Senior Center Without Walls Monthly Newsletter

September Senior Center Without Walls 2021 Monthly Newsletter

Celebrating September Southern Hospitality During September in Savannah, Georgia, cooling winds blow away Senior Center Month the oppressive, swampy heat of summer, and this “Hostess City of the Intergeneration Month South” gets to show what its famed Southern hospitality is all about. Hispanic Heritage Month For non-Southerners, the notion of “Southern hospitality” might seem Sewing Month disingenuous, like a marketing pitch employed by southern businesses. For many Southerners, though, Southern hospitality is truly a way of life. World Beard Day September 4 Southern hospitality is more than welcoming visitors with a neighborly sense of charm. Southern hospitality has six foundational characteris- Labor Day (U.S.) tics. 1. Politeness and manners matter. When engaging with visitors, September 6 polite talk is a sign of respect. 2. Nothing says “Welcome to my home” better than good home cooking. Every Southern cook knows a Wonderful Weirdos Day few time-tested recipes that will warm the stomach, heart, and soul, such as peach cobbler, hummingbird cake, fried green tomatoes, or September 9 shrimp and grits. 3. Kindness extends not just to friends and neighbors but to strangers as well. 4. If someone is lost and needs directions or if Patriot Day a neighbor needs help fixing their lawnmower one must always offer to September 11 help. 5. Southern charm can be magical. Witty small talk, compli- ments, and pleasantries put guests at ease and make them feel like old Yom Kippur friends. 6. What some might call charity, others call the golden rule. September 15 Do unto others what you would have done unto you, and most im- (Begins at sundown) portantly, do it freely and without any expectation of reciprocity. These characteristics provide a foundation of which Southern hospital-

ity is built. International Country Music Day For those looking to experience firsthand the best of Southern hospital- September 17 ity, look no further than September in Savannah. The city’s marquee event is Jazz Fest from September 23-26. Savannah’s jazz scene is as One-Hit Wonder Day old as that in New Orleans, and Jazz Fest has offered the best local acts September 25 for 40 years Savannah’s art walks also begin this month with free tours of galleries in the Historic District. For foodies, the annual Pin Fall Foliage Week Point Seafood Festival features plenty of local dishes from Gullah Geechee classis to modern cuisine. Everywhere you go, you’re sure to September 26–October 2 be charmed by this lovely southern city.

Ancestor Appreciation www.FrederickCountyMD.gov Day Cathy Barnes September 27 [email protected] Senior Center Without Walls Senior Services Division of Frederick County 301-600-1234 ©ActivityConnection.com Happiness on the Wing Impressive History

