August

Absolutely August!

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Hello! In case we haven’t met let me introduce myself. My name is Carol Anne and I’m a geek. I love all kinds of random facts and I especially love when they somehow tie themselves together. I was thrilled to find that several astronauts and astronomers were born during the month of August as it is home to the peak week of the Perseid Meteor Shower. The patron saint of astronomers, St. Dominic was also born in the month of August.

I first saw something like this when it ran in one of the weekly Philadelphia newspapers. I’ve also seen it in the Gloucester County Times. My friend Roe enjoyed the one I did for March as did my sister-in-law Arlene. I’ve  been putting these together for Roe and Arlene (she uses some of it for her daycare’s monthly calendar) since March (save for June & July) but haven’t always published them. This is the kind of stuff I love and so I think this will be one of the newest features here on Soapboxville. I’d love your input. Do you like it? Are you not interested? What do you think?

Everything you wanted to know about August can be found here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August

More fun holidays here http://library.thinkquest.org/2886/ and http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/august.htm and http://www.gone-ta-pott.com/AugustCalendar.html

August’s birthstone is Peridot or Onyx. Its flower is Gladiolus and/or Poppy. The Zodiac sun sign Leo ends in August and the Zodiac sun sign Virgo begins in August. http://www.birthstones.org.uk/birthstone-list/index.htm

According to the Farmers’ Almanac the August full moon is known as the Sturgeon Moon. The fishing tribes are given credit for the naming of this Moon, since sturgeon, a large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water, were most readily caught during this month. A few tribes knew it as the Full Red Moon because, as the Moon rises, it appears reddish through any sultry haze. It was also called the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon. http://www.farmersalmanac.com/full-moon-names/

  • The August full moon is Saturday, August 13th.

The first Sunday in August is Sisters’ Day. It is also International Friendship Day, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Friendship_Day, http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/friendshipday.htm.

In common years no other month starts on the same day of the week as August, though in leap years February starts on the same day. August ends on the same day of the week as November every year. I checked this on the calendar and in fact no other month in 2011 starts on a Monday and August and November do indeed both end on a Wednesday in 2011. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August

August is …

National Family Fun Month, I can’t seem to find any good websites to go along with this listing but it seems like you could do a lot with it. The only link I found was from WHYY back in 2009. They suggest camping. http://www.whyy.org/education/vdr_200908.html

It’s also National Golf Month and kids can play Philadelphia-themed miniature golf at Franklin Square so I suppose that could tie in nicely with both National Family Fun Month and National Golf Month. http://historicphiladelphia.org/day/franklin-square/

It’s also National Parks Month. The United States National Park Service was created on August 25, 1916. Families can tour Independence National Historical Park, which is home to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and more. http://www.nps.gov/inde/index.htm

Depending upon which website you’re looking at August is also …

  • Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month, http://www.preventblindness.org/
  • Children’s Vision & Learning Month
  • Family Eye Care Month
  • National Eye Exam Month
  • The feast day of St. Clare is August 11th. She is the patron saint of eye disorders.

National Immunization Awareness Month, http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/spec-grps/parents.htm

August is both Back to School Month and Get Ready for Kindergarten Month.

American Adventures Month, it’s actually a made up kind of travel business type deal but it make me think of Explorers like Lewis and Clark and Christopher Columbus and Ponce De Leon or people like Daniel Boone. Could make for interesting story times.  Coincidentally August 1 is William Clark of Lewis and Clark’s birthday. http://www.enchantedlearning.com/explorers/namerica.shtml

Inventors’ Month, Could be good for story times and craft projects or a trip to Marconi Park for a story time about Marconi, who was one of many to help invent and develop radio. http://www.crayola.com/calendar/detail.cfm?event_id=143&year=2007

http://www.eduplace.com/science/invention/overview.html

I can’t find anything to back this up as fact but August is also Pooh Friendship Month.

Well we all know that Pooh Bear likes his honey but unfortunately for him August is National Peach Month.

There are 90 peach orchards in New Jersey with the majority located here in south Jersey but there are peach orchards throughout out New Jersey. New Jersey is 4th in peach production behind California, South Carolina and Georgia but we all know Jersey peaches are the best! These are more peach facts can be found at http://www.jerseypeaches.com/industry_facts_nj_peach_promotion_council.html

It’s also Admit You’re Happy Month. The Society of Happy People have a nice list of ideas for celebrating on their website, http://www.sohp.com/.

