NATIONAL NEW YORK DAY

September 20, 2026August 21, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 14 Comments

As we continue our tour of the states, September 21 brings us to the perfect time to honor National New York Day.

People & Places

The Lenape people populated the land now known as New York. They’re also known as the Delaware Indians. Their settlements also spread across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and parts of Delaware and Connecticut. However, the Dutch were the first Europeans to settle the area and named it New Netherland.

Settlements and trading posts developed up and down the Hudson River. Albany, the state capital, was once called Beverwijck and the center of the fur trade. In 1624, the Dutch established a settlement on Nutten Island named New Amsterdam. Two years later, they would move to Manhattan Island, and the colony flourished.

Over time, the settlement exchanged hands between the Dutch and British several times, each without bloodshed. The first exchange, in 1664, would name it New York.

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Independence & Influence

After delcaring independence, the colonies later created the Articles of Confederation. Soon they discovered a stronger governing document was needed.

While New York sent three delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, only Alexander Hamilton remained to sign the final document. A Federalist, Hamilton held strong opinions that could potentially influence the framing of the young nation’s new governing document. For one, Hamilton supported a life term of service for the President.

Hidden Treasures

Bannerman’s Castle, Beacon

Museum of the American Gangster, New York

Old Dutch Church at Sleepy Hollow, Sleepy Hollow

Buffalo Central Terminal, Buffalo

Abandoned Girl Scout Camp, Sodusuffalo

From the timeless halls of Ellis Island to the epic beauty of Niagara Falls and breathtaking Adirondacks, New York is infused with grand vistas and endless historical paths to retrace. With New York City as the epitome of a melting pot long before the term was coined, the state is full of inspiration for artists, sparks intelligent debate and philosophical discussion.

New York Symbols

State Capital – Albany
State Nickname – The Empire State
State Motto – Excelsior
State Slogan – I Love NY
State Bird – Eastern Blue Bird
State Reptile – Snapping Turtle
State Flower – Rose
State Fruit – Apple State Shell – Bay Scallop
State Tree – Sugar Maple
State Gemstone – Garnet
State Insect – Nine – Spotted Ladybug

NEW YORK FLAVOR

Nailing down New York food is like trying to see all the important sites in one long weekend. It’s just not possible. So, we’ll just name a few and you’ll just have to graze your way through the state tasting the rest.

Buffalo Wings
Peppermint Pig
Tomato Pie
Waldorf Salad
Salt Potatoes
Chicken Riggies
Melba Sauce
Sponge Candy
Utica Greens
Grape Pie
Mini Dogs

Explore More….

Looking for an adventure? Take a road trip for your next vacation. Chances are you’ll find a lot more than 50 reasons to enjoy the scenery. Whether visiting family and friends or another specific spot, do some road tripping to some scenic vistas and appreciate the history, flavor and cultures along the way.

MARTIN VAN BUREN (December 5, 1782 – July 24, 1862)
MILLARD FILLMORE (January 7, 1800 – March 8, 1874)
THEODORE ROOSEVELT (October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919)
FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT (January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945)
DONALD TRUMP (June 14, 1946 -)

Notable People

Clement Clarke Moore – Poet – (July 15, 1779 – July 10, 1863)

The Poet of Christmas Eve, a Life of Clement Clarke Moore, 1779-1863

Norman Rockwell – Painter Illustrator – (February 3, 1894 – November 8, 1978)

My Adventures as an Illustrator: The Definitive Edition — Norman Rockwell

Walt Whitman – Poet – (May 31, 1819 – March 26, 1892)

Walt Whitman Poetry Collection: Leaves of Grass, Various Works and Poems, and A Complete Biography of Walt Whitman

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Elizabeth Jennings Graham – Activist – (1830 – June 5, 1901)

America's First Freedom Rider: Elizabeth Jennings, Chester A. Arthur, and the Early Fight for Civil Rights — America’s First Freedom Rider: Elizabeth Jennings, Chester A. Arthur, and the Early Fight for Civil Rights

Eleanor Roosevelt – First Lady – (October 11, 1884 – November 7, 1962)

You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life — The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt

Louis Bouche’ – Artist – (March 18, 1896 – August 7, 1969)

Louis Bouché : Arrangement : 1930 : Archival Art Print

Shirley Chisholm – Congresswoman – ( November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005)

Shirley Chisholm: First Black Congresswoman

Vince Lombardi – Football Coach – (June 11, 1913 – September 3, 1970)

Run to Daylight!: A Week in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers

What It Takes To Be Number #1: Vince Lombardi on Leadership — Run to Daylight!: A Week in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalNewYorkDay

Celebrate New York’s impressive spaces, historic places, and iconic personalities. Explore all New York has to offer! Use #NationalNewYorkDay to share on social media.