Bluebirds, with their striking plumage and The pressed penny is a curious souvenir. warbling song, are a pleasant sight to After all, why pay 50 cents to flatten and behold. But in many cultures, a bluebird is elongate a coin worth just one cent? Well, people love more than just another pretty bird: It is a novelty and the delight that comes with finding powerful sign that happiness is just around the corner. something new and unusual, and they also love For this reason, September 24 is Bluebird of Happiness collecting memorabilia. Pressed pennies offer the best Day. of both worlds. They are unique keepsakes that capture a moment in history. These souvenirs have In many Native North American cultures, the bluebird grown so popular that they enjoy their own holiday, is a symbol of prosperity, fertility, and hope. The Pressed Pennies Day on September 3. Cochiti people of New Mexico believe that the bluebird is the first-born offspring of the sun, and to this day it The first elongated coins were pressed by a jeweler in sings at first light to wake us up. The Ojibwa spirit Vienna, Austria, in 1818. They used a modified Nanabozho, while putting color into the world, had his jeweler’s rolling mill, a common tool used to roll gold or paint stolen by bluebirds. As the bluebirds flew through other precious metals into wire or emboss patterns on a waterfall’s mist, the paint was scattered to create sheets of metal. a rainbow. Nanabozho liked it so much that he decreed that every time the sun touches the mist of a Pressed pennies made their American debut at the 1893 waterfall, a rainbow should appear. World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois. Visitors delighted when they rolled their pennies The Chinese have revered the bluebird for millennia. through a hand-cranked machine to press “Columbian During the Shang Dynasty, dating back to 1766 BC, a Exposition 1893” on their faces. The exposition bluebird was considered the messenger of Xi Wangmu, celebrated the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival the Queen Mother of the West. The goddess began life in the “New World.” Each pressed penny provided a as a fearsome immortal but evolved into a protector fairy souvenir of that anniversary. Coin collectors will note queen. The appearance of a bluebird meant that Xi that 1893 was also the year that Indian Head pennies Wangmu was protecting young women who chose to were in circulation. Some collectors may delight (while break from traditional family roles: singers, nuns, and others cringe) to find a pressed Indian Head penny priestesses. bearing the Columbian Exposition’s imprint. These rare souvenirs are worth hundreds of dollars today. The bluebird of happiness features so prominently in the folklore of the Lorraine people of France that it inspired Penny-pressing machines remain common sights at a stage play called The Blue Bird. Throughout the 20th amusement parks and carnivals. Over 150 penny century, it was developed into a children’s novel, an pressers are scattered throughout Disneyland, opera, and seven films. allowing visitors to imprint pennies with famous Disney characters, depictions of rides, or other commemora- Of course, bluebirds are not the only birds with tive images. Many museums, too, offer penny symbolic significance. Owls have been associated with pressers for their exhibits. But don’t attempt to press wisdom since the worship of the Greek goddess coins in Canada. Defacing Canadian currency is Athena. Eagles are symbols of strength, courage, and illegal. Instead, you may purchase blank coins to run freedom. Ravens symbolize knowledge and act as through the pressing machines. intermediaries for the gods. Cranes are symbols of healing and hope. But amongst all birds, perhaps none is more lighthearted and joyous than the bluebird.

©ActivityConnection.com Master Class in Classical Music Animal of the Month – Dog September is hailed as Dogs are descended Classical Music Month, from domesticated but what exactly is wolves. They were domesticated by humans over classical music? 15,000 years ago and have become well-suited to Some historians living among people. Selective breeding over estimate the beginning thousands of years has resulted in a large variety of of Western music to around 1000 AD when plainsong breeds that have various preferred behaviors, talents, or Gregorian chanting was the traditional music of the and capabilities. Church. Centuries passed, and harmony and melody Dogs come in a range of sizes, shapes, and colors. evolved so that multiple voices or sounds could They specialize in a variety of tasks, such as hunting, complement each other. By the Renaissance, this herding, safeguarding, therapy, and companionship. music moved out of the church and into the royal Popular breeds include the golden retriever, bulldog, courts and noble manors of Europe. Composers, labradoodle, German shepherd, beagle, and pug. freed from strict Church conventions, could Dogs have an amazing sense of smell that is estimat- experiment. By the 1500s, their elaborate musical ed to be 40 times stronger than ours—their wet noses compositions could be printed in books, allowing both help maximize this ability. Some dogs can even singers and players to “weave” their multiple musical detect medical issues just by a person’s smell. Other parts together. dogs are super fast runners or excellent swimmers.

