrate this day include light festivals that feature entertaining optic demonstrations, scientific lectures, and photo contests. To participate:

  • Think about the ways you benefit from light and how it helps you in your everyday life.
  • Do some fun light activities with your kids, such as making a periscope or a rainbow.
  • Watch science videos about light.

Share cool photos of light on social media. When you do, be sure to use #InternationalDayOfLight or #IDL.

NATIONAL ASTRONAUT DAY

National Astronaut Day on May 5th each year celebrates Astronauts as true heroes. The day’s mission is to inspire ALL to “reach for the stars” by sharing “out of this world” Astronaut stories and experiences.On May 5th, 1961, Astronaut Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. became the first American in space aboard the Freedom 7 Space capsule. The brief suborbital flight lasted 15 minutes and reached a height of 116 miles into the atmosphere. It was a milestone achievement and a trailblazing example of heroic bravery. This adventurous spirit is the essence of what National Astronaut Day is all about.

By sharing the incredible stories, experiences, and perspectives of actual Astronauts, the mission of National Astronaut Day inspires us ALL to follow our dreams. The day includes both future Astronauts and those who seek to keep their feet on the ground!

NATIONAL ASTRONAUT DAY HISTORY

uniphi space agency, a division of uniphi good LLC founded National Astronaut Day in 2016 to inspire everyone to reach for the stars!

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalAstronautDay

Put on your space suit and practice your moonwalk. Are you ready for zero gravity? If not, just experience a little of the excitement of space. Learn about the history of space flight. Read about astronaut training or the biographies of astronauts. Some biographies to read include:

Also, watch a documentary or learn more about the International Space Station. While you are being inspired, be sure to invite someone to share the experience with you!

Visit the Official Website: www.NationalAstronautDay.comShare your favorite Astronaut stories. Use #WeBelieveInAstronauts & #NationalAstronautDay to post on social media.

Twitter/Facebook: @uniphispaceage, Instagram @nationalastronautday

NATIONAL SPACE DAY

National Space Day dedicates the first Friday in May to the extraordinary achievements, benefits, and opportunities in the exploration and use of space. The goal of the observance is to promote math, science, technology, and engineering education in young people, The hope is to inspire them to pursue a career in science, especially a career in space-related jobs.

Careers in space involve a wide range of specialties. Going to space requires many working parts, and that’s not just the parts that go into space. All kinds of engineers build the equipment, computers and make the computations.

Accountants and public relations manage the books and the press. Meteorologists, chemists, physicists, and biologists analyze data and doctors monitor the health of the astronauts. As preparations are underway, photographers and writers record the events.

While we’ve only been exploring space for less than 60 years, we continue to learn so much. Imagine all the roles in space you can fill. While we’ve named a few here, how many more careers can you name? Do you know which one is yours?

NATIONAL SPACE DAY HISTORY

In 1997, Lockheed Martin Corporation created National Space Day as a one-day event. In 2001, due to its extreme popularity, former astronaut and senator John Glenn expanded Space Day to International Space Day.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSpaceDay

Teachers, students, space-related organizations, groups, and agencies hold celebrations, demonstrations, and educational programs each year. The day has grown rapidly in recent years and is celebrated worldwide as International Space Day. Join an event near you. Other ways to celebrate include:

  • Build a model rocket and launch it.
  • Watch your favorite launch. Is it the Hubble Space Telescope, Apollo 11, or SpaceX Falcon 9?
  • Look for the International Space Station as it orbits the Earth.

Get involved by sharing your knowledge and skills, too! Host an event and share your experiences. Share your favorite space pictures using #NationalSpaceDay