If you’re not familiar with the history of Labor Day,
you may wonder just what is Labor Day or what does Labor Day mean.
Some say it’s a way to celebrate the end of summer. Yes, we
do that.
Sports-minded individuals say it marks the beginning of the
NFL and college football seasons. Yes, the NFL traditionally has their first
game the Thursday following Labor Day.
Yet this day is truly dedicated to most of you reading this
– You, the American worker, and your achievements. Labor Day is a Federal
holiday and a State holiday in all 50 states. It is celebrated on the 1st
Monday in September.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), this day is
a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic
achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to
the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being
of our country.
The History of Labor Day...
But what of the history of Labor Day? The DOL provides more
information:
Founder of Labor Day
More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance,
there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.
Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary
of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American
Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who
from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."
But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone
unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter
McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention
that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International
Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while
serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is
that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a
committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.
The First Labor Day
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday,
September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the
Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday
just a year later, on September 5, 1883.
In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the
holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar
organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a
"workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth
of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial
centers of the country.
Labor Day Legislation
Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to
Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances
passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state
legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature,
but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During
the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York —
created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the
decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23
other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of
that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each
year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.
Note: In this history of Labor Day the DOL does not
include information about the Pullman Strike in 1894. This strike was the
result of a conflict between the railroads and labor unions. The strike had
become violent and President Grover Cleveland ordered the US Army and US
Marshalls to Chicago to end the strike. They were successful but in the process
a number of strikers were killed. This is the tragic part of the history of
Labor Day. Making peace with the labor unions became a political priority for
President Cleveland and making Labor Day a national holiday was a part of his
efforts.
A Nationwide Holiday
The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day
should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street
parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the
trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival
for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became
the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and
women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and
civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American
Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was
adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects
of the labor movement.
The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a
change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass
displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more
a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading
union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials
are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.
The vital force of labor added materially to the highest
standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has
brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and
political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute
on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and
leadership — the American worker.
Remembering 911...
September 11, 2001, Everyone can remember where they were as the events of that day unfolded...
• 7:59 am – American Airlines Flight 11, a Boeing 767 with
92 people aboard, takes off from Boston’s Logan International Airport en route
to Los Angeles.
• 8:14 am – United Airlines Flight 175, a Boeing 767 with 65
people aboard, takes off from Boston; it is also headed to Los Angeles.
• 8:19 am – Flight attendants aboard Flight 11 alert ground
personnel that the plane has been hijacked; American Airlines notifies the FBI.
• 8:20 am – American Airlines Flight 77 takes off from
Dulles International Airport outside of Washington, D.C.
The Boeing 757 is headed to Los Angeles with 64 people aboard.
• 8:24 am – Hijacker Mohammed Atta makes the first of two
accidental transmissions from Flight 11 to ground control (apparently in an
attempt to communicate with the plane’s cabin).
• 8:40 am – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) alerts
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)’s Northeast Air Defense Sector
(NEADS) about the suspected hijacking of Flight 11. In response, NEADS
scrambles two fighter planes located at Cape Cod’s Otis Air National Guard Base
to locate and tail Flight 11; they are not yet in the air when Flight 11
crashes into the North Tower.
• 8:41 am – United Airlines Flight 93, a Boeing 757 with
44 people aboard, takes off from Newark International Airport en route to San Francisco. It had
been scheduled to depart at 8:00 am, around the time of the other hijacked
flights.
• 8:46 am – Mohammed Atta and the other hijackers aboard
American Airlines Flight 11 crash the plane into floors 93-99 of the North
Tower of the World
Trade Center, killing everyone on board and hundreds inside the building.
• 8:47 am – Within seconds, NYPD and FDNY forces dispatch
units to the World Trade Center, while Port Authority Police Department
officers on site begin immediate evacuation of the North Tower.
• 8:50 am – White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card alerts
President George W. Bush that
a plane has hit the World Trade Center; the president is visiting an elementary
school in Sarasota, Florida at the
time.