Dogs are associated with loyalty, protection, and Opera became popular in Italy in the late 16th century unconditional love—as well as just being downright and with it the sonata, instrumental interludes adorable. dominated by predictable chordal patterns and rhythms. This led to ever-larger orchestras. At last, in Historic September Events the 17th century, the Baroque masters of classical Sept. 3, 1783 – Britain and the U.S. sign a peace music—Vivaldi, Bach, Handel—composed complex, treaty. masterful concertos. Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and Sept. 4, 1888 – George Eastman Chopin would follow, establishing classical music as registers the trademark name “Kodak,” both an era and enduring genre. marking the age of the first personal cameras using rolls of film instead of Reliable by Nature photographic plates. Sept. 4, 1957 – Ford Motor Co. In 1870, former U.S. Representative and unveils the Edsel, named after Henry Civil War officer Henry Washburn led an Ford II’s late father. expedition down the Yellowstone River Sept. 6, 1915 – The first tank, a to explore and survey a remote region of prototype nicknamed “Little Willie,” northwest Wyoming. Washburn’s party rolls off the assembly line in England. was the first to map the area, explore its many lakes, Sept. 18, 1830 – A famous race takes place between and climb its mountains. What awed the explorers a horse and an 18-mph steam engine. The horse most were the many boiling and steaming thermal wins. features of the region. One geyser fascinated them Sept. 25, 1882 – First Major League double-header is most of all. On September 18, 1870, the party held. realized that it would reliably erupt 100 feet into the Sept. 25, 1981 – Sandra Day O’Connor takes office air every 74 minutes. Washburn himself dubbed the as the geyser “Old Faithful.” This famous geyser would help first female justice on the United States Supreme make Yellowstone America’s first national park in Court. 1872.