American artists are celebrating during the annual American Artists Appreciation Month.

  • Coloring Pages …

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/artists/us.shtml

Artists from Pennsylvania include: Thomas Eakins, for whom the Eakins Oval is named; Charles Addams, who was born in Westfield, NJ created some of the characters who would go on to be the Addams Family; Alexander Calder, who was born in Lawnton, PA not only created the mobile but who is also responsible for the statue of William Penn on top of City Hall; Mary Cassatt, who was born in what is now Pittsburgh; and Andrew, Jamie, and N.C. Wyeth who all either lived and/or were born in Chadds Ford, PA.

August is also National Napping Month.

Weekly Celebrations …

The first week of August is International Clown Week, http://www.internationalclownweek.org/. Families who love clowns can head to Seaside Heights in September to enjoy the fun and frivolity of Clownfest, an annual event. It takes place from September 14-18. There are public events up and down the boardwalk, which culminate in a grand clown parade on Sunday, September 18. http://www.clownfest.com/

  • Clown Coloring Pages …

http://coloring.ws/circus.htm

http://www.coloring-pages-kids.com/coloring-pages/miscellaneous-coloring-pages/circus-clowns-coloring-pages/circus-clowns-coloring-pages-gallery.php

http://coloringbookfun.com/clowns/

National Apple Week is celebrated the 2nd week of August.

Two pounds of apples make one 9-inch pie. The largest apple picked weighed 3 pounds. More fun and interesting apple facts can be found here, http://urbanext.illinois.edu/apples/facts.cfm

Pennsylvania grows approximately 11 million bushels of apples each year. http://www.pennsylvaniaapples.org/Home/Facts.aspx#funfacts

A list of types of apples grown in New Jersey can be found here, http://www.state.nj.us/jerseyfresh/appletypes.htm

The second week of August is also National Smile Week. I suppose it’s appropriate that apples and smiles share the same week. Eating a fresh apple will cleanse your mouth or more than 95% of bacteria that cause tooth decay. About.com offers some ideas for celebrating at http://familycrafts.about.com/od/holidays/p/nationalsmileweek.htm.

The middle week of August is the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower. According to Wikipedia the Perseid Meteor Shower is active from July 17 to August 24 with the peak coming on August 13. St. Dominic’s feast day is August 8 he is the patron saint of Astronomers.

The third week of August is Weird Contest Week. Ocean City, NJ celebrates with a week of family-friendly contests at 11am each day at the Music Pier. Past events have included ear wiggling contests, French fry sculpting, salt water taffy sculpting and Oh.My.God, a Little Mr. and Miss Chaos contest. Participants in this contest compete to make AS MUCH NOISE AS THEY CAN MUSTER in 2 minutes. (ear plugs people, ear plugs)

Daily Celebrations and Events …

London Bridge (19th-century version) opened on August 1, 1831.

Colorado entered the Union on August 1, 1876.

MTV began broadcasting on August 1, 1981. The first video aired on MTV was “Video Killed the Radio Star”, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iwuy4hHO3YQ

William Clark of Lewis and Clark was born on August 1, 1770.

Francis Scott Key, who wrote “The Star Spangled Banner” was born on August 1, 1779. Coincidentally, Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead was born on August 1, 1942. They performed the National Anthem at Candlestick Park on Opening Day for the San Francisco Giants on April 12, 1993. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH8ObibNCoo

Herman Melville, who wrote Moby Dick was born on August 1, 1819.

August 1 is Girlfriends Day. She Knows has a bunch of ideas for how to celebrate. http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/809853/national-girlfriends-day

August 1 is thought to be Spiderman’s birthday. Spiderman coloring pages,
http://www.coloring-pages-kids.com/coloring-pages/cartoon-character-coloring-pages/spiderman-coloring-pages/spiderman-coloring-pages-gallery.php

August 1 is Respect for Parents Day, http://familycrafts.about.com/od/holidays/p/respectparentsday.htm

August 2 is National Night Out, http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno/about.html. I think a flashlight walk could be a lot of fun!

Firestone Tires was founded on August 3, 1900. Tire coloring page,
http://www.colormegood.com/colormegoodPDFthumbnails/
transportation/mechanicsandparts/tire01.pdf

August 3 is Sesame Street character Prairie Dawn’s birthday.

President Obama was born on August 4, 1961.

August 4 is Coast Guard Day. The United States Coast Guard was founded on August 4, 1790.