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NATIONAL GUACAMOLE DAY

September 15, 2026August 7, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

National Guacamole Day on September 16 brings fresh flavors together for the perfect celebration. What a great way to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month!

Avocados shine as the star of this dip! Lime juice, tomatoes, onion, and seasonings make guacamole a guilt-free addition to any snack or meal.

Since avocados fall under the superfood category, feel free to indulge. Packed full of good fats and nutrients, along with the fresh taste of lime and hint of spice, the dip is flavorful. It’s easy to make, too. Take it to work or use it for a party dish.

Guacamole is versatile, too. For example, add it as a topping on a quesadilla or even add it to a salad. Of course, the simplest way to enjoy is by dipping your favorite tortilla chip.

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Originating with the Aztecs in Mexico, guacamole is an avocado-based sauce that has become popular in American cuisine as a dip, condiment, and salad ingredient.

Using a mortar and pestle, mash ripe avocados and then mixing in sea salt. Beyond the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and lemon juice, hot sauce, yogurt or other seasonings can be added. If a celebration calls for spicier guacamole, add jalapenos, chilis, cumin, or red pepper.

Want More????

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGuacamoleDay

Mix up your favorite recipe for guacamole. Go to your favorite restaurant and order some fresh guacamole. While there, give a shout out to the restaurants with the best guacamole around. Be sure to invite friends. As we say around here, why #CelebrateEveryDay if you don’t do it with friends? Share your recipes and find the best combination. Use #NationalGuacamoleDay to share on social media.

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NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS DAY

September 12, 2026August 20, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

On the Sunday following Labor Day, National Grandparents Day, honors the love only grandparents can provide.

Grandparents and their grandchildren share a special bond. These hugging, caring and patient people in the lives of children offer more than a generous dose of love. Grandparents provide an abundance of wisdom. They also offer guidance and stability.

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When grandchildren need a story, grandparents tell the best. A grandparent’s wealth of family history and lore offers lessons of their own. Through humorous stories and some serious ones, grandparents gently point grandchildren in the right direction.

In 2004, the National Grandparents Day Council of Chula Vista, California announced a song for the day. A Song for Grandma and Grandpa by Johnny Prill became the official song of the United States National Grandparents Day holiday. The Council presented Prill with the National Songwriter’s Award for his song, too.

The forget-me-not is the official flower for National Grandparents Day.

As the number of grandparents grows from 65 million in 2011 to 80 million in 2020, expect the observance to increase in significance, too.

NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS DAY HISTORY

Celebrated in the United States since 1978, the United States Senate and President Jimmy Carter nationally recognized Marian McQuade of Oak Hill, West Virginia as the founder of National Grandparents Day. McQuade made it her goal to educate the youth in the community about the significant contributions that seniors have made throughout history. It was also her hope to have the youth “adopt” a grandparent, not just for one day or a year, but rather for a lifetime.

The Joint Resolution

In February of 1977, Senator Randolph along with the concurrence of other senators introduced a joint resolution to the Senate. The resolution requested the president to “issue annually a proclamation designating the first Sunday of September after Labor Day of each year as National Grandparents Day.” After Congress passed the resolution, on August 3, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation. The statute cites the day’s purpose: “…to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”

Other Claims

Others claim the origin of this holiday resides with the efforts of Hermine Beckett Hanna of North Syracuse, New York. She recognized seniors and their importance as early as 1961. New York Congressman James T. Walsh awarded her efforts on February 21, 1990, in front of the United States House of Representatives. He also thanked Hermine Beckett Hanna “for her important role in the establishment of Grandparents Day.”

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGrandparentsDay

While we have our grandparents in our lives, it is important to cherish them. Spend time with your grandparents. Learn about their life and ask questions to keep the stories coming. Do the things they enjoy doing. Sometimes, they only want to spend time with you.

How else can you celebrate the day?