©ActivityConnection.com

Nutrition Bona Fide Classic Southern Cornbread Recipes to try Ingredients: • Cooking spray • 1 cup cornmeal • 1/2 cup flour • 1 teaspoon salt • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1 egg, beaten • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425˚F. Spray an 8 X 8-inch baking pan with cooking spray. 2. Combine cornmeal, flour, salt, baking soda, and sugar in a medium bowl. 3. Combine egg, buttermilk, and oil in a small bowl. Stir into flour mixture. Transfer to the prepared baking pan. 4. Bake 30 minutes. Allow to cool 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Makes 9 servings Mighty Fine Creamy Potato Cheese Soup-A diabetic-friendly and slow-cooker recipe Ingredients: • 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and chopped • 1 cup chopped onion • 1/3 cup chopped celery • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon dry mustard • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper • 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 2 green onions, sliced Directions 1. Combine potatoes, onion, celery, garlic, oil, salt, dry mustard, thyme, red pepper flakes, and pepper in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 3 minutes, stir, and microwave 3 minutes more. Transfer to the bowl of slow cooker. 2. Stir in broth. Cover and cook on low setting 4–5 hours or on high setting 3–4 hours. 3. Use a potato masher to mash soup to desired consistency. Add cheese, stirring until melted. Stir in cream. Allow to cook another 5 minutes. Top with green onions when serving. Makes 6–8 servings Easy Peasy Peach Cobbler Ingredients: • 1 cup Bisquick mix • 3/4 cup milk • 3/4 cup sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1/4 cup butter, melted • 1 (15.25-ounce) can sliced peaches in juice Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350˚F. Spray an 8 X 8-inch baking pan with cooking spray. 2. Combine Bisquick, milk, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Transfer to prepared baking pan. 3. Pour melted butter evenly over the batter. 4. Arrange peach slices in an even layer on top of butter. Drizzle peach juice evenly over peaches. 5. Bake 30 minutes Makes 9 servings ActivityConnection.com – Foods & Cooking Recipes RandomTrivia ©ActivityConnection.com – Random Trivia 1. What leisure activity is often considered the closest thing to flying like a bird without a motorized aircraft? Hint: The participant looks like they are hanging from a big kite in the sky. 2. What term is used in horticulture for plants grown in water? 3. Who was the famous French designer Gabrielle Chanel better known as? 4. What beetle is the biggest threat to cotton plants? 5. What novel, written by Alex Haley, tells the story of 18th-century African Kunta Kinte, captured as a youth and sold into enslavement? 6. What dental appliance is used to fix an overbite? 7. What child’s game began in Victorian England as an adult parlor game and uses squidgers, winks, and pots to play? 8. What 1960s singer got his stage name from Dick Clark’s wife? Hint: He became known as “King of the Twist.” 9. What country’s name comes from the Huron-Iroquois word Kanata, meaning “village” or “settlement”? 10. There are three primary colors (red, yellow, and blue). How many secondary colors are there? 11. What epic film set in Russia during WWI and the October Revolution stars Omar Sharif and Julie Christie? 12. What wise bird helped the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service spread its 1970s anti-pollution campaign, “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute”? 13. According to the 1966–1969 television series Star Trek, what is the Final Frontier? 14. What dessert made with phyllo dough, honey, and nuts was perfected during the Ottoman Empire: apple strudel, baklava, or basbousa (bass BOO suh)? 15. What 1949 science-fiction novel by George Orwell warned its readers about totalitarianism? Hint: The title of the book is a year. 16. What meat-eating marsupial is the state emblem of Tasmania, Australia? 17. What timepiece company was initially founded in London as Wilsdorf and Davis in 1905? 18. In music, what does the phrase a cappella mean? 19. What female, born in 1815, is regarded as the first computer programmer? 20. What tasty-sounding mathematical term is also known as Archimedes’ constant? 21. Besides English, what is the official language of Canada? 22. According to international law, what is defined as any widespread attack on a specific group of a people? Hint: Think about the Nuremberg trials. 23. What early television show was responsible for Milton Berle’s nickname “Mr. Television”? 24. When you tell someone “break a leg,” do you wish the person harm? 25. In science, what is the smallest unit of matter called? 26. In what Mediterranean country can you find Mount Olympus? 27. In what 1995 movie did actor Tom Hanks say, “Houston, we have a problem”? 28. How was the Grand Canyon formed? 29. With what political philosophy is Benito Mussolini associated? 30. What term means both “to make a reservation” and “something you read”? TRIVIA ANSWERS 1. Hang gliding. Typically, taking flight means stepping off a cliff and letting the wind do the rest. German Otto Lilien- thal was a pioneer of the sport who recorded several successful flights beginning in 1891. 2. Hydroponics. The earliest known use of this form of agriculture was at the Hanging Gardens of Babylon circa 600 BC. 3. Coco Chanel. Chanel made her debut in the fashion industry in 1910 by opening a hat boutique called Chanel Modes in Paris. 