August 5 is Work Like A Dog Day. http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/worklikeadog.htm

On August 5, 1914 the first electric red and green (no yellow) traffic light was installed by the American Traffic Signal Company on the corner of East 105 and Euclid Avenue in Cleveland, OH.

American Bandstand debuted on August 5, 1957. August 5 is a Friday. You just gotta have a dance party to celebrate. J  Theme song, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGjXo-3AjCc&playnext=1&list=PL66CAFECFAC602017

Neil Armstrong was born on August 5, 1930.

August 6 is WiggleYour Toes Day.

August 6 is National Fresh Breath Day. Mints for everyone!

Alfred Lord Tennyson was born on August 6, 1809.

Lucille Ball was born on August 6, 1911.

Punky Brewster (Soleil Moon Frye) was born on August 6, 1976. Full episodes can be found online at http://www.youtube.com/user/PunkyBrewsterTVShow

August 7 is International Forgiveness Day. Global Forgiveness Day follows on August 27. http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/forgivenessday.htm

August 7 is National Lighthouse Day. http://www.lighthousefoundation.org/museum/natllighthouseday_info.htm

August 7 is Purple Heart Day. According to Wikipedia, on this day in 1782 George Washington ordered the created of the Badge of Military Merit to honor soldiers wounded in battle, which was later renamed Purple Heart. I don’t think you can send cards and such to Walter Reed anymore but the kids could make cards for the soldiers and send them through organizations like Adopt A Platoon. http://adoptaplatoon.org/site/

August 8 is Garfield’s little friend Odie’s birthday. He first appeared in the comic strip on this day in 1978.

The Edge of U2 fame was born on August 8, 1961.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, author of The Yearling was born on August 8, 1896.

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” August 8 is Eleanor Roosevelt Day.

And from the category Things That Sound Dirty but Aren’t I present to you without editorial comment, August 8 is Sneak some Zucchini on your Neighbor’s Porch Day. http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/sneakzucchini.htm

On August 9, 1483 the Sistine Chapel opened in Rome. A mass was celebrated.

Henry David Thoreau published Walden on August 9, 1854.

Betty Boop made her cartoon debut in Dizzy Dishes on August 9, 1930.

In 1936 during the Summer Olympic Games (Games XI of the Olympiad) American runner Jesse Owens becomes the first American to win four medals in one Olympiad. — Could be fun to stage a Forever Young Summer Olympics. J

On August 9, 1944 Smokey Bear makes his debut as the National Forest Service’s mascot.

August 9 is Book Lovers Day. http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/bookloversday.htm

August 9 is Dance a Polka Day. The Polka is Pennsylvania’s state dance. You can learn to Polka Dance online at http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_3072_polka-dance-steps.html

  • For those that are curious, New Jersey’s state dance is the Square Dance. Delaware does not have a state dance.

August 10 is Lazy Day, http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/lazyday.htm. For even more leisure feel free to take part in Relaxation Day on August 15.

Missouri entered the Union on August 10, 1821.

August 10 is National Spoil Your Dog Day.

August 10 is National Duran Duran Appreciation Day!

Candid Camera made its television debut on August 10, 1948. It had been on the air for a year prior to that as Candid Microphone. *laughs* I do not recommend secretly recording anyone doing anything in celebration of this milestone.

Charles Darrow, who created Monopoly was born on August 10, 1889. Monopoly tournament anyone?

According to the Farmers’ Almanac August 11 is the last day of the Dog Days of Summer.

August 11 is Play in the Sand Day.

August 11 is Son and Daughter Day. http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/sondaughterday.htm

Celebrate Kool-Aid Days August 12-14.

Cecil B. DeMille was born on August 12, 1881

August 12 is Middle Child’s Day. http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/middlechildday.htm

August 12 is Vinyl Record Day. http://www.vinylrecordday.com/

August 13 is National Left-Handers Day. You can find a pretty extensive list of left-handed famous people here http://www.indiana.edu/~primate/left.html

  • It is also believed that polar bears are left-handed but sadly Polar Bear Day takes place in February.

Walt Disney’s Bambi premiered on August 13, 1942.

On August 13, 1918 Opha Mae Johnson was the first woman to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.

On August 13, 2008 swimmer Michael Phelps set the Olympic record for most gold medals won by an individual in Olympic history. He won 8 at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and 6 at the Athens Olympics in 2004.

Danny Bonaduce was born in Broomall, PA on August 13, 1959. C’mon get happy and sing along! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRr0K50ebpw

Annie Oakley was born on August 13, 1860.

