Four Fall Favorites

Fall is my favorite season! There is something about the cooler temperatures, leaves falling from the trees, and anticipation of the holidays that is refreshing after a long hot summer. The kids are back in school, fall décor and candy corn are showing up on store shelves, and plans for fall festivities are underway. Truthfully, I have already made nut breads and my favorite Lemon Iced Ginger Cookies to bring the season closer. The month of September is chocked full of fun offering many opportunities to reconnect with friends and family. Here are some highlights and ideas to make the season memorable, so please enjoy my four favorites!

Kicking off is Labor Day on September 5th. Picnics, pool parties, and BBQ’s will be out in force. Here are some fun facts for you to impress your friends! The first US Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1882 in New York City, where 10,000 workers marched from City Hall to Wendel’s Elm Park carrying out speeches, having a picnic and even putting on a concert. The purpose of Labor Day is to celebrate the contributions and achievements of the 155 million men and women in the US workforce. In 1894, twelve years after the first celebrated Labor Day, Congress passed an act making the first Monday of September a legal holiday, YAY! Additionally, the first Waffle House opened on Labor Day in 1955, in Avondale Estates, GA. Labor Day is considered the unofficial kickoff to NFL season so don’t forget to watch your favorite football team or even get in on that office Fantasy Football league for some friendly competition. Trust me, if you like football, you’ll enjoy it!

Next in line is National Grandparent’s Day on September 10th, which was rooted in the innovative work of two passionate pioneers: Jacob Reingold and Marian McQuade. Jacob led the way when in 1961 he attended the White House Conference on Aging. Jacob Reingold, inspired by a speech titled, “New Image of the Aged,” he focused on recognizing the role of millions of older Americans who are grandparents. In 1970, Marilyn McQuade focused on a campaign to establish a special day of recognition for grandparents in West Virginia, and in 1973, Virginia led the way with the first Grandparents Day. In 1978, the US Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as Grandparents Day which would be the perfect day to celebrate the grandparents or seniors in your life. Offering a quick note, phone call, sharing a memory, and expressing gratitude for the wisdom, perspectives, and love they have shown you and your family, is always meaningful to them. We at Great Life Senior Care truly appreciate and love the seniors in our community!

Another fall favorite is National Chocolate Milk Shake Day on September 12th. What is it about chocolate and ice cream that makes everyone smile? Hint…hint…it is much more than the sugar content. It is the cool, refreshing joy of a special treat that is incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, a milestone, taking a road trip, or anything else, a chocolate milkshake will hit the spot! And good news -- you can mix up your own with a little milk, ice cream, and chocolate syrup in a blender or mixer.

Last on the list and a perfect way to finish off the month of September is by visiting a Pumpkin patch and corn maze. Most of these open beginning mid-to-late September at local farms or corner stands. Why do we love them? According to experts there are several reasons. Pumpkins connect us to the nostalgia we feel about the fall season. Bales of hay, hayrides, cornstalks, growing contests, and goodies are all a part of the experience. People of all ages enjoy roaming through the fields, choosing their own pumpkin, promoting a sense of freedom and independence. Hearing the laughter of children is delightful, and the accomplishment of finding your way through a corn maze is a unique experience.

As you consider the fall season, remember that Great Life Senior Care is here to assist and enhance the lives of seniors, helping them stay independent and in their homes. Whether transitioning help following a surgery or illness, or ongoing weekly support is needed, our caregivers specializing in Dementia and Alzheimer’s care are trained, compassionate, and available to help our wonderful community of seniors! Call Jason at Great Life for a free in-home assessment at (951)679-9592

Have a wonderful September

Anita White, Contributor, Great Life Senior Care LLC