4. The boll weevil. This pest severely impacted the economic growth of the cotton plantations in the southern states during the early 1900s. 5. Roots: The Saga of an American Family. The book, written in 1976, was awarded a Pulitzer Prize the following year. 6. Braces. Traditionally, dental braces use brackets affixed to each tooth with a wire threaded between them. The wire is gradually tightened over time, allowing for better placement of each tooth. 7. Tiddlywinks. The first trademark for the game came in 1889 under the name “Tiddledy-Winks.” A rebirth of the competitive and strategic nature of the game arose in the 1950s when universities such as Cambridge and Oxford formed teams. Soon after, the English Tiddlywinks Association was founded. 8. Chubby Checker. Early in his career, Ernest Evans, whose nickname was Chubby, gave a private performance to Dick Clark for American Band Stand and did an impression of Fats Domino. Clark’s wife happened to be there and, after learning Evans’ nickname, she suggested his stage name be Chubby Checker as a play on Fats Domino. 9. Canada. The Iroquois people were one of the six First Nations who inhabited the southern part of what is now Canada. 10. Three. They include orange from combining red and yellow, green from mixing yellow and blue, and purple from blue and red. 11. Dr. Zhivago. The 1965 movie was based on the 1957 novel by Boris Pasternak. 12. Woodsy Owl. His current message to children everywhere is “Lend a Hand – Care for the Land.” 13. Space. All but two episodes of the original series began with Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) narrating, “Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go where no man has gone before!” 14. Baklava, some records indicate a version of the dessert dates to the Assyrian Empire as early as the eighth century BC, most agree that baklava was refined during the 15th century after the Ottoman Empire took Constantinople. 15. Nineteen Eighty-four (or 1984). It was Orwell’s last of nine standalone novels. 16. The Tasmanian devil. Tasmanian devils are considered an endangered species due to a rare and contagious cancer that has been devastating the population since the 1990s. 17. Rolex. Founders Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis wanted a shorter, more straightforward brand name that one could easily recognize in any language, so Rolex watches debuted in 1908. In 1915, the company name changed to Rolex Watch Co., Ltd. 18. “Without the accompaniment of instruments.” The phrase is Italian and translates to “in the church style.” 19. Ada Lovelace. She was educated in mathematics. As a teenager, she became friends with Charles Babbage, the founder of the first computer. He became Ada’s mentor, and when he requested that she translate notes about his work, she included her thoughts and analysis on the subject. 20. Pi. Often written as the Greek letter π, this irrational number is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. 21. French. Over 90 percent of French-speaking Canadians live in the Quebec province. 22. Crimes against humanity. George Washington Williams is the first person associated with the phrase, as he used it to describe Belgium King Leopold II’s exploits of the people in the Belgian Congo in 1890. 23. Texaco Star Theater. Debuting in June 1948, Texaco Star Theater had enlisted multiple emcees to host the show the first year. Milton Berle was contracted for the first four months of the season; however, by that fall, Berle was the permanent master of ceremonies. 24. No. In fact, “break a leg” is an encouragement you say to someone just before they perform onstage. The phrase originated during the Elizabethan era when, rather than applauding to show approval, the audience would bang their chairs on the floor. The more favorable the performance, the harder the banging, sometimes even breaking a chair leg. 25. The atom. The term we use today comes from the Greek philosopher Democritus, who referred to these tiny building blocks as atomos, which means “indivisible.” 26. Greece. Mount Olympus is the highest mountain peak in the country. It is located on the border of the regions of Macedonia and Thessaly. 27. Apollo 13. The film is based on events during the 1970 Apollo 13 spaceflight. 28. Water erosion caused by the Colorado River. By studying the rock layers on the canyon sides, scientists believe the weathering began five to six million years ago. 29. Fascism. Mussolini was appointed prime minister of Italy after a fascist coup d’état in October 1922. This was in title only because King Victor Emmanuel III gave him the power to rule as more of a dictator. 30. Book. The use of the word book, referring to a written text, dates back to before the 12th century. Fall Leaf Impressions Coloring & Craft Corner Sandwich leaves between foam board and foil. Then, rub the surface to reveal an impression of the leaves. Add color and a tarnished-looking finish. You will need: • 2 large leaves • 10" X 15" foam board • 13" X 18" piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil • Sharpie markers or similar (assorted fall colors) • Black acrylic paint • Paintbrush and paint supplies • Paper towels • Glue stick • Masking tape Directions: 1. Glue two leaves to the foam board with the textured side faceup. 2. Trace the foam board on the dull side of the foil. See first photo on next page. 3. Apply a generous amount of glue to the rectangle area on the foil and glue the foam board (leaf side facing down) onto it. 4. Tape the edges of the foil to the back of the board. 5. Gently but firmly rub your thumb over the foil side of the board to reveal the veins and texture of the leaves. Color the leaves with markers. 6. Dilute 1 tablespoon of black acrylic paint with 1 tablespoon of water. Quickly cover the project with the paint mixture. The paint doesn’t have to be perfectly applied. Streaks and brushstrokes are fine.

