Event Calendar

National Grandma Moses Day on September 7th celebrates the birth of Anna Mary Robertson Moses. This talented artist’s birthday is commemorated each year.

Anna Mary Robertson Moses (September 7, 1860 – December 13, 1961) serves as an inspiration to those who start a career late in life. For most of her life, Anna Moses was known as either “Mother Moses” or “Grandma Moses.” She’s especially inspirational since Grandma Moses began a career in the arts at an advanced age.

Road to Success

After arthritis made it difficult for Mrs. Moses to embroider, she turned to painting as a creative outlet. She picked up the medium in her 70s. Mrs. Moses’ pastoral scenes depicting small-town and country life appealed to many. Since she displayed her artwork at a local drugstore, travelers often saw her work. One day, an amateur art collector discovered the immensely beautiful work of Mrs. Moses. The collector, Louis J. Caldor, convinced the Museum of Modern Art to include Moses in a members-only folk art show. Eventually, Caldor’s discovery and the MOMA opportunity led to a one-woman show.

Soon, Mrs. Moses found a large, global following. While Moses displayed her work under the name Mrs. Moses, the press eagerly dubbed her “Grandma Moses” and the name stuck.   

Many publications would use of Grandma Moses’ paintings to publicize American holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Mother’s Day. In 1947, Grandma Moses was featured in True Confessions.  The magazine noted, “Grandma Moses remains prouder of her preserves than of her paintings and proudest of all of her four children, eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.” 

Grandma Moses’ popularity grew. At one point in the 1950s her exhibitions broke attendance records all over the world. As part of her 100th birthday celebration, LIFE magazine featured Grandma Moses on the September 16, 1960, cover.

Grandma Moses Awards and Honors

• 1950 – Cited as one of the five most newsworthy women.
• 1951 – Honored as Woman of the Year by the National Association of House Dress Manufacturers.
• Age 88 – Mademoiselle Magazine named her “Young Woman of the Year.”
• Awarded the first honorary doctorate from Philadelphia’s Moore College of Art.
• 1969 – A United States commemorative stamp issued in her honor.
• 2006 – Her work Sugaring Off (1943) became her highest selling work at US $1.2 million. Sugaring Off was a prime example of the simple rural scenes for which she was well-known.
• Otto Kallir gives the Grandma Moses’ painting, Fourth of July, to the White House where it still hangs today.

National Grateful Patient Day on September 7th provides an opportunity to show appreciation for the hard-working professionals in the medical industry. The day also focuses gratitude toward the families and caregivers of anyone receiving life-giving medical care. Additionally, the day honors the indomitable spirit of these courageous patients who are grateful to be alive.

As a force, gratefulness offers the power of hope. The gift of gratitude provides a spark of energy to the recipient, too. However, it also inspires anyone who hears the story. The healing spark of hope told from the perspective of a grateful patient – this day involves everyone who has ever felt a healing touch.

National Neither Snow Nor Rain Day on September 7th commemorates the opening of the New York Post Office on September 7, 1914.

Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds ~ Inscription found over the entrance of the central post office in New York City

James A. Farley

The James A. Farley Post Office Building is the main post office in New York City. Built in 1912 and opened for postal business in 1914, the building bears the famous inscription. In honor of James A Farley, the building received official designation as The James A Farley Building. It serves as a monument and testament to the political career of the nation’s 53rd Postmaster General.

James A. Farley served during a difficult time in both U.S. and postal history. The Great Depression impacted jobs and revenues all across the country. Under Farley’s direction and participation in the New Deal, Post Office revenues and real estate grew. He served as Post Master General from 1933-1940.

The James A. Farley Post Office Building became home to “Operation Santa” after being featured in the 1947 classic film Miracle on 34th Street. 

The Inscription

While the inscription is prominently featured on the building, the United States Postal Service does not have an official motto. However, in 2011 the United States Post Office advertised with the song “Let the River Run” by Carly Simon. The words of the inscription ran across inspirational images of postal workers carrying out their daily duties.

Who doesn’t love the fun & functional ampersand? From jotting a shorthand “and” to branding corporate names, this curly, quirky little character is ubiquitously useful. It’s also quite aesthetic, as you’ll see at AmperArt.com, featuring “the ampersand as fun & fabulous art.”

To acknowledge & applaud this great little glyph, National Ampersand Day is observed annually on September 8th. (To find out why this date was chosen, read here.)

DID YOU KNOW…

• The ampersand used to be the last letter of the alphabet?
• It is a ligature of “e” & “t”? That’s “et” in Latin, meaning “and”?
• The word “ampersand” is a slurring of “real words” run together over time?
• The plus sign is actually an ampersand?

September 8th, National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day recognizes the hardworking and dedicated professionals bringing care to patients every day.

Honoring nurses caring for pediatric hematology and oncology patients, the observance takes place during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. These dedicated professionals provide quality nursing care for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer and blood disorders. Additionally, they provide the highest standard of physical and emotional support to these most precious patients and their families.

Cancer is frightening enough. When applied to children, pediatric care requires special skills and training. Not only do children relate to pain differently, but their growing bodies require specialized attention. These nurses provide valuable care and guidance to families.

From the first diagnosis and through each treatment, these experts in pediatric care offer untiring support. Day and night, the nurses answer questions, monitor, and track progress. Their knowledge of each patient’s needs provides essential information to the entire team.

September 9th, Care Bears Share Your Care Day inspires giving and volunteering in significant ways.

For more than 35 years, Care Bears have taught children of all ages about sharing their feelings and caring for others. The Care Bears toy line was initially introduced in 1983 to caring fans everywhere. And they’ve never been out of the heart and minds of fans since.

At their core, CARE BEARS™ SHARE YOUR CARE DAY have heart and are all about love, caring, and sharing with others. Care Bears also support charities around the world, helping families in need. Through We Care Bears, ZachKapCares, Fathom/en-ABLE, United Way, Operation Smile, and many more they bring hope and caring to others.

With help from a team of Care Bears Ambassadors, Care Bears hope to generate national support for a movement called #ShareYourCare to inspire people toward philanthropic generosity not just on that day, but every day of the year!

September 9th, National Teddy Bear Day honors the history of one of childhood’s favorite toys. We have all had a special cuddly teddy as a child. Some of us still have our teddy bear from our childhood. No matter what kind of teddy bear you had, the day is a perfect time to celebrate your childhood friend!

In 1902, American President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear cub while hunting in Mississippi. The incident made national news. Clifford Berryman published a cartoon of the event in the Washington Post on November 16th, 1902, and the caricature became an instant classic.

The Berryman cartoon of Teddy Roosevelt and the cub inspired New York store owner Morris Michtom. He created a new toy and even had a name in mind. Michtom wrote President Roosevelt to ask permission to name the new toy a “Teddy Bear.”