By Michele D. Baker
I love September. Since fall is my favorite season, September marks the beginning of all the things I love: cool and breezy weather; snuggly warm clothing; rich, satisfying soup and bread; and best of all, the many holidays! (My best friend, sister-in-law, and an uncle all have September birthdays.)
We begin Spectacular September with Labor Day on the first, then immediately head into two days dedicated to volunteering: International Day of Charity (Sept. 5) dedicated to Mother Teresa and 9/11 Day of Service.
On September 7 we celebrate Grandma Moses Day, the iconic artist from the 1950s whose happy paintings celebrated iconic American outdoor scenes. Also on the seventh is National Grandparents Day – all mine are in heaven, but I still talk to my grandmas almost daily, especially when I’m cooking their recipes! (On a related note, the best day of the year in my opinion is September 13: International Chocolate Day.)
The entire month is dedicated to “Healthy Aging,” and mid-month there are several holidays which highlight this: Stand up to Cancer Day (Sept. 12), International Eat an Apple Day (Sept. 20) and World Alzheimer’s Day (Sept. 21). Healthy aging also includes mental health; on September 19 we remember our troops with National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
Toward the end of the month, the days and nights get closer and closer to being equal, and the Oktoberfest celebrations begin (more in the October issue). We also celebrate the first official day of fall – and the Fall Equinox – on Sept. 22. Right around the corner is Ancestor Appreciation Day (Sept. 27).
Related: Editorial: Spring, St. Patrick, & Delicious Reubens
No matter how you celebrate the start of fall, I wish you fair skies, hot coals, and good friends!
