Around the country, Congressional Startup Day creates a platform for entrepreneurs to connect with their lawmakers. The day is designed for startups to express concerns.
#CongressionalStartupDay
Every small business owner aims for a flourishing business. Sometimes the struggles they face require a change in policy. When the opportunity arises to explain the issues and barriers, most startups jump at the chance. Congressional Startup Day provides that opening.
The day includes a week’s worth of events in each district. Each year, representatives from Congress return to their districts. They listen to and support their small business, startups, and new entrepreneurs. Most importantly, business owners share their ideas where they developed them – in their districts. As a result, they demonstrate the impact they have on the communities in their communities. And, policymakers get a first-hand look at the benefits and concerns, too.
While the day strives to find solutions to obstacles facing startups it does more. It also recognizes the ingenuity, creativity, and passion of startups. Small businesses provide immense value to each state’s economy. Without them, many communities would struggle.
HOW TO OBSERVE CONGRESSIONAL STARTUP DAY
Join with Congressional leaders throughout the week. Check with your Congressional representation to see what events they are offering in your state. Share your ideas and be a part of the experience. Use #StartupsEverywhere and #CongressionalStartupDay to share on social media.
In 2013, Representatives Jared Polis and Darrell Issa founded Startup Day Across America. Their goal focuses on opening vital channels of discussion between small business owners and their representatives. The idea illustrates to policymakers the difficulties they face.
In 2018, the event expanded to Startup Week Across America providing more opportunities for business owners and representatives to develop policy. As a result, more time allowed significant strides toward improved business relationships.
Startup Week Across America continued to evolve when, in 2019, it became Congressional Startup Day with week-long events focused on startups and their needs.
Black Cat Appreciation Day on August 17th aims to dispel all myths surrounding black cats. Additionally, the day shouldn’t be confused with National Black Cat Day.
#BlackCatAppreciationDay
Superstitions aside, cats are simply adorable, even black ones. These feline creatures in their sleek, black coats may carry an air of mystery. However, most cats do. Along with that, their ability to find mischief or to avoid you equals that of tabbys, cinnamons, gingers, calicos, whites or grays.
However, one black cat fact that holds true is they are less likely to be adopted. Just like black dogs, this variety of cat gets shunned at shelters. Despite this, black cats still respond to love and attention no differently than other felines.
So, let a black cat cross your path. They aren’t witches. More than likely, adopting a black cat will help keep the mouse population down around the place. Expect the number of cuddles in your life to increase, too!
HOW TO OBSERVE BLACK CAT APPRECIATION DAY
Consider adopting a black cat. Take photos of your black cat, too! Support your local shelters and volunteer. You can groom a black cat (or any cat for that matter), give him cuddles, and maybe even take one home. Overcome your fears and use #BlackCatAppreciationDay while sharing your new-found love for those black cats on social media.
In 2011, Wayne H. Morris created Black Cat Appreciation Day in honor of his sister and her 20-year-old black cat, Sinbad. His sister and Sinbad both passed away that year. Morris created the day with the hope of dispelling myths associated with black cats. Since 2011, the observance has grown annually.
Q. Do cats require a lot of attention? A. All pets require a certain amount of investment of time and money. Their food, veterinary care, grooming, and social needs vary from cat to cat, but they all need basic care to remain healthy and happy.
Q. Do cats and dogs get along? A. They can, but not all do. Depending on the age of the animals, temperament, and whether they have spent any time with the other species will all factor into whether they get along.
Q. What are the myths regarding black cats? A. There are several. Once, black cats were considered companions of witches. If the black cat crossed your path it would bring bad luck. However, other cultures saw black cats in a more favorable light and saw them as a good omen.
August 17th Celebrated History
1590
The governor of Roanoke Island, John White, returns from England after three years to find the colony deserted.
1807
The steamboat designed by Robert Fulton, the Clermont, begins its inaugural trip up the Hudson River. The boat is the first of its kind offered in public service.
