Author: Lisa Mungovan

State Parks in Virginia have special viewfinders, that help more people see the spectacular beauty of autumn leaves. The scopes allow people who have red-green Color Vision Deficiency, to see a full range of color. Around 13,000,000 Americans are red-green colorblind, so Virginia leaf-peeping season could get very busy!

The Strong National Museum of Play, in Rochester New York, inducts toys into its Toy Hall of Fame each year. Some of this year’s finalists include Tickle Me Elmo, Yahtzee, Bingo, Polly Pocket, Pokemon, Mahjong, Mouse Trap, and playground slides. You can vote for your favorite on the Player’s Choice Ballot, at MuseumOfPlay.org.

Today is Hug A Greeting Card Writer Day. It might be hard to find a writer, so maybe just show your appreciation, by sending someone a greeting card instead. It’s also Rice Krispies Treats Day. You only need crisp rice cereal, marshmallows, and butter, to make these delicious treats. Save one for me!

Today is World Bamboo Day. The favorite food of adorable giant pandas, is also used to make everything from furniture, to paper, to socks. It’s the fastest growing plant in the world. Some types grow 36 inches per day! The evergreen bamboo makes a great garden hedge, if you plant the non-invasive kind.

Today is Reed An Ebook Day. Check out a library e-book, from home. New York Public Libraries offer their Books For All collection, to anyone in the country, on a free e-reading app, called Simply-E. The Brooklyn Public Library is also offering free library cards to young adults, through Books Unbanned.

Today is World Manta Day. Manta rays are fish, with flexible cartilage instead of hard bone for skeletons, just like sharks. Their pectoral fins resemble wings, so they look like they’re flying instead of swimming. Mantas can grow 23 feet long, and give birth to babies called pups. They are friendly, so wave hello!

Today is Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The Constitution of the newly formed United States, defined citizens and their rights, in 1787. Over the years, amendments were added. Native Americans were already there, and many people were brought unwillingly as slaves. Everyone else settled as immigrants. How did your ancestors start out in your country?

Have you ever tried a pawpaw? It’s the largest edible fruit native to North America, and grows in forests. Some people call it the Hillbilly Mango, or the Kentucky Banana, because it has a tropical taste. The custard-like fruit has a hint of pineapple, banana, and mango flavor. Try one today for Pawpaw Day!

Today is Apple Dumpling Day! Peeled and cored apples filled with butter, cinnamon and sugar, are wrapped in dough. After they bake in the oven, they’re like balls of delicious apple pie! While your treats are baking, celebrate Country Music Day, by listening to Ring of Fire, by Johnny Cash.

Get out of the summer heat, by visiting a museum for Smithsonian Day. If you live near Washington DC, you’re lucky. All of the Smithsonian museums are always free! See dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum and planes at the Air and Space Museum. Visit art museums, the zoo, and so much more!