• 9:02 am – After initially instructing tenants of the WTC’s
South Tower to remain in the building, Port Authority officials broadcast
orders to evacuate both towers via the public address system; an estimated
10,000 to 14,000 people are already in the process of evacuating.
• 9:03 am – Hijackers crash United Airlines Flight 175 into
floors 75-85 of the WTC’s South Tower, killing everyone on board and hundreds
inside the building.
• 9:08 am – The FAA bans all takeoffs of flights going to New York City
or through the airspace around the city.
• 9:21 am – The Port Authority closes all bridges and tunnels
in the New York City area.
• 9:24 am – The FAA notified NEADS of the suspected
hijacking of Flight 77 after some passengers and crew aboard are able to alert
family members on the ground.
• 9:31 am – Speaking from Florida, President Bush calls the
events in New York City an “apparent terrorist attack on our country.”
• 9:37 am – Hijackers aboard Flight 77 crash the plane into
the western façade of the Pentagon in
Washington, D.C., killing 59 aboard the plane and 125 military and civilian
personnel inside the building.
• 9:42 am – For the first time in history, the FAA grounds
all flights over or bound for the continental United States. Some 3,300
commercial flights and 1,200 private planes are guided to airports in Canada
and the United States over the next two-and-a-half hours.
• 9:45 am – Amid escalating rumors of other attacks, the
White House and U.S. Capitol building are evacuated (along with numerous other
high-profile buildings, landmarks and public spaces).
• 9:59 am – The South Tower of the World Trade Center
collapses.
• 10:07 am – After passengers and crew members aboard the
hijacked Flight 93 contact friends and family and learn about the attacks in
New York and Washington, they mount an attempt to retake the plane. In
response, hijackers deliberately crash the plane into a field in Somerset
County, Pennsylvania,
killing all 40 passengers and crew aboard.
• 10:28 am – The World Trade Center’s North Tower collapses,
102 minutes after being struck by Flight 11.
• 11 am – Mayor Rudolph Giuliani calls for the evacuation of
Lower Manhattan south of Canal Street, including more than 1 million residents,
workers and tourists, as efforts continue throughout the afternoon to search
for survivors at the WTC site.
• 1 pm – From a U.S. Air Force base in Louisiana,
President Bush announces that U.S. military forces are on high alert worldwide.
• 2:51 pm – The U.S. Navy dispatches missile destroyers to
New York and Washington, D.C.
• 5:20 pm – The 47-story Seven World Trade Center collapses
after burning for hours; the building had been evacuated in the morning, and
there are no casualties, though the collapse forces rescue workers to flee for
their lives.
• 6:58 pm – President Bush returns to the White House after
stops at military bases in Louisiana and Nebraska.
• 8:30 pm – President Bush addresses the nation, calling the
attacks “evil, despicable acts of terror” and declaring that America, its
friends and allies would “stand together to win the war against terrorism.”
It is that time of year again, time to ease on into fall, now here at Aripeka West, the leaves really don't fall this early or maybe not at all, the temps certainly do not drop much, at least till mid October, but September is the month we prepare for our "snow birds" to arrive. We have already heard from several of our regulars letting us know their arrival date. For the next six months the RV Park will be bustling with activities and lots of guests. Some of our guests will be with us for the full six months while others will stay for shorter time frames, but they all are here for the same reason, to beat the cold and snow and enjoy the gulf breezes and warm sunshine that defines Florida in the Winter. If you are planning to return to Aripeka West this season, please call or email us and let us know when you will be arriving.
Winter Activities...
What activities would you like this Winter? Several have asked for organized "Lunch's or Dinner's Out" at local restaurants. Do you have a restaurant in mind for us to try out this winter? Does anyone want to help putting our restaurant outings together?
How about Sunday Breakfast at the Eagles Club on Bolton Avenue in Hudson? (You do not have to be a member to eat breakfast at the Club and it is only a couple of miles from the park.) The breakfasts at the Eagles are very reasonably priced and there will be room for everyone. They only serve Breakfast on Sunday Morning from 8 AM till 11 AM.
Want to try bowling again this year? If anyone is interested we will start looking for a place to bowl (real bowling).