1891
The Centre Market Place bath opened to the public and offered New York City’s first showers. Patrons paid 5¢ for the use of the baths and received a towel and bar of soap. They were allowed to take the soap home.
1891
Charles Kettering receives patent No. 1,150,523 for the first electric self-star. His invention put crank starts in the automobile industry’s rearview mirror. (The rearview mirror wouldn’t be invented for another 30 years.)
1896
Prospector George Carmack’s discovery of gold at Bonanza Creek triggers the first gold rush in Alaska – the Klondike Gold Rush.
1945
George Orwell published the allegorical novella Animal Farm.
1957
Wife of sports editor and grandmother Alice Roth earns free Philadelphia Phillies tickets after being unfortunate enough to be struck by not one, but two foul balls. Batter Richie Ashburn fouled the first ball into the stands, breaking Roth’s nose. Medics began carrying her away when Ashburn fouled a second pitch, breaking a bone in her knee.
1959
After a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in Yellowstone National Park creates what is now known as Hebgen Lake in Montana.
1970
Russian spacecraft Venera 7 launches and four months later becomes the first spacecraft to land on another planet.
1978
Maxie Anderson, Ben Abruzzo and Larry Newman complete the first transatlantic flight by balloon in their Double Eagle II.
1979
Monty Python’s Life of Brian premieres in the United States.
2012
Moscow bans gay pride events in the city for 100 years. Courts later uphold the ban.
August 17th Celebrated Birthdays
Davy Crockett – 1786
Congressman, folk hero, soldier and frontiersman, Crocket earned an almost mythological reputation in the United States.
Laura de Force Gordon – 1838
de Force Gordon was a champion of women’s rights. Not only was she the first woman to run a daily newspaper in the United States, but she became only the second women admitted to the California Bar. Much of her own efforts as a journalist made the legislation possible.
Archibald Henry Grimke – 1849
The son of a slave and owner, Grimke would be one of the first African American students to attend Harvard Law School. He was an effective speaker and advocate for civil rights.
Frederick Russell – 1870
Russell is noted establishing the protocols that perfected the typhoid vaccine. His vaccine program was further administered through the United States Army.
Samuel Goldwyn – 1879
Goldwyn produced 140 films during 42 year his career. The filmmaker is known for movies such as The Best Years of Our Lives and Guys and Dolls.
Mae West – 1893
West brought her own brand of sass and humor to Broadway and the silver screen.
Leslie Groves – 1896
During his military career, Groves oversaw the construction of the Pentagon and Manhattan Project.
Kent Twitchell – 1942
Twitchell’s murals grace the sides of more than a dozen structures in California.
Robert De Niro – 1943
The Oscar-winning actor, Robert De Niro, has appeared in over 90 films. From Taxi Driver to Goodfellas, Wag the Dog, and The Irishman, De Niro’s versatility shines through.
Martha Coolidge – 1946
Former President of the Directors Guild of America, Martha Coolidge has directed 52 films.
Kathryn Thornton – 1952
As a NASA astronaut, Thornton has flown three missions into space. Her first mission was aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1989.
Belinda Carlisle – 1958
Following her role as lead singer for the Go Gos, Carlisle pursued a successful solo career.
Sean Penn – 1960
The Academy Award-winning actor is known for his roles in films such as Mystic River, Milk, and Dead Man Walking.
In 2017, National Day Calendar®began celebrating each state in the order they entered the union starting the week of Independence Day and ending with Hawaii. We highlight a small part of each states’ history, foods and the people who make up the state. Many states have their own state celebrations, and National Day Calendar’s observances in no way replace them. There’s so much more to explore, we can’t help but celebrate our beautiful country even more!
National Massachusetts Day | August 17
NATIONAL MASSACHUSETTS DAY | AUGUST 17
National Massachusetts Day on August 17th recognizes the first New England colony and the sixth state to join the Union. Named after the indigenous people who populated the area when explorers (and later the pilgrims) first arrived, Massachusetts became an incubator for independence, education, and industry.
