HAPPY LEAP YEAR 2012

Birthstone – Amethyst Flower – Primrose

February, with only 28 days, is the shortest of our months, but every four years there is a 29th day. This year, February boasts of 29 days. Do you remember what they taught us in school about leap year? Do they still teach anything in school about it? Our calendar year is 365 days. But the solar year, the actual time to revolve around the sun is about 3651/4 days. So every four years, a calendar day of 24 hours is added to the calendar.

Did you know that the solar year is actually a little less than 365 and 1/4 – by 11 minutes? So three times every 400 years, leap year is leaped over! In other words, a century year cannot be a leap year unless it is divisible by 400. Thus, 1700, 1800 and 1900 were not leap years, but 1600, 2000 and 2400 are leap years.

Do you know of anyone with a leap year birthday? I have listed a few famous “Leapers.”

1468 Pope Paul III – last Renaissance pope

1712 General Montcalm – Hero of the French & Indian War

1736 Ann Lee, Shaker movement, Manchester England, Founded the Shaker movement and brought it to America in 1776.

1792 Karl Baer – Embryologist, found mammals develop from eggs

1792 Gioacchino Rossini – Italian composer (The Barber of Seville, William Tell)

1792 Karl Baer – Embryologist, (found mammals develop from eggs)

1828 Antonio Guzman Blanco, president Venezuela

1844 French Ensor Chadwick – Naval officer at battle of Santiago de Cuba

1864 Jan Svatopluk – Czech poet

1864 Albert Patry – Elbing, East Prussia, Germany, Actor

1864 Alice Davenport – USA, silent screen comedic actress

1876 John Harwood – UK, Actor

1888 John Costigan, American regionalist printmaker, and a cousin of the noted American showman, George M. Cohan.

1892 Augusta Christine Savage – Augusta Christine Fells – American sculptor and educator who battled racism to secure a place for African American women in the art world. She became the first Black member of the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptures in 1934.

1896 Ranchhodji Mararji Desai – 6th Prime Minister of India from March 24, 1977 to July 15, 1979. At 83, he was the oldest Prime Minister of India.

1896 Stanley Swash, CEO (Woolworths)

1896 William A. Wellman – American Film Director, (first picture to win an Oscar (1928) “WINGS”)

1904 Adolph Blaine Charles David Earl Frederick Gerald Hubert Irvin John Kenneth Lloyd Martin Nero Oliver Paul Quincy Randolph Sherman Thomas Uncas Victor William Xerxes Yancy Zeus Wolfeschlegelsteinhausenberdorft Sr., Germany; he had a Christian name for every letter in the alphabet, shortened it to Mr Wolfe Plus 585 Sr. The world’s longest name officially used by a person.

1904 Jimmy Dorsey (James Francis Dorsey) – Legendary saxophonist, onductor, songwriter and composer. He formed an orchestra with his brother, Tommy Dorsey, lasting from 1933 to 1935, and then led his own orchestra, rejoining Tommy’s orchestra in 1953 and taking over the orchestra at Tommy’s death.

1908 Edward B. Taylor – Photographer – documented Dayton, Ohio’s African American culture in photographs for nearly 40 years. He was Dayton’s first Black commercial photographer.

With all of the hoopla of the caucus and the pundits telling me what I heard from the debates, I decided to do a little research on our past Presidents. After all, we do have a national holiday set aside to honor them this month. Here are some facts and trivia about those who presided over our country in its infancy.

Washington George: 1789 – 1797
Political Party – None (He opposed the idea of political parties.) He served two terms as our first President, during which he invented the Cabinet, his advisers, and tried to calm the bickering between the two new political parties, the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. The man was infinitely greater than anything he did. He never became arrogant, and ambition and opportunity never tempted him from the narrow path of honor.

Adams, John: 1797-1801
Political Party – Federalist. He died July 4, 1826, at his Braintree home. This day was the 50th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, for which Adams was largely responsible. By remarkable coincidence, Adams’s old friend and colleague, Thomas Jefferson, died on the same day. In 1797, the U.S. population was 4,900,000.