If anyone is interested in Machine Bowling, we can arrange to meet and "bowl", set up our own "league" except in our "league" anyone can "bowl" on any given week.
How about a pool tournament? We have the table ready to play, just say the word and we will do the organizing. Karl is ready to play when you are.
Do you play Poker? Then let's get a Poker game going a couple of times each month. Tony is our Poker enthusiast, so if you mention wanting to play, he will get things going! Could this be your next hand?
We also have Darts available, dart tourney anyone? We normally play Cricket, what dart games do you play?
Oh and let's not forget Corn Hole, everyone seemed to enjoy playing last year!
Anyone have any other ideas? There is bicycling, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, golf, miniature golf, you name it, we probably have access to it nearby.
Our Canine Guests...
Aripeka West is very "Dog friendly", but please leash your dog when outside your RV or Mobile Home. We will have lots of dogs in the park this winter and some dogs and people are afraid of loose dogs. Let's let our Furry Friends get to know each other without fearing each other. Also please remember there is a "feral cat colony" living in the woods around Aripeka West. These cats are NOT friendly and can scratch your dogs if they are chased or feel threatened. Please do not feed your dog or cat outside to avoid having these feral cats feeding inside the park. Feral Colonies survive by hunting in the woods, they are basically "wild animals". There have also been coyotes spotted in the area and although we have not spotted one, Black Bear frequent the woods in Aripeka. To be safe, always stay with your dogs when they are outside. Please make sure that your dogs are UTD on their Rabies Vaccination and that a copy of that paperwork is placed in your file in the office.Love the Circus...
Loomis Bros. Circus: Featuring acrobats, aerialists, horses, clowns, big cats,
balloons and elephants. Cotton candy, popcorn and other food and drinks will be
available. Sponsored by the Florida International Teaching Zoo, with proceeds
to benefit the zoo's endangered species and educational programs. Show times
are at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday September 4th and 5th Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St.,
Brooksville. $20 for adults; $8 for ages 2 to 12. Free children's tickets
available at local stores, or call (352) 603-2374. 
See what’s new at the Progressive® Insurance Tampa Boat Show! Tampa’s largest and longest-running boat show is the best place to see
and buy boats, gear and accessories! From fishing to cruising to family fun
there are boats for every lifestyle, activity and budget—see everything from
luxury yachts to personal watercraft displayed on land and in the water at the
Tampa Convention Center. Shop booths showcasing the latest in engines, marine
electronics, accessories and fishing gear, too. And there’s no better
time to buy! The 3-day event is your once-a-year opportunity to compare makes
and models, and gear up with the latest accessories all at one time!
While you can shop till you drop anchor, beyond the boats
and booths you’ll find boating fun for the whole family. Sign up for a free
powerboat ride. Get started in boating or improve your boating skills with
Discover Boating Hands Hon Skills Training— register for hands-on, on--the-water
boat handling clinics. Get tips from the area’s top fishermen at daily
seminars. Check out the all-new Miss GEICO racing boat. There really
is something for everyone!
Gill Dawg is a recreation and entertainment hub focusing
primarily on eco-friendly, healthy activities and entertainment with a strong
emphasis on paddling and water sports. Our locations include healthy food
sourced locally by organic farmers, as well as from our own “hands on” organic
garden. You can relax in our serene atmosphere while you enjoy an artisan
sandwich with a glass of your favorite beverage.
Gill Dawg is also a place where you might discover a new
musical artist, maybe an old musical artist you haven’t seen nor heard for
awhile, or any kind of artist for that matter.
Guided eco-tours, paddlesports equipment, pontoon and jon
boat rentals, jet skis, fishing charters, dive charters, sunset cruises, music,
good food, family friendly – you’ll find it ALL at Gill Dawg!
When you come to a new city and you’re not sure where to go,
look for a Gill Dawg location and we’ll set you up! Stay Wet my friends…Stay
Wet!