#NationalMassachusettsDay
Cradle of Liberty
It should come as no surprise that the state earned the name of Cradle of Liberty. After all, Massachusetts hosted the founding of the Sons of Liberty and the Boston Tea Party. The list of notable names from history grows long from Massachusetts. Of course, their stories and the historic events leading up to the founding of a country make for fascinating tales.
Patriots come to mind first, but don’t stop there! Poets, inventors, authors, politicians, architects, activists, athletes and those who have managed the amazing. It’s much too long for these pages. So, we encourage you to explore them further during National Massachusetts Day!
With her numerous bays and abundant shorelines, Massachusetts offers many seaside escapes. Discover mountain exploration inland, and for those who seek urban adventure, encounter adventures there, too. Everywhere you go, there’s history, beauty, and perhaps a bit of an adjustment to the New England language. Either way, dive into the food, the past and the future of Massachusetts.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL MASSACHUSETTES DAY
During National Massachusetts Day, explore all the adventures, history and more the state has to offer with National Day Calendar. Share your favorites by using #NationalMassachusettsDay on social media.
Massachusetts Day Flavor
We’ll start with the obvious when the topic of Massachusetts food comes to the table: Boston Cream Pie. What other states would this layered, hot milk cake hail from? Well, to be specific, it was created in 1856 in the kitchen of the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston and is still made there today.
Next, we turn to the salty sweet combination of Fluffernutter. A blended combination of marshmallow fluff and peanut butter, Fluffernutter became a household name in New England in the 1960s.
On July 3, 1916, Lawrence and Bessie Woodman fried the first clam at their roadside concession stand in Essex, Massachusetts. The rest, as they say, is history. Massachusetts has been in love ever since. Speaking of clams, don’t forget the chowder.
For those who like a less fishy flavor of the sea, cod is the way to go. Massachusetts celebrates the Sacred Cod. A notable cape is named after it. Also, it’s their state fish.
Finally, and tastefully, Massachusetts is one of five states known to grow cranberries. It’s their state berry and juice, too! Of course, each state has a wide list of favorite combinations of flavors. Share with us your Massachusetts favorites!
A Patuxet Native American, Squanto played a crucial role in the survival of the pilgrims during their first two years in Massachusetts. He took up the role of negotiator and provided guidance that led to the survival of the settlement.
Eli Whitney revolutionized the cotton industry with his invention of the cotton gin. Despite the significant impact to cotton producers, Whitney spent years fighting to protect his patent in court. While he never succeeded at receiving his due where his patent was concerned, he did develop plans for interchangeable parts for manufacturing which he later contracted to the government.
Most known for her tireless work for women’s suffrage, Susan B. Anthony dedicated her life to civil rights. Her dedication along with Elizabeth Cady Stanton rallied support for the 19th Amendment. Anthony would never see the fruits of her efforts. The 19th Amendment passed in 1920, fourteen years after Anthony dies at the age of eighty-six.
Also known as Dr. Seuss, this creative children’s author won his way into the hearts and homes of families through his colorful and imaginative characters. Books like The Cat in the Hat and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas continue to help children to learn to read and are sold around the world today. John F. Kennedy’s life was cut short when he was assassinated in Dallas, Texas in 1963. His life up until then was considered by many to be out of the realms of Camelot, and the world had high hopes for his presidency.
Serving first as vice president under Ronald Regan, George H. W. Bush took the oath office as the 41st president and served one term. He and his son George W. Bush are the second father/son presidents in the history of the country. John Adams and John Quincy Adams were the first.
Donna Summer was a five time Grammy Award winning artist best known for her hit songs “Hot Stuff” and “Heaven Knows” among many others.
Emeril Lagasse became a household name with his signature expression, “BAM!” for adding flavor and zest to his dishes. The talented chef, restaurateur and television personality infuses the food and his shows with personality and wit.