Jefferson Thomas: 1801- 1809
Political Party – Democratic-Republican. During his terms of presidency, Ohio became a state and the U.S. purchased the Louisiana Territory from France for $15,000,000. In a letter to his nephew Peter Carr, dated August 19, 1785, Jefferson stated: “He who permits himself to tell a lie once, finds it much easier to do it a second and third time, till at length it becomes habitual; he tells lies without attending to it, and truths without the world’s believing him. This falsehood of tongue leads to that of the heart, and in time depraves all its good dispositions.”

Madison James: 1809 – 1817
Political Party – Democratic-Republican. After his election to the presidency, he presided over renewed prosperity for several years. After the failure of diplomatic protests and an embargo, he led the nation into the War of 1812. The war was in response to British encroachments on American honor and rights as well as to facilitate American settlement in the Midwest which was blocked by Indian allies of the British. The war was an administrative nightmare without a strong army or financial system, leading Madison afterwards to support a stronger national government and a strong military, as well as the national bank that he had long opposed

Monroe James: 1817 – 1825
Political Party – Democratic-Republican. During the War of 1812, he served both as Secretary of State and as Secretary of War, the only person ever to do this. In 1821, Monroe was the obvious choice for reelection and had no opponent. Therefore, there was no real campaign. This time was called the “Era of Good Feelings.” He received all electoral except for one which was cast by William Plumer for John Quincy Adams. As president, bought Florida from Spain and, in 1823, issued the Monroe Doctrine, which basically told European nations to leave Central and South America alone.

Adams, John Quincy: 1825 – 1829
Political Party – probably Democratic- Republican at time of Presidency. However, some historians claim he was a Federalist. In later years, he was a Whig. Adams was an accomplished statesman and is often considered by historians to be one of the best Secretary of States that America has ever had. The election of 1824 pitted Adams against Andrew Jackson. Adams lost the popular vote.

So the Election of 1824 became known as the “Corrupt Bargain.” The lack of an electoral majority resulted in the election being decided in the House. It is believed that a deal was made giving the office to Adams in exchange for Henry Clay becoming Secretary of State. Jackson won the popular vote, but lost because of this bargain. Two of the many quotes attributed to John Quincy Adams: “Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.” and “Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.”

Jackson, Andrew: 1829 – 1837
Political Party – Democratic-Republican which became the Democratic Party of today. The backlash from the election of 1824 catapulted Jackson to the presidency in 1828. As President he sought to act as the direct representative of the common man. Jackson did not agree with officeholders, who seemed to enjoy life tenure. He believed Government duties could be “so plain and simple” that offices should rotate among deserving applicants. As national politics polarized around Jackson and his opposition, two parties grew out of the old Republican Party–the Democratic Republicans, or Democrats, adhering to Jackson; and the National Republicans, or Whigs, opposing him.

In researching this, I found that corruption is not just something of the past 50 years. I also learned that our early leaders were full of conviction and a love of our country. I also found it interesting how the political parties have evolved. Jackson, a racist, slave-owner and murderer (he killed a man who made a disparaging remark about Mrs. Jackson), who proposed term limits on government offices, was a Democrat.

Have a great February. Read up on our Past Presidents and share your knowledge with you grandchildren or other youth! Presidents’ Day is February 20, 2012.

Information from Wikipedia, Apples4teachers.com, About.com, whitehouse.gov/about/presidents.

Eloise Graham can be reached at ellaweeze@yahoo.com

Birthstone – Garnet
Flower – Carnation

January is the first month in the Julian and Gregorian calendars (the calendar that we use). It is named after the Roman god, Janus, who was the god of doorways, or entering. Hence, we are entering a new year.

