A Month of Commemoration - August

From a good panini, to art, to a romance novel, August represents a lot of things to different people. Here is a list of commemorations celebrated in the month of August.

During the month of August, many commemorate American Adventures Month by traveling and vacationing somewhere in the Americas (both continents). Regardless of how each person travels (via car or private jet) or where in the Americas they visit, each is bound to have a unique experience. If you are unable to travel this August, follow a blog about someone who is, or watch a documentary about somewhere you haven't been able to visit... yet.

American Artists Appreciation month is celebrated in August. Some recollect American art history, while others visit museums or purchase local American-made art. From Andy Warhol to Normal Rockwell, there has been a tremendous range in just 2D art created in the last 250 years, let alone any sculpture, music, film and other sorts of art.

Frederick E. Jordan (F.E. Jordan Associates Inc.) and John William Templeton (eAccess Corp.) have pushed to make August "Black Business Month" (or "National Black Business Month") in an effort to make friendlier environments for African-American business owners. Both men have been successful with their own companies and want to inspire, help others to have the same success. Their hopes is that people will make the effort to visit at least one "black business" per day during the month of August to boost those businesses.

We all hope that we will receive help when we need it, but unfortunately, there are times that even if we are surrounded by people, our cries will be left unheard. While most of us have heard of extreme cases (such as the case of "Kitty" Genovese), the bystander effect is more common than we hope, so August has been nominated as Bystander Awareness Month. It is important for each of us to have the willingness and the knowledge on how to help those in need (as well as the ability to identify problems). You could be the person to save someone's life.

Child Support Awareness Month (or National Child Support Awareness Month) is a time to remember how child support helps many children. Far above just the additional income that helps provide for the child's needs, studies have shown that non-custodial parents who pay child support are more likely to have relationships with their children than those who don't. Education is given to both the parents and employers (and anyone else who wants it) to help the parent find the resources they need to be able to help provide for their children.

The first day of school can be both an agonizing and exciting day in a kindergartener's life (and for the parents). As most schools start in late August or early September, August is Get Ready for Kindergarten Month. From buying school supplies, to explaining to your child how school will work and what is expected of them, there is a lot to do, which can leave you both frazzled; but there are several steps you can take to alleviate that stress. Preparing for the big event could make it one of the best days of your child's life!

Happiness Happens Month was created by the Secret Society of Happy People. The Secret Society of Happy People (SOHP) uses the month to promote personal happiness within themselves as well as spread happiness to those around them. They even had "happiness challenges" they completed every day in order to perpetuate happiness all through the month of August. In 2014. These included "sing aloud", "whistle", "make a piggy bank", and "walk barefoot in the grass". One thing's for sure, these are definitely the people you want to be around this month... that is if you haven't joined them already.

In an effort to educate about the benefits of breastfeeding, August has been declared "National Breastfeeding Month." Studies show that breastfed babies are less likely to develop conditions or diseases both while breastfeeding and later in life. There are several organizations (both online and in most communities) or groups that are willing to support mothers who are interested in breastfeeding by providing information or help.

The United States Congress declared August as "National Catfish Month" in honor of the had work that catfish farmers do across America. Most of the farms are family owned and they raise the catfish in a way that eliminates their "fishy" taste. So, find a good recipe and celebrate!

Goat cheese has been made for thousands of years and it finally has its own month to commemorate it. Though the majority of Americans (USA) drink cow's milk, much of the rest of the world prefers goat's milk (and therefore goat cheese). There are several brands, styles and flavors available to experiment with and August is the month to do it.

In August, the CDC uses National Immunization Awareness Month to highlight the importance of immunizations for all people. Immunizations have proven effective in the prevention of the spreading of disease and often times protect the immunized from various serious conditions. The month is broken down into four weeks to focus on each stage of life: Week 1: Preeteens and Teens; Week 2: Pregnant Women; Week 3: Adults; Week 4: Infants and Children.

During National Panini month practice and perfect your panini-makin' skills (or at least your panini eating skills! These delicious grilled sandwiches can be made as simple or as complicated as you want, but you'll be the envy of the neighborhood (or you can share!).

Carolyn Gold Hellbrun said, "Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze." Whether you're tanning outside or escaping the heat indoors, take advantage of the fact that August is National Read a Romance Month and find time to read a good book.

In an effort to bring awareness to truancy problems, the US Senate declared August to be National Truancy Prevention Month. The goal is to educate people to make them aware that their children need school and their efforts in sending their children to school is both better for them and for society in general. 30% of high-schoolers do not earn their diplomas, many of them because they chose to drop out.

Without water, we won't survive - and water quality is important. National Water quality month serves to educate Americans on how water run-off affects their water supplies. "Minor offenses" if done by the whole community can have a huge impact on the town's water and large corporations are not the only problem. There are several ways that water can be tainted, including using pesticides in your garden or not picking up after your pets. Help out your community by taking steps to to avoid polluting your water supply.

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. Psoriasis is a skin disease that discolors (or worse) patches of skin. The severity of this condition varies and can either be localized to one or two small places or spread all over the body. It can be caused by injury or by other diseases, including arthritis and depression. The skin patches are often red, scaly and/or itchy, causing the victim great discomfort. No cure is currently available, though there are some treatments that help.

The Whole Grain Council website has designated each month to a different grain and August is "Rye Month." Rye was first considered a weed when it appeared in grain fields, but as farmers observed how hearty the plant was (it could even survive floods), it was adopted as a crop, especially in places with harsher climates.

Rye has a lot of dietary fiber and helps prevent type 2 diabetes, improves bowel health and blood sugar levels, as well as helps consumers manage their weight. Due to its unpopularity in some countries, the extent of the capabilities of rye are not known, but perhaps better awareness will be able to fix that.

The people at the Good Food Blog have declared August "Shop Online for Groceries Month." In 2014, they offered $1000 in free groceries to a lucky winner, who experienced the joy of having their groceries delivered right to their door!

Most people love animals, but unfortunately (especially in more recent years), Pedigree has taken a key role in which animals are chosen as pets, leaving "the less desirable mutts" behind. August is set aside to remind us that there are these special mixes that are unique to themselves, many of the happy, healthy and ready for a lot of fun with a new family. There are millions of these animals in shelters around the world, and unfortunately many of them die before they find love with a forever home. Celebrate World Mutt-i-grees Rescue Month by adopting a new pet or by helping others to do so.

Thank you for reading, and please share any missed commemorations.