On August 17th, National Nonprofit Day (NND) recognizes the goals and positive impacts nonprofits have on communities and the world.
National Day Calendar has selected Village of Becoming as our Official Nonprofit for 2022. Please check out the amazing work they do with foster children who age out of the system. They have also developed a scholarship program to help with college! We say WELL DONE Village of Becoming! Follow Village of Becoming on Instagram: @villageofbecoming | Facebook: @villageofbecoming | Twitter: @villagebecoming. You can also contribute to the scholarship program directly. Please help and change a life!
#NationalNonprofitDay
Somewhere a volunteer reads to school children. At the same time, a patient receives steady medication. A lawyer provides legal services for low-income individuals. A lost soul’s life is remembered with dignity, thanks to a nonprofit funeral home. Elsewhere, a first-time homebuyer moves into his own home. NND reminds us that each of these scenes is possible thanks to the nonprofit sector. It’s the result of the work performed by capable people and organizations.
Through nonprofits, awareness, research, and aid reach the people who need it most. Nonprofits also generate tremendous benefits to their surrounding communities and the broader world.
For example, following the recent U.S. recession in 2012, the nonprofit sector provided 5.4% of the nation’s entire GDP (gross domestic product), or $887.3 billion. Non-profits continuously employing nurses, web developers, lawyers, computer engineers, and more (sources: John Hopkins and Tactical Philanthropy Advisors reports).
For these reasons and more, National Nonprofit Day salutes those who set out to make a difference.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL NONPROFIT DAY
The observance encourages you to take some time to learn more about nonprofits. Understand that the funding for these organizations often satisfies more than the mission statement. Discover all the benefits of supporting a nonprofit. Visit philanthopyalliancefoundation.org to find out more and use #NationalNonprofitDay to share on social media.
NATIONAL NONPROFIT DAY HISTORY
Sherita J. Herring, a renowned speaker, best-selling author, and business strategist, founded National Nonprofit Day to educate, enlighten and empower others to make a difference while acknowledging those in the trenches, impacting lives every day – the Change-Makers of the World!
The Tariff Act of 1894, signed into law on August 17, imposed the first federal income tax on corporations, including exemptions for nonprofit corporations and charitable institutions. With a few modifications, nonprofit exemptions remain a solid part of the law and have served significant benefits for communities and the economy.
The Registrar at National Day Calendar declared National Nonprofit Day to be observed annually in 2017.
National I LOVE My Feet Day! is observed annually on August 17th. This is a day to appreciate how valuable our feet are, to practice good foot care, and pamper our feet.
#ILoveMyFeetDay
Our feet are our primary mode of transportation. They quietly and faithfully help us stand, swim, run, walk, play sports, jog, skip and dance. They take us to school and work. Our feet withstand all the things we do in our everyday lives and accomplish things our hands cannot.
Taking care of our feet is important for preventing long-term problems. Years of wear and tear can be hard on them, as can disease, bad circulation, improperly trimmed toenails and poorly fitting shoes.
Practicing good foot care is easy. Elevating your feet when you sit is a relaxing way to help reduce swelling. Stretching, walking or having a gentle foot massage aids circulation. A warm foot bath is also helpful. Make sure your feet are dry before putting on shoes. Wearing shoes when outside provides your feet better protection.
75% of the adult population has a foot problem and improper shoe choices account for the majority of those problems. Wearing properly fitted shoes with good arch support, getting foot massages and regular pedicures can reduce foot problems. If you have persistent foot pain, consulting a podiatrist can help. For more Good Foot Care Tips and information on I LOVE My Feet Day! click on one of these links:
HOW TO OBSERVE I LOVE MY FEET DAY
For more Good Foot Care Tips and information on I LOVE My Feet Day! click on one of these links
Pamper your feet today with a foot massage or pedicure. Share photos of your rejuvenated feet on social media using #ilovemyfeetday
NATIONAL I LOVE MY FEET DAY HISTORY
National I LOVE My Feet Day! was submitted by Carolyn D. Jenkins in May of 2015. The Registrar at National Day Calendar declared National I LOVE My Feet Day! to be observed annually on August 17.