7. While the paint is still wet, remove as much of it as you can using a paper towel. You will have streaks of paint left as shown in the first photo below. 8. Use a clean paper towel and dab the project to remove more paint and give the project a tarnished look. 9. For a final touch, lightly rub a clean paper towel over the leaves. This gives the raised portions a shiny quality as you gently remove the black paint. 10. Sign, frame, and proudly display your autumn masterpiece! Games People Play Peach Pit Shakedown Honor the Oneida Nation with this variation on their traditional Peach Stone Game that was typically played around the harvest season. Take turns shaking a bowl of half painted peach pits and hope they all land on the same side to win this game of chance.

Number of players: 4 or more players

Object of the game: The winner is the team with the most beans at the end of the game.

Props & Preparations: • Bag of dry white beans (enough for each team member to have 6) • 1 large bowl • 4 peach pits with one side painted black (5 if playing the more challenging variation; 3 if playing the less challenging variation) • (Optional) If you can’t get peach pits, use quarters or any two-sided, flipable objects in their place. • (Optional) Peaches for the winning team

Rules: 1. Organize players into two teams. Give each player six beans and put two in the center of the table. For each turn, the player shaking the bowl puts a bean in the center pile. 2. Put the painted peach pits in the bowl. Team A Player 1 shakes the bowl. The goal is to get all four pits to land with their painted side either all facing up or all facing down by the time the player is done with their shake. If this occurs, all the beans in the middle of the table are awarded to the team whose player won that session. If the pits do not face in the same direction, the bowl is passed to Team B Player 1. 3. Play continues until everyone has spent their beans. Whichever team has accrued the most beans at this time wins. 4. If all the beans are in the middle of the table and no one has won a single session, continue playing until a player successfully gets all four peach pits to land painted sides up (or down). That player’s team is the winning team. 5. (Optional) With fewer players, the game may go by too fast. In this case, play several rounds. Or make it the goal for one team to get all the beans. In this version, team members continue to gamble the beans their team has already won after their six turns have run out. The first team to get all the beans wins.