Market on the Bayou is September 7th at Gill Dawg's! (and every other weekend after that)
Gill Dawg Marina
5419 Treadway Drive
Port Richey, FL 34668
727-842-1070
5419 Treadway Drive
Port Richey, FL 34668
727-842-1070
Celebrating all things that fly...
Our sponsors are a diverse group of individuals with a wide
range of skills and expertise. Our goal is to make a difference in your life
and those around you. Don't just stand on the sideline, get engaged in your
community.
Festival of Flight is bringing hot air balloons, planes,
deltas, kites, and all things that fly together in one location in order to
share our passion for flight and celebrate the Second Annual Festival of Flight
2014.
Last Year's Festival was a huge success and we are looking
forward to sharing more amazing members of the great community, an
extended day of fun, and more things that soar through the air!!!
This festival will give us the opportunity to let you have a
taste of the amazing people here in our community that soar above the crowd. We
will let you get up close to the action, ask questions, and fulfill your
dreams. September 19th and 20th Schedule 4241 Birdsong Blvd, Lutz, Florida
Doing a little Home Project...
Pasco County Home Show
Over 100 unique home improvement vendors including artist
will be on site with everything from bathroom remodels, windows and doors, home
décor, art, flooring, new kitchen ideas, landscaping and interior design ideas!
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet with the area’s top home improvement
specialists! Be sure to bring the entire family and be ready to visit vendors
who are ready to show you demonstrations and tips for the home as well as
giveaways!
Sep 20 at 10:00am to Sep 21 at 5:00pm
Facts and Thoughts...
1. 43 percent of statistics are made up.
2. Out of my mind. Back in five minutes.
3. A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can
prove that you don’t need it.
4. Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more
than standing in a garage makes you a car.
5. Borrow money from a pessimist–they don’t expect it back.
6. Always remember that you are unique–just like everyone
else.
7. Why is “abbreviation” such a long word?
8. All generalizations are false.
9. What happens if you get scared half to death twice?
10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
11. The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to
the ability to reach it.
12. Eat right. Stay fit. Die anyway.
13. Gravity always gets me down.
14. The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets
the cheese.
15. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him
how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
16. The shinbone is a device for finding furniture in a dark
room.
17. Ask me about my vow of silence.
18. The word “gullible” isn’t in the dictionary.
19. Honk if you like peace and quiet.
20. Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
21. The hardness of butter is directly proportional to the
softness of the bread.
22. Vacation begins when Dad says, “I know a short cut.”
23. Go 3 days without your favorite thing. Then go 3 days
without sleep. It turns out sleep is actually your favorite thing.
24. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say
will be misquoted, then used against you.
Harvest Moon...
A harvest moon occurs at a specific time of the year. The
moon officially turns full when it reaches the spot opposite to the sun. The
harvest moon happens on 13:59 Greenwich time on the Saturday nearest to the
fall equinox, which is September 23rd. Once in every three years we get the
same full moon in October, but the one in September is called the harvest moon
because farmers can continue their harvest late into the night by the
light of the full moon. The same moon appears three days in succession,
but the one that appears on Saturday is the one that receives this name.
Other names for this moon are the Wine Moon, the Elk Call Moon
and the Singing Moon. It received the name of harvest moon because it appears
in the Northern Hemisphere at the time of the year that coincides with the harvesting of
crops.
It's For The Birds
During a harvest moon there are other advantages for the bird
lovers of our planet. This is the perfect time to watch the birds migrate past the
light that emits from the moon. Some studies have proven that birds rely
on the Harvest moon to migrate from one area to another. They have also proven
that the birds wait for this moon to begin their migration.
Gazing Upon a Harvest Moon
The moon during the year rises about 50 minutes later each
day, but near autumn equinox the time shortens to 30 minutes. Some years there
is an extra treat for moon watchers when they do their gazing between dusk and
dawn. Wildfires in North America and dust storms in Africa sometimes fill our
air with aerosols. A low hanging harvest moon can give an array of colors that
is not usually seen. There is also an added treat to watching a harvest moon.
This is called moon illusion because the rising or setting moon looks bigger
than when it does high in the sky.
So shine on, Harvest Moon!
September 2014 Calendar...