MEDIA CONTACT
Carolyn D. Jenkins – woyhcjqenter@gmail.com
Feet FAQ
Q. What kind of doctor takes care of feet?
A. A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in foot care and everything below the knee. They treat injuries and medical conditions that impact the feet.
Q. Do podiatrists perform surgery? A. Yes, many podiatrists perform surgeries, though not all do.
Q. What is included in a pedicure? A. Basic pedicures include a warm foot bath to cleanse the feet and soften loose skin, a scrub to remove dead skin, nail clipping and filing, massage, moisturizer and polish.
Q. Should I tip for services at a nail salon? A. Yes. The standard tip is 20%.
On National Thrift Shop Day on August 17th, get ready for some bargain shopping! Nearly every town in the United States offers a thrift shop or second-hand store. So there’s no excuse not to celebrate.
#ThriftShopDay
A thrift shop (also known as a thrift store, charity shop, hospice shop, second-hand shop, consignment or resale shop) is a retail establishment that sells gently used items. Typically, charitable organizations run the stores to raise money according to the organization’s stated charitable purpose. The organization may also use some of the items to help others get back on their feet after a disaster or when times have been difficult.
The public donates most items, while volunteers staff the stores. Since the items are donated, prices are adjusted to a lower cost to the buyers.
In a consignment shop, people bring their used items in to sell. When the item sells, the consignment shop keeps a percentage of the sales.
Everyone wants to save money. More and more, people are shopping at thrift stores. Clothing, furniture, and household goods are great finds among the other hidden treasures within the walls of thrift shops across the country. To some, shopping at a thrift store isn’t even about the price (that’s just a bonus!), but instead, it’s about the adventure of finding vintage and antique items.
While thrift shopping helps the budget, it also helps the environment. Every item purchased from a thrift shop is one less item in a landfill. It’s recycling at its best!
Other Benefits of Thrifting:
Redecorate on a budget – Thrifty shoppers know styles come and go. Find the one you’re looking for at the thrift store.
Dress for less – No matter the occasion, #CelebrateEveryDay with styles galore!
Enhance your budget – By saving money thrift shopping, you’ll have more money for more important things.
Expand your library – Books of all kinds find their way to the thrift stores.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL THRIFT SHOP DAY
Seek some specials at the Thrift Shops in your area. If you have items you no longer use, consider donating them. Check your local thrift shops for deals and make a day of shopping with a friend. Another option, find out how you can volunteer.
Use #ThriftShopDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL THRIFT SHOP DAY HISTORY
We were unable to find the origin of National Thrift Shop Day.
Thrift Shop FAQ
Q. When is the best time to shop at a thrift store? A. Many claim Monday and Tuesday are best because lots of donations are made on the weekends. However, thrift stores still need to sort through the items first. That takes time. However, shopping early and often might be your best options for the best finds.
Q. Are there items I shouldn’t buy at a thrift store? A. Car seats are probably the number one item you should never buy at a thrift store. A car seat may have been in an accident and damaged. They also expire. Other obvious items include underwear, bathing suits, and makeup. For a complete list, visitCountry Living.
Q. Should I wash clothing I buy at thrift stores? A. Any article of clothing you buy should be washed before wearing (with the exception of anything that requires dry cleaning). Most thrift stores do not wash clothes before putting them out for sale. While the donors may have washed them, the clothing may have sat in boxes for months or years before arriving at the store.
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Sherita J. Herring, a renowned speaker, best-selling author, and business strategist, founded National Nonprofit Day to educate, enlighten and empower others to make a difference while acknowledging those in the trenches, impacting lives every day – the Change-Makers of the World!