Some trivia about the names of the months: January, February, March, May and June are named for Roman gods or goddesses. April comes from the Roman word meaning “to open,” perhaps so named because the buds open at this time of the year in the northern hemisphere. July and August are named for two emperors of Rome, Julius Caesar and Augustus Caesar [ed note. They probably thought of themselves as gods!] September, October, November and December derive their names from the Latin words of seven, eight, nine and 10, respectively. Once the calendar was changed to add July and August, the seven, eight, nine and 10 names were shifted to become our ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th months.

According to the world-wide web, the month of January is known for a variety of things. Some are frivolous, some
serious and some educational. I have listed a few for your reading pleasure.

• For the avid reader: January is “Book Blitz Month” and “Literacy – Education for All Month.”

• For the cooker/baker: January is “Bread Machine Baking Month,” “International Year of Fresh Water,” “Oatmeal Month,” “National Lose Weight/ Feel Great Month,” “National Hot Tea Month,” “Coffee Gourmet International Month,” and “International Year of Rice Month.”

• For mental and physical health; “Family Fit Lifestyle Month,” “Image Improvement Month,” “Life Balance Month,” “Cancer Prevention Month,” “Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month,” “National Glaucoma Awareness Month,” “Walk Your Pet Month,” and “National Reaching Your Potential Month.”

• A potpourri of some others; “Creativity Month,” National Be On-Purpose Month,” “National Clean Up your Computer Month,” “National Get To Know An Independent Real Estate Broker Month,” “National Mail Order Gardening Month,” “National Mentoring Month,” “National Radon Action Month,” and “Senior Women’s Travel Month.”

January may have short days and icy/snowy weather, but it sure can be a busy month. So get out there and make it a good month! Bake bread, eat oatmeal, be creative, travel and meet people, just keep busy this month. I’ll see you in February!

December Birthstone – Turquoise/Zircon
December Flower – Narcissus/Holly

Dec. 1 – Eat A Red Apple Day, National Pie Day,
Rosa Parks’ Day 1955

Dec. 2 – National Fritters Day, Special Education Day

Dec. 3 – International Day of the Disabled, National Roof-Over-Your-Head Day

Dec. 4 – National Cookie Day, Wear Brown Shoes Day

Dec. 5 – Annual Day of the Ninja,
Walt Disney’s birthday (1901)

Dec. 6 – Ira Gershwin’s Birthday (1896)
Mitten Tree Day, St. Nicholas Day

Dec. 7 – National Cotton Candy Day, Pearl Harbor Day

Dec. 8 – National Brownie Day

Dec. 9 – Ball-bearing Roller Skates patented in 1884
First Christmas Seals were issued in 1907

Dec. 10 – Emily Dickinson’s Birthday (1830),
Human Rights Day, Nobel Peace Prize

Dec. 11 - National Noodle Ring Day,
UNICEF Anniversary (1946)

Dec. 12 - Frank Sinatra’s birthday (1915),
Golf Tee patented, Hover Craft patented

Dec. 13 – National Cocoa Day

Dec. 14 - First Miniature Golf Course opened (1929),
South Pole discovered (1911)

Dec. 15 - Bill of Rights day adopted in 1791,
Thomas Edison patented the Phonograph in 1877

Dec. 16 - Boston Tea Party anniversary (1773), Las Posadas,
Ludwig Von Beethoven’s birthday (1770)

Dec. 17 - National Maple Syrup day, Underdog Day,
Wright Brothers’ Day (Kitty Hawk 1903)

Dec. 18 - Wear-a-Plunger-On-Your-Head day

Dec. 19 - Oatmeal Muffin day

Dec. 20 - Games day

Dec. 21 – First Crossword Puzzle in a newspaper
Humbug day, Look-At-The-Bright-Side day
National Flashlight day

Dec. 22 - First Christmas Lights for sale (1882)
First Day of Winter, Thermometer invented.

Dec. 23 – Roots day

Dec. 24 – National Egg Nog day

Dec. 25 – Christmas day, National Pumpkin Pie day

Dec. 26 - Boxing Day, Kwanzaa Begins
National “Whiners” day

Dec. 27 – Visit a Zoo day

Dec. 28 - Card playing day, Chewing Gum patented (1869),
National Chocolate day

Dec. 29 – Bowling Ball invented (1862), Pepper Pot day

Dec. 30 - Let’s Make A Deal debuted on NBC (1963)
Tiger Woods’ birthday (1975)

Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve day

Have a warm, happy, healthy December and I’ll be back next year!