Roller Derby debuted at the Chicago Coliseum on August 13, 1935. For those who’d like to know more about roller derby rules visit http://www.rollerderbyruleoftheday.com/ daily roller derby rules.

Alfred Hitchcock was born on August 13, 1899.

The United States Social Security Act passed on August 14, 1935.

August 14, 1945 is Victory in Japan Day, Japan surrenders unconditionally to the Allies. http://www.history.com/topics/v-j-day

August 14 is the feast day of Father Maxmilian Kolbe. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximilian_Kolbe

August 15 is the Feast of the Assumption.

August 15 is Relaxation Day, http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/relaxationday.htm

The Panama Canal opens to traffic on August 15, 1914.

On their second U.S. tour The Beatles play Shea Stadium on August 15, 1965.

Woodstock opened on August 15, 1969.

Dear St. Anthony, something’s lost and must be found. The patron saint of lost things was born on August 15, 1195.

Napoleon Bonaparte was born on August 15, 1769.

Julia Child was born on August 15, 1912. Debra Messing and Ben Affleck were also born on August 15, in 1968 and 1972 respectively. Apparently August 15 is a good day for talent. Joe Jonas was also born on August 15, 1989.

August 16 is Tell A Joke Day. http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/tellajokeday.htm

The only joke I know …

What does an agnostic dyslexic insomniac do?

Sit up all night wondering if there’s a dog.

*bows* Thank you, thank you. I’m here all week. Don’t forget to tip your waitresses.

Madonna was born on August 16, 1958.

Davy Crockett was born on August 17, 1786.

Solymon Merrick patented the first wrench on August 17, 1835.

August 18 is Bad Poetry Day. http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/badpoetryday.htm

How crazy is this? Meriwether Lewis of Lewis and Clark was born on August 18, 1774. His partner William Clark was born in the same month on August 1, 1770. They are exactly 4 years and 17 days apart in age.

August 19 is National Aviation Day in honor of the birthday of Orville Wright, who was born on August 19, 1871. http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/aviationday.htm

  • How to make paper airplanes:

http://www.exploratorium.edu/exploring/paper/airplanes.html

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/paper-airplanes.htm

The first All American Soapbox Derby was held in Dayton, Ohio on August 19, 1934.

  • Want to build your own soapbox? Here’s how.

http://www.aasbd.org/about-us/plans.aspx

Coco Chanel was born on August 19, 1883.

President Bill Clinton was born on August 19, 1946.

Uncle Jesse (John Stamos) was born on August 19, 1963 and Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) was born on August 19, 1969.

August 19 is Potato Day. http://www.gone-ta-pott.com/potatoes.html

August 19 is the birthday of Sesame Street’s beloved character Snuffleupagus. http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Mr._Snuffleupagus

August 20 is International Homeless Animals Day. http://www.isaronline.org/ihad.html

August 20 is National Radio Day. http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/radioday.htm

August 20 is Lemonade Day. It is the day that lemonade supposedly made its debut in Paris in 1630. http://www.gone-ta-pott.com/national_lemonade_day.html and http://www.knowledgehouse.info/njfklemonade.html

An organization sponsors Lemonade Day. It could be cute to have a lemonade stand with the kids and give the proceeds to a local animal shelter in honor of International Homeless Animal Day  or Alex’s Lemonade Stand. http://www.lemonadeday.org/for-teachers-schools and http://www.alexslemonade.org/campaign/stands-and-events/about

The NFL was founded on August 20, 1920.

http://www.coloring.ws/football.htm

http://www.coloring-pages-book-for-kids-boys.com/images/
24_Philadelphia-Eagles_football_coloring_at_coloring-pages-book-for-kids-boys.gif (Eagles helmet)

Apparently August is an auspicious month in which to be born. Yet another American president has a birthday in August. Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president was born on August 20, 1883. That makes 3; President Obama, Aug. 4; President Clinton, Aug. 19; and President Harrison, Aug. 20.

Robert Plant of Led Zepplin was born on August 20, 1948.

August 21 is National Senior Citizens Day. http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/seniorcitizensday.htm

Hawaii entered the Union on August 21, 1959.

Christopher Robin the little boy who A.A. Milne (his son) wrote about in Winnie the Pooh was born on August 21, 1920. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/christopher-robins-birthday

The American Bar Association was formed on August 21, 1878.

On August 21, 1911 an employee stole the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre.