Variations: • Make the game more challenging by requiring players to throw the peach pits into the bowl (all facing up or down) rather than shaking the bowl. • Another way to make the game more challenging is to add a fifth peach pit to the bowl. • Make the game less challenging by using three peach pits. ©ActivityConnection.com – Peach Pit Shakedown Let’s Reminisce Once the school year begins, athletes get to put their skills to the test during the fall sports season. Whether you were on the field or cheering from the stands, fall sports inspire school pride and are an enjoyable pastime for students, spectators, and the community. Part 1: Preseason Practice Many athletes sacrifice the final weeks or months of their summer for tryouts and training for football, soccer, cheerleading, cross country, golf, and marching band. They don’t let the summer heat stop them from improving their speed, strength, and endurance. Instead of relaxing by the pool, these dedicated athletes are lacing up their cleats, putting on their practice jerseys, and carrying their equipment to the field for preseason training. This doesn’t come easy, and sometimes the sweat soaked into their equipment doesn’t even have a chance to dry before it is time to hit the field again. It’ll all be worth it when game day comes, though. Part 2: The Season Begins Between practices, games, homework, and school projects, student athletes have a lot on their plate. Once the school bell rings to signal the end of the day, head on over to the locker room. You’ll hear a cacophony of metal lockers opening and closing, gym bags being zipped and unzipped, cleats clicking on tile floors, water fountains gurgling, and ice tumbling into an ice machine hopper. There’s just enough time to grab a quick snack before changing into practice clothes. Due to all the sweat and hard work that goes into fall sports, the locker room aroma is noticeable to say the least. No matter how often the facility is cleaned, the scent from sweaty shoes, shin guards, helmets, and equipment fill the air. You may hear moans and groans due to sore muscles or strained joints and banter between teammates. A soundtrack of energizing songs might help the players forget the school day and get pumped for their practice. Part 3: Sing a Song Though the rock hit “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor was the theme song for the boxing movie Rocky III, it has become an anthem for team sports and sporting events for decades due to its upbeat and inspiring energy. You might not be able to resist singing along. Part 4: Popular Fall Sports Here’s a quick overview of some popular fall sports. Feel free to chime in with additional comments. Soccer In this fast-paced sport, teams of 11 players work together to score a goal. Easier said than done, though! This game requires speed, strategy, teamwork, and endurance. Each half is 45 minutes long, and the ball changes possession frequently. Kids and adults of all ages and from around the world can be found on the soccer field, cheering in the stands, or watching from home; it is considered the world’s most popular sport! Listen to this short video with a few beginner soccer tips. Cross Country Cross country requires very little equipment, but good running sneakers are a must. Teams and individuals race outdoors over varied terrain in all kinds of fall weather. Cross country is considered both an individual and team sport; runners are judged on their personal times, and the team scores are calculated according to how the runners place when crossing the finish line. For example, if a runner places the race in first place, they receive one point for their team. The lowest team score wins. On your mark, get set, go! Cheerleading Cheerleading requires acrobatic talent combined with the strength and grace of dancing. The high energy generated by cheerleading squads is contagious and revs up the players and their crowds. Additionally, cheerleading is a competitive sport. Squads are judged on the quality and difficulty of their stunts, tumbling skills, and overall routine. Football Pigskins, punts, passes, sacks, tackles, and touchdowns. Football requires strength, speed, agility, and accuracy from the heaviest players to the fastest players. It is one of the roughest games around and can draw quite a crowd. • Are you a football fan? What are your favorite teams? Part 5: Remembering Home Football Games Whether it is the biggest game of the year against the archrival, a homecoming game, or just another home game, Friday night football has a way of revving up school spirit. The pep squad might be busy hanging banners around the school campus, while the marching band, cheerleaders, and school mascot are preparing for the pep rally during the school day. These events have a way of drawing together students from all different social circles to increase school pride for months to come. Part 6: Music Break This version of “The Boys of Fall” by Kenny Chesney transports listeners into the football locker room for a two-minute pre-game pep talk, then onto the field with his lyrics about playing football. • On the field or from the stands, what are some of your memories from fall sporting events? Part 7: Fall Sports Humor 1. What did the football coach say to the broken vending machine? Answer: Give me my quarterback! 