Say “November” to an artist and suddenly he/she thinks of a deep palette with rich hues! November’s birthstone is yellow topaz (traditional) or citrine (modern) and the flower is the chrysanthemum. Both conjure up autumn colors. The topaz and citrine are rich in yellow to yellow-orange hues. Chrysanthemums come in a variety of colors, whites, pale to deep yellows, golden to rusty oranges, deep maroons and dark purples.

Say “November” to a cook and watch him/her smile! November is Georgia Pecan Month, Peanut Butter Lover Month, Vegan Awareness Month and National Diabetes Awareness Month. Say “November” to a history buff. November is Native American Heritage Month, Aviation History Month, Honor the Veteran Month, and Feast of the Pilgrims Month.

Some known and not so known dates from November’s history:

Nov 1, 1210 King John of England begins imprisoning Jews
Nov 2, 1879 In a six-day footrace, a Mr. Weston loses to a horse, 900 to 885 km
Nov 3, 1620 Great Patent granted to Plymouth Colony;
Nov 4, 1960 “Misfits” premieres, final movie for Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe
Nov 5,1639 First post office in the colonies is set up
Nov 7, 1805 Lewis and Clark first sight the Pacific Ocean
Nov 8, 1789 Bourbon Whiskey, first distilled from corn (by Elijah Craig, Bourbon, Kentucky)
Nov 9, 1541 Queen Catharine Howard confined in London Tower
Nov 10, 1871 Stanley presumes to meet Livingston in Ujiji, Central Africa
Nov12, 1933 First Sunday football game in Philadelphia
(previously illegal)
Nov 13, 1912 Charity True Faris was born
Nov 14, 1908 Albert Einstein presents quantum theory of light
Nov 15, 1763 Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon begin surveying Mason-Dixon Line between Pennsylvania and Maryland
Nov 16, 1920 First postage stamp meter is set in Stamford, Connecticut
Nov 17, 1785 Church of England organizes in New England
Nov 19, 1863 Lincoln delivers his address in Gettysburg; “four score and seven years…”
Nov 21, 1946 Harry Truman becomes first U.S. president to travel in a submerged submarine
Nov 23, 1909 Wright Brothers forms a million dollar corp to manufacture airplanes
Nov 24, 1991 After going 12-0, Washington Redskins lose to Dallas 24-21
Nov 25, 1980 France performs nuclear test at Muruora Island
Nov 26, 1972 Pete Gogolak scores New York Giant record eight points after a touchdown
Nov 27, 1976 Miss Teenage America Pageant
Nov 30, 1982 U.S. submarine Thomas Edison collides with U.S. Navy destroyer in South China Sea

In all things be thankful. I remember my parents instilling that idea in me when I was little. It comes from The Good Book, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to be exact. I had to look it up!

I thought about the early settlers of our country. They gave thanks for all things, and they didn’t have it easy.

Jamestown Settlement was established in 1607. Three ships, Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery, came from England carrying 104 men. The next year, more ships and people came. During the winter of 1609, only 60 of the original 214 settlers survived. Death was caused by disease, brackish water supply, unfamiliar climate, lack of food and prolonged drought. Yet those survivors gave thanks for what they did have. I feel confident in saying that they dreamed and hoped for more, but they were thankful for the little that they did have.

Another settlement was Warrosquyoake Shire, named for the Warrosquyoake tribe of the Powhattan Confederacy. There, in the year 1618, the first English plantation was developed by Christopher Lawne. The plantation had a population of over 80 people. The Great Massacre of 1622 killed at least 53 of the inhabitants. Those 30 some remaining rebuilt the plantation. They carried on with fortitude and thankfulness.