Pick up the phone! Surprise your grandparents with a much-awaited phone conversation.
Take your grandparents on an adventure. Plan a day doing their favorite things – one of which is probably spending time with you.
Write a letter to your grandparents. Share with them the things you’ve been doing. They will read your letter over and over.
Learn something from a grandparent. Have you always wanted to know how to make Grandma’s pecan pie or catch a whopper from the river? Grandma or Grandpa will probably show you how. You only need to ask.
Help them out. Clean out a flower bed. Take out the trash. Mow the lawn. Paint a room. Fix the internet. Run an errand. The list goes on.
Take a photo. Sometimes we forget to capture moments with the people we love the most. Take a photo with your grandparent and make sure they get a copy.
Speaking of photos, spend some time looking through old photos with your grandparents. Ask them questions about the people in them and record the information.
Adopt a grandparent. As surprising as it may seem, there are some of our older generations who have no grandchildren. However, they still have love and wisdom to share.

If you no longer have living grandparents, share a fond memory of them. Remember something each of them taught you or one of the fun things you used to do. You can also write down your memories to share with future generations.

Use #NationalGrandparentsDay to post on social media.

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INTERGENERATION MONTH

August 31, 2026August 2, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 9 Comments

Intergeneration Month is an annual designation observed in September.

Setting aside time for family in today’s world is challenging, but spending time with family both young and old sets a positive message as children, grandchildren and so on see the examples of family. As they age into adulthood they will use that foundation.

They will draw on the experiences they had and build more in the generations to come. Communication passed down through generations tells of our past and prepares us for the future. In our family love is given unconditionally and I’m so glad it was. Many of my peers were not as lucky. I wouldn’t change places with anyone. Not for all the riches in the world.

HISTORY

In 1987, Fountain Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, with a Board of Trustees, was formed by Sandy Kraemer, a Colorado Springs attorney, to research intergenerational issues. The resulting research identified the need to set aside a time each year to focus on intentionally connecting generations to better communicate age-related gratitude and needs.

To fulfill this need, in the year 2000, Fountain Institute changed its name to “Intergeneration Foundation” and launched “Intergeneration Day” worldwide, the first Sunday in October (later designated September). The research proved overwhelmingly correct, as 42 state governors proclaimed Intergeneration Day, plus scores of organizations joined in including American Library Association, American Association of Museums, American Council of Life Insurers, National Easter Seals, Centura Health, Microsoft Corporation, Stanford University Center on Longevity, plus uncountable community organizations and families.

While support for Intergeneration Day has verified the need to annually set aside time to intentionally connect all ages, further research showed organizations and families were not planning or staging “IG Events”. Two primary reasons were identified: (1) a single Day was too short to stage events; and (2) the Day competed with other established times, such as Grandparents’ Day – the first Sunday after Labor Day.

National Parents Day
National Grandparents Day
Family Fun Month

The need to annually set aside a time to intentionally connect generations is clear. In 2012, Intergeneration Foundation experimented with expanding Intergeneration Day to Intergeneration Month to increase the time for planning and staging “IG Events.” The response has been compellingly positive. After considering other months, research shows September to be the preferred month.

Intergeneration Day, started in the year 2000, is merging into Intergeneration Month: September. Intergeneration Month will be promoted in the United States, and worldwide as a time to intentionally connect generations and stage intergenerational events. Grandparents’ Day will be a kick-off “IG Event” for Intergeneration Month in the United States and Canada. Please participate to make the strengths of each generation meet the needs of all generations.

http://intergenerationmonth.org/contact.html

Explore More…

CELEBRATE

Use #IntergenerationMonth to post on social media.

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NATIONAL BLUEBERRY POPSICLE MONTH

August 31, 2026August 6, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 5 Comments

September is National Blueberry Popsicle Month and a time to honor the creator of this tasty treat.

At age 11, Frank Epperson of Oakland, California, probably had no idea a simple mistake would make him an icon in the world of frozen treats. In 1905, Epperson accidentally left a glass of powdered soda and water with a mixing stick in it on his porch during a cold night. When he woke the next morning, he found his first creation of the ice pop. Blueberry to be exact. In 1923, Epperson patented the concept of ice pops. He initially called the treat “Epsicle” and later called it the “Popsicle.” A couple of years later, Epperson sold the rights to his invention the Joe Lowe Company in New York City.

Frank Epperson reportedly served the first ice pops at a fireman’s ball in Oakland, California. Since then, the Popsicle brand sells about two billion of their frozen treats a year. Though the most popular flavor is cherry. Blueberry popsicles have a few other variations to choose from besides the standard frozen ice pop. There is a Blueberry Greek Yogurt Popsicle and Blueberry Cheesecake Popsicle available too. If you prefer to make authentic ice pops, there are ice pop molds available for purchase. Martha Stewart is among those to have published recipes for blueberry pops.