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NATIONAL READ A BOOK DAY

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National Read A Book Day is observed annually on September 6th.  On August 9th, we all celebrated National Book Lovers Day.  While these bookish days may seem similar, National Read a Book Day invites us ALL to grab a book we might enjoy and spend the day reading.  

Don’t keep it to yourself.  Share the experience!  Read aloud either to children or to grandparents.  Read to your pets or to your stuffed animals and plants.  

Reading improves memory and concentration as well as reduces stress. Older adults who spend time reading show a slower cognitive decline and tend to participate in more mentally stimulating activities over their lifetime.  Books are an inexpensive entertainment, educational tool and time machine too!

A Great way to enjoy reading even more are these:

Featured Books

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – Set during the Civil War, Little Women follows the life of the March family. Loosely based on Alcott’s life, she cast herself as talented the Jo March. 

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens – David Copperfield tells the story of a young boy’s life as he struggles to become a writer. From an abusive start and many trials, the author relays the memories of his life. 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling – The 7th book in the Harry Potter series brings Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger back to Hogwarts for a final standoff with Voldemort and his Deatheaters.

Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George – This is the story of nine-year-old Miyax and her transition from an Inuit culture to an American one in San Francisco.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls – Loved by generations, this classic story tells of the bond between a boy and his dog in the Ozarks. 

The Three Muskateers by Alexander Dumas When young d’Artagnan travels to Paris to join the ranks of the Musketeers, he soon finds himself challenged to three duels with Athos, Porthos and Aramis. However, the foursome is abruptly attacked by the evil Cardinal Richelieu’s guards, and d’Artagnan fights alongside them, proving his skills with a sword and his honour. The three Musketeers enfold d’Artagnan into their ranks, and what follows is a swashbuckling tale full of intrigue, friendship and revenge.

HOW TO OBSERVE #ReadABookDay

Sit back, relax and read a book. Whether you prefer to escape into the world of fiction or learn something new, celebrate with your favorite books. Visit the library or the local book store. Pick up a new book or read an old favorite. Explore the past in history books and memoirs or dive into the mean of terrific poetry. Read aloud to a child or give them a new book. Share the stories you’re reading using #ReadABookDay to post on social media.

If you need any suggestions or just looking for something new these are some of my favorite authors.

Julia Quinn
Diana Galbaldon
Suzanne Brockmann
Sherrilyn McQueen (a.k.a  Kenyon)
Lisa Kleypas
J.M. Madden
Suzanne Enoch

James Patterson
Patricia Cornwell
David Balducci
Janet Evanovich

Steven King
John Grisham
Dean Koontz
J D Robb
Michael Connelly
Agatha Christie
Tolkien
George R. R. Martin
Harper Lee

EASTER

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Easter is observed on the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox. Considered Christianity’s most important holy day, it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Depending on which calendar a church follows, some will celebrate the holiday earlier than others.

Leading up to Easter Sunday is an entire season of observances beginning with Ash Wednesday, Lent’s official beginning. Lent is a time of fasting and reflection, which represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness for 40 days. Many know this as a time when Christians give something up for Lent.

Then during Holy Week, the Sunday before Easter is known as Palm Sunday. It commemorates Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem on a donkey just five days before the Romans crucified Him. Maundy Thursday remembers Jesus’s last supper; Good Friday is the day of the crucifixion; Holy Saturday is the period between the crucifixion and the resurrection; and Easter Sunday.

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EASTER HISTORY

Before Easter (Pascha), Passover was the primary holy day celebrated; however, Christianity closely links the two holidays. Jesus’s last supper was a Passover meal. By the 2nd century, Orthodox Christians also celebrated Pascha alongside Passover as well as pagan spring festivals.

The Easter Bunny tradition comes from medieval Germany, where the Osterhase or Easter Hare would lay its colorful eggs in nests prepared by children. In the 18th-century, settling in the Dutch Pennsylvania countryside, immigrants brought this fable and tradition to the United States.

Dying eggs is a tradition that dates back thousands of years across many cultures. Eggs symbolize rebirth, fertility, and life springing forth. Today Easter egg hunts take place across the country. It is not unusual to see children in their Sunday best surrounding a giant Bunny. Many will also get their picture taken too!

The palm leaves are usually burned to create ash for the following year’s Ash Wednesday traditions.  Easter comes with many symbols. Some of them include:

  • Eggs – Symbolizes new life and rebirth
  • Lambs – Represents Jesus
  • Easter Lilies – Symbolizes innocence, purity and peace
  • Hot Cross Buns and Easter Breads – Represents Jesus, the bread of life

HOW TO OBSERVE EASTER

  • Participate in any number of church services.
  • Some churches conduct sunrise services.
  • Dye eggs with children and have an Easter egg hunt.
  • Local communities also hold annual egg hunts, so check your local social media, newspapers, and community listings for dates and times.
  • Use #Easter to share on social media.
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NATIONAL MONTE CRISTO DAY

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On September 17th, National Monte Cristo Day recognizes the indulgent and delicious sandwich.  

A Monte Cristo is a fried ham and cheese sandwich. The French sandwich called the croque-monsieur inspired the Monte Cristo. However, the sandwich goes by other names, too. If you find a menu with French Sandwich, Toasted Ham Sandwich, or a French Toasted Cheese Sandwich, order them for a taste of Monte Cristo.

While the Monte Cristo typically offers a savory sandwich, sometimes powdered sugar and jam preserves sweeten it, too. To achieve the crispy outer coating, chefs dip the prepared sandwich in an egg batter. Then they either pan-fry or deep-fry the sandwich to perfection.

Occasionally, variations include sliced turkey and different types of cheese. Other options for serving are available, too. For example, some like to serve a grilled version. Another version may be served open-faced and heated under a grill or broiler. 

Explore More…

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HOW TO OBSERVE #MonteCristoDay

Invite a friend or family member to join you for a Monte Cristo. Savor the delicious sandwich as an indulgent celebration and share a photo of your meal, too! Don’t forget to include your favorite versions. Do you prefer turkey over ham? Which cheese do you use? Be sure to share using #MonteCristoDay or #Bennigans on social media. 

MONTE CRISTO DAY HISTORY

Bennigan’s founded National Monte Cristo Day in June of 2015 to celebrate a delicious sandwich loved across the country. The restaurant is renowned across the globe for its World Famous Monte Cristo.