The Pilgrims voyage started with the Mayflower and the Speedwell leaving South-Hampton, Hampshire in July 1620. The Speedwell was taking on water, so they were diverted to Dartmouth, Devon. The ship’s master and some of the crew were transferred to the Mayflower for the voyage. The two ships had had a combined passenger count of 121. Of those, 102 were chosen to travel on the Mayflower. The now crowded ship set sail September, 1620.

En route, they were met with strong winds and storms. One of these storms caused a main beam to crack. They were more than half way, so they didn’t turn back. They were able to sufficiently repair the beam and continue on. A passenger, John Howland, was washed overboard, but he managed to catch a rope and be brought safely back on board. One crew member and one passenger did die; a baby was born.

Two months later, land was sighted, and it was confirmed to be what today we call Cape Cod. An attempt was made to sail the ship around the cape towards the Hudson River, but they encountered shoals and difficult currents. So, they headed back the other direction, and the next day anchored at what is now known as Provincetowne Harbor.

By December, most of the passengers and crew had become ill, coughing violently. Many were also suffering from the effects of scurvy. There had already been ice and snowfall, hampering exploration efforts. During the first winter, 47 percent of them died. On March 22, 1621, the pilgrims of Plymouth Colony signed a peace treaty with Massasoit of the Wampanoags.

In early autumn of 1621, the 53 surviving Pilgrims thankfully celebrated their successful harvest, as was the English custom. Many Indians, probably about 90, came along with their great king Massasoit.

As I read up on the history of these settlers and their colonies, I felt humbled at all we have today that we take for granted, never being thankful. These people went through hardships I can’t even imagine and were still thankful for what they did have. As we prepare to celebrate another “Turkey Day” with all of the trimmings, let us remember all that we DO have to be thankful for.

In closing, I have a question for you: “What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you gave thanks for today?” I really think our community and our country would be a better place if we were thankful in all things.

As a former Cub Scout den leader, kindergarten teacher’s aide, and elementary Sunday School teacher, I am well aware that October is known for Fire Safety & Prevention. But I didn’t know the history as to why it was observed in October. Now I know and will share with you!

Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on October 9, 1871.

While the Great Chicago Fire was the best-known blaze to start during this fiery two-day stretch, it definitely was not the biggest. That distinction goes to the Peshtigo Fire, the most devastating forest fire in American history. This fire, which also occurred on October 8th, 1871, roared through Northeast Wisconsin, burning down 16 towns, killing 1,152 people, and scorching 1.2 million acres before it ended.

Those who survived the Chicago and Peshtigo fires never forgot what they’d been through; both blazes produced countless tales of bravery and heroism. But the fires also changed the way that firefighters and public officials thought about fire safety. On the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the Fire Marshals Association of North America, decided that the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should be observed not with festivities, but in a way that would keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention.

In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, and since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls. According to the National Archives and Records Administration’s Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925.

Some of the Fire Prevention Week themes over the years

1931
Do Your Part to Prevent Fire

1932 & 1933
Your Life. Your Property

1937
Help Prevent Fires

1939
Was Somebody Careless?

1940
Keep Fire In Its Place

1946
FIRE is the Silent Partner of Inflation

1947
YOU caused 1,700,000 Fires last Year!

1953
Fire Feeds on Careless Deeds

1977
Where There’s Smoke, There Should Be a Smoke Alarm

1992
Test Your Detector – It’s Sound Advice!

2010
Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With

2011
It’s Fire Prevention Week! Protect Your Family From Fire!

Some September birthdays!

