September 3 -Labor Day – Labor Day is the first Monday in September and was first celebrated in the United States on September 5, 1882 as a trade union holiday.  Now Labor Day is seen as the end of summer and the beginning of school for many students. The day is often celebrated with picnics, sporting events and reunions.

September 9- National Grandparents Day – Take some time today to make a surprise for Grandparents Day.  This is not a widely celebrated holiday, so grandparents will appreciate being remembered and would particularly enjoy a homemade gift or card.  https://blogs.aupairinamerica.com/cha/wp-content/uploads/sites/67/2012/06/grandparents.jpg

September 11 – Take a moment to day to remember victims of the 2001 September 11 attacks, often referred to as 9/11 (pronounced nine-eleven) On this day, hijackers intentionally crashed two airplanes in to the World Trade Center in New York City causing them to collapse. Hijackers crashed a third airliner into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. The fourth plane crashed into a field in rural Pennsylvania, after some of its passengers and flight crew attempted to retake control of the plane.

September 16- Rosh Hashanah – Rosh Hashanah starts at sundown and is a solemn celebration of the beginning of the Jewish year.  Synagogue services are held on Rosh Hashanah. During the services, the shofar, a ram’s horn, is sounded.  During Rosh Hashanah special dishes are prepared. Many of the dishes contain honey,which symbolizes the desire for a sweet year. A round bread represents the fullness of the year.

September 22- Fall begins As the weather cools and the leaves start to change color, it is apple-picking season in most parts of the United States.  Visit Blue Jay Orchards in Bethel (203-748-0119) , Jones Family Farms in Shelton (203-929-8425)  Silverman’s Farm in Easton (203-261-3306) or Warrups Farm in W. Redding (203-938-9403)   Try these simple apple recipes, no matter where you get your apples:

• Applesauce is very simple to make. Remove the core and quarter the apples. If you leave the peel on during cooking it will give the applesauce a pink color. When the apples are very soft, remove any peel that is left, mash the pulp or put it through a sieve. Add sugar if needed.
• Try making Dried Apple Rings. They can be used as a nutritious snack. Peel, core and slice apples into 1/8 inch rings (Macintosh or Golden Delicious apples work best). Dip each ring into a mixture of lemon juice and water to help the apples keep their color. Pull a piece of string through the center of each ring and hang in a dry, warm place. They take 1-2 weeks to dry and become chewy.

September 22 – Elephant Appreciation Day Elephants are the largest land animals.  There are Asian (or Indian) and African elephants – the two look slightly different.  Younger children may enjoy reading books with elephants in the story such as the classic “Babar” series by Jean de Brunhoff or “But No Elephants” by Jerry Smath.  Older children (ages 6 and older) would be interested in facts about elephants and learning about conservation of the endangered Indian elephant.  Finish off the day with Elephant Ears, a sweet pastry available at many bakeries or visit the website for a recipe.

September 25 Yom Kippur – Beginning at sunset, Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The observance is also known as the Day of Atonement since the events of Yom Kippur focus on asking and granting forgiveness.  Many Jews attend services at a synagogue or temple on the eve and day of Yom Kippur.  On Yom Kippur, many Jews perform no work and abstain from food and drink for 24 hours.

September 30 Sukkot – is a joyous Jewish holiday that lasts for seven days and remembers the time that Israelites wandered in the desert during their journey to the Promised Land.  It is observed by the building of a temporary dwelling (a sukkah) decorated with fruits and other symbols of the harvest.