August 22 is Be An Angel Day. http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/beanangelday.htm

August 22 is National Tooth Fairy Day. http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/February/toothfairyday.htm

Cindy Williams (Shirley of Laverne and Shirley) was born on August 22, 1947.

August 23 is Ride the Wind Day. http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/ridewindday.htm

  • How to make a kite:

http://www.ehow.com/how_6628297_make-kite-preschoolers.html

http://www.skratch-pad.com/kites/make.html

Alaska became a U.S. Territory on August 24, 1912. It would not become a state until 47 years later on January 3, 1959.

On August 24, 2006 the International Astronomical Union demoted Pluto from planet to Dwarf Planet.

  • Everything you ever wanted to know about Pluto and more,

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/planets/pluto/

August 24 is National Waffle Day. http://www.mrbreakfast.com/article.asp?articleid=19

August 25 is Kiss and Make Up Day. http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/kissandmakeup.htm

Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! The Wizard of Oz opened in movie theaters throughout the United States on August 25, 1939.

Galileo Galilei demonstrated his first telescope for Venetian lawmakers on Augsut 25, 1609.

Regis Philbin was born on August 25, 1931.  The morning host birthdays don’t stop there, Rachel Ray was born on August 25, 1969.

August 26 is National Dog Day. http://www.nationaldogday.com/

August 26 is Women’s Equality Day. On August 18, 1920 women are granted the right to vote when the 19th Amendment is ratified. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby certified the ratification on August 26, 1920. http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured_documents/amendment_19/

On August 26, 1939 The first Major League Baseball game is telecast, a doubleheader between the Cincinnati Reds and the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field, in Brooklyn, New York.

Will Shortz, who is the crossword editor for the New York Times was born on August 26, 1952.

August 27 is Global Forgiveness Day. http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/forgivenessday.htm

August 27 is Just Because Day. http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/justbecauseday.htm

August 27 is Banana Lovers Day. http://www.slashfood.com/2010/08/27/banana-lovers-day/

Oh my God! Make that 4 American presidents born in August. 36th president Lyndon Baines Johnson was born on August 27, 1908. President Obama, Aug. 4; President Clinton, Aug. 19; President Harrison, Aug. 20; and President Johnson, Aug. 27.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was born on August 28, 1774.

August 28 is Bow Tie Day.

Leo Tolstoy, author of War and Peace was born on August 28, 1828.

August 29 is More Herbs, Less Salt Day, http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/herbsaltday.htm

Henry Bergh, who is the founder of the Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was born on August 29, 1811.

Fashion critic Mr. Blackwell was born on August 29, 1922.

Ingrid Bergman who played Ilsa in Casablanca (my favorite movie) was born on August 29, 1915. She died exactly 67 years later on her birthday.

You gotta believe! Philadelphia Phillie Tug McGraw was born on August 30, 1944.

Lewis and Clark start their expedition west from Pittsburgh, PA at 11am on August 31, 1803. Both of whom were born in August.

On August 31, 1897 Thomas Edison patented the first Kinetoscope, which is the first movie projector. Popcorn anyone?

Daily Food Celebrations …

According to http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/National_Symbols/American_Hollidays.html August food-themed celebrations include …
(I normally weed some of these out but this month so many were good I kept them all.)

August 1 National Raspberry Cream Pie Day

August 2 National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

August 2 National Ice Cream Soda Day

August 3 National Watermelon Day

August 4 National Chocolate Chip Day

August 5 National Mustard Day

August 6 National Root Beer Float Day

August 7 Raspberries ‘n Cream Day

August 8 National Frozen Custard Day

August 9 National Rice Pudding Day

August 10 National S’mores Day

August 11 National Raspberry Bombe Day

August 14 National Creamsicle Day

August 15 National Lemon Meringue Pie Day

August 17 National Vanilla Custard Day

August 18 National Ice Cream Pie Day

August 19 National Soft Ice Cream Day

August 20 National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day

August 21 National Spumoni Day

August 22 National Pecan Torte Day

August 23 National Sponge Cake Day

August 24 National Peach Pie Day

August 25 National Banana Split Day

August 26 National Cherry Popsicle Day

August 27 National Pots de Creme Day

August 28 National Cherry Turnovers Day

August 30 National Toasted Marshmallow Day

August 31 National Trail Mix Day

According to Wikipedia August is also National Goat Cheese Month.

August 31 is Eat Outside Day.
http://www.slashfood.com/2010/08/31/eat-outside-day/