September 1, 1923- Rocky Marciano, champion boxer
September 2, 1948- Terry Bradshaw, NFL quarterback, sportscaster
September 3, 1923- Mort Walker, cartoonist, created “Beetle Bailey”
September 4, 1918- Paul Harvey, radio personality, quote: “And now, the rest of the story”
September 5, 1847- Jesse James, Outlaw, bank and train robber
September 6, 1888- Joseph P. Kennedy, Kennedy family patriarch
September 7, 1936- Buddy Holly, singer, musician
September 8, 1922- Sid Caesar, actor, comedian
September 9, 1949- Joe Theisman, NFL Washington Redskins quarterback, sportscaster
September 10, 1929- Arnold Palmer, golfer
September 11, 1946- Lola Falana, actress
September 12, 1913- Jesse Owens, champion Olympic track and field star
September 13, 1959- Fred Silverman, TV producer
September 14, 1914- Clayton Moore, actor, the “Lone Ranger”
September 15, 1890- Agatha Christie, mystery writer
September 16, 1924- B. B. King, blues singer
September 17, 1928- Roddy McDowall, actor, “Planet of the Apes” movies
September 18, 1905- Greta Garbo, actress
September 19, 1941- Cass Elliot, singer, member of the “Mamas and the Papas”
September 20, 1934- Sophia Loren, actress
September 21, 1947- Stephen King, novelist, horror stories
September 22, 1956- Debby Boone, singer
September 23, 1920- Mickey Rooney, actor
September 24, 1936- Jim Henson, puppeteer, created the “Muppets”
September 25, 1947- Cheryl Tiegs, model
September 26, 1914- Jack LaLanne, fitness guru
September 27, 1840- Thomas Nast, political cartoonist
September 28, 1909- Al Capp, cartoonist, created “Li’l Abner”
September 29, 1907- Gene Autry, actor, singer, the “Singing Cowboy”
September 30, 1931- Angie Dickinson, actress

As we pause and reflect upon Patriot Day this year, we do so on the 10th anniversary of that awful day that forever altered American – indeed, world – history. In 2008, I took my family to New York to “pay our respects,” if you will, at Ground Zero. Following is the article I wrote during that trip, which was first published in the September, 2008 issue of 50+ Lifestyles.

While many things have changed since 9/11, some of which dates the content of this original article, one thing has remained unchanged for me:

I still Remember Well.

Lady Liberty stood tall across the harbor as we boarded the ferry on a beautiful summer morning in Lower Manhattan. Other visitors – seemingly from every corner of the globe – were aboard, joining us to pay our respects, if you will, to this icon that universally defines freedom, opportunity, and yes, liberty around the world.

Approaching Liberty Island by ferry, I couldn’t help but wonder how so many of our ancestors must have felt, watching this awesome statue – and all she represents – come into view as they arrived at this land of the free. Graceful and poignant, she towered over the small island, her polished torch gleaming in the morning sun. It was an honor to be in her presence.

Turning back to face the city, enjoying the panoramic smorgasbord of water, bridges, boats and skyscrapers, my heart was bursting with patriotism and American pride. Families posed beneath the behemoth statue. Strangers willingly handed over expensive cameras to perfect strangers and asked them to take their photo. Discriminations were set aside; different nations and cultures were momentarily united in a spirit of humanity, not separated by ethnicity, culture or race.

Scanning the city landscape once again, my gaze took unexpected pause as a lump formed in my throat: the still-obvious gap in the Lower Manhattan skyline directly across the harbor jarringly outlined the place where the former twin towers had once stood.

And for the first time since 9/11, a remarkable irony occurred to me.

For here, where several generations had once set out to begin anew with a dream of progress, growth, faith and freedom – another generation, in another time, another place and in a very different world – carried out a cruelly masterminded plot of tyranny, malice, destruction and death. Several yards distant, Old Glory flapped in the breeze – a stirring juxtaposition of perhaps the two most poignant icons of American freedom. Silently, I prayed.

The ferry returned us to Manhattan. After walking a few short blocks, we were face to face with the site of the most destructive act of terrorism in world history. Where the twin towers had once graced the skyline of the nation’s Financial District, a cavernous construction site, still several stories below street level, now exists. The site, abuzz with cranes, heavy equipment and construction workers, will be home to the new World Trade Center – and a 9/11 memorial – slated to open sometime in 2012.

Surrounding this now sacred site of American soil, adjacent buildings stand tall against the skyline, boldly declaring the resiliency of New Yorkers… no, of Americans. The construction site, so large it appears as but a sandbox filled with Tonka trucks, is peppered with nearby buildings in various stages of reconstruction, alongside other structures that – somehow – miraculously survived the massive impact of the jets, the thunderous collapse of the towers and the blazing inferno that ensued for days.

Nearby, St. Vincent’s Hospital was a stirring reminder of the first NYC triage center following the 9/11 attacks. Across the street, a chain-link fence, adorned with ceramic tiles hand-painted by children, proclaims a unique memorial to all 9/11 victims.
Innumerable cars, buses, taxi cabs and pedestrians wove a complex tapestry of motion nearby, boldly declaring American determination: determination to overcome, determination to rise above, determination to rebuild.

And then, returning my focus to the construction site, I saw it – an American flag –standing proudly toward the northern edge of the site, a constant reminder to the countless workers who, for nearly seven years, have come to this place daily to rebuild this centerpiece of international trade… and American pride.

The Twin Towers. The Pentagon. Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. Two thousand nine hundred ninety eight people lost their lives that day. Perhaps we were all New Yorkers that day in 2001.

Perhaps we still are.

Let us remember those whose lives were lost. Let us remember their families. Let us remember well.

And let us never forget.

The Month of August – some facts as to its origin

As all of you probably remember from school, July and August are named for Julius Caesar and Augustus Caesar, respectively. The new names replaced Quintus, meaning the fifth month, and Sextillus, meaning the sixth month. The Roman Senate changed the name of Quintus to July in honor of Julius Caesar, who had reformed their calendar, which had degenerated into a chaotic embarrassment.

Then when Augustus defeated Marc Antony and Cleopatra, becoming the emperor of Rome, the Senate decided that he, too, should have a month named after him. But now a problem arose. Sextillus only had 30 days and July had 31 days. Augustus shouldn’t have an inferior month, so the calendar was altered again. Before that change, the 30-day 31-day cycle had rotated alternately with the exception of February, which had 29 days except for leap year when it had 30. So the extra day was taken from February. Since the months evenly alternated between 30 and 31 days, adding the extra day to August meant that July, August and September would all have 31 days. So to avoid three long months in a row, the lengths of the last four months were switched around, giving us 30 days in September, April, June and November.
Editor’s Note: This made me wonder what it might have been like at the Senate meetings. Did someone filibuster to get 31 days for Augustus? Who argued that three 31-day months in a row would be too many? Did they get to go home for summer recess or stay behind closed doors and hammer out all of the changes? Maybe some things never change!

The August Birthstone – Peridot
Peridot is a pale green to yellow-green gem. It has been found in ancient Greek and Roman jewelry dating back to the 16th Century BC. The Egyptians called this lustrous stone the “gem of the gods.”

In ancient pagan cultures, peridot was thought to ward off anxiety, enhance speechs and foster success in relationships and marriage.

Some August Birthdays of people you might remember

1. Jerry Garcia
2. Peter O’Toole
3. Martha Stewart
4. Roger Clemens, Louis Armstrong
5. Neil Armstrong
6. Lucille Ball
7. Mata Hari, Grandma Moses
8. Esther Williams
9. Deion Sanders
10. Herbert Hoover
11. Hulk Hogan
12. Pete Sampras
13. Fidel Castro, Alfred Hitchcock
14. Magic Johnson, Halle Berry
15. Napolean Bonaparte
16. Madonna, Frank Gifford
17. Sean Penn, Robert DeNiro
18. Robert Redford
19. Bill Clinton, Orville Wright
20. Connie Chung, Emily Bronte
21. Wilt Chamberlain
22. Norman Schwarzkopf
23. Kobe Bryant, Gene Kelly
24. Cal Ripken Jr.
25. Regis Philbin, Sean Connery
26. Macaulay Culkin
27. LBJ, Mother Teresa28. Scott Hamilton
29. Michael Jackson
30. Jean Claude Killy
31. Richard Gere