2. Which state is the best place shop for a new uniform? Answer: New Jersey 3. How do cheerleaders call each other? Answer: With a megaphone 4. What should slow cross-country runners eat before a big race? Answer: Fast food 5. What do referees send during the holidays? Answer: Yellow cards and red cards 6. Why did the chicken get ejected from the sports game? Answer: For persistent fowl play Part 8: Discussion Starters • Think back to any teams or groups you have been a part of (sports, theater, academic, work, etc.) and recall what skills you utilized to reach a common goal. Examples: Cooperation, communication, leadership, trust, conflict resolution, etc. • What are some pros and cons of watching a sports game on TV vs. in person? Examples: Inclement weather, cost of ticket, travel to/from stadium, possible obstructed view, etc. • Were varsity letters, pins, or jackets prized items in your school? Did people wear them proudly or share them with their sweetie? • What was your school’s mascot, team colors, or team name? • Were you ever the subject of a school newspaper or local newspaper article for sports or another accomplishment? • Over the years, have you ever had season tickets or been an avid supporter of a team? • Which friend or family member has the most charisma and the funniest dance moves and would make a good mascot? Don’t hesitate to nominate yourself! ©ActivityConnection.com – Remembering Fall Sports Ty Cobb: A Peach of a Player A little bit of this and that “Pop-Up” Trivia Quiz How much do you already know about Ty Cobb? 1. What was Cobb’s nickname? A. The Sultan of Swat B. The Big Unit C. The Georgia Peach D. The Splendid Splinter BONUS: Can you name the players associated with the other nicknames? 2. Was Cobb elected to the Hall of Fame? A. No, because he was disliked B. Yes, with 75% of the ballot C. Yes, but only on the fifth and final ballot D. Yes, with 98% of the ballot 3. With what color ink did Cobb sign his autographs? A. Black B. Green C. Blue D. Red 4. From what malady did Cobb suffer? A. Glaucoma B. ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) C. Bone spurs in his feet D. Tennis elbow 5. In what company did Cobb become an early investor? A. Winn-Dixie B. Radio Shack C. Walt Disney Corporation D. Coca-Cola 6. What does “Deadball Era” mean? A. A time marked by scandal in baseball B. A period in the early 20th century characterized by low scoring and an emphasis on pitching and defense C. A time when baseballs were thrown out after each pitch D. A time when spitballs were prohibited 7. With what hand(s) did Cobb throw and bat? A. Threw left, batted right B. Threw right, batted left C. Threw and batted left D. Threw and batted right 8. What position did Cobb generally play? A. First base B. Shortstop C. Center field D. Pitcher 9. What was Cobb’s lifetime batting average? A. .366 B. .402 C. .305 D. .295 10. How many home runs did Cobb hit in his career? A. 716 B. 117 C. 536 D. 696 Tie Breaker: How many years was Cobb the player-manager for the Detroit Tigers? A. 22 years B. 26 years C. 6 years D. 16 years Ty Cobb, the Early Years Tyrus Raymond Cobb was born on December 18, 1886, in a rural area in Georgia known locally as the Narrows. His family moved to a nearby town, Royston, when he was an infant, and he grew up there. He became fascinated with baseball from an early age and wanted to be a baseball player. His father was opposed to the idea, but Cobb started trying out for local teams when he was a teenager. He eventually was signed by the Anniston Steelers. Desperate to be noticed by a professional team, Cobb sent several dozen letters to the sports editor of the Atlanta Journal. In his letters, he used the perspective of fictitious fans to write about the talented young player in Anniston named Cobb. The editor, a man named Grantland Rice, finally included a small note in his column about Cobb. The next year, in 1905, Cobb was traded to the Detroit Tigers for $750. Tragedy struck the family that year. His father was standing outside his mother’s bedroom window late one night. She thought he was an intruder and shot him, killing him instantly. This tragedy deeply affected Cobb. He later said that his famous ferocity during games was for his father. “He never got to see me play... but I knew he was watching me, and I never let him down.” Three weeks after his father’s death, Cobb had his major league debut in a game against the New York Highlanders, now known as the New York Yankees. In his first at-bat, he hit a double. His teammates were jealous of him and treated him badly. They broke his bats, damaged his clothing, and were verbal- ly abusive. Cobb later said that this had a strong effect on him, and it was another reason he was so aggressive during games. Ty Cobb, Ballplayer and Coach Tigers manager Hughie Jennings later admitted that he knew that the other players were hazing Cobb. He said he allowed it because he wanted to see if Cobb had the fortitude to stick it out. Eventually, he made the veteran players stop the harassment, but only after he realized Cobb was going to be a star. He didn’t want Cobb to be driven away. In 1906, at age 19, Cobb became the full-time center fielder for the Tigers. His batting average was 316 that season, and he never hit below it for his entire career. In 1907, Cobb made headlines when he reached first base and then stole second, third, and home. He did this four times in his career, which is still a major league record. The Tigers won the American League pennant in 1907, 1908, and 1909. Cobb won nine consecutive batting titles, from 1907 to 1915, and three more in subsequent years. He hit over .400 for a season three times in his career, a feat achieved by just two other players (Ed Delahanty and Rogers Hornsby). No baseball player has done so since 1941, when Ted Williams last matched this accomplishment. In 1911, he batted .420 and led the league in runs, hits, doubles, triples, RBI, slugging percentage, and stolen bases. Hall of Fame manager Casey Stengel said of him, “I never saw anyone like Ty Cobb. No one is even close to him. He was the greatest all-time ballplayer. That guy was superhuman, amazing.” Cobb’s success didn’t just come from his aggressive play. He studied the game and approached it strategically. He was always trying to outwit the opposing team, watching for opportunities and doing the unexpected. He was a master of the bunt and loved to beat out bunts and infield grounders. He studied pitchers and learned their style. He was aggressive on the base paths and would cause opposing players to hesitate, thus gaining himself a slight edge. When on a base, he would kick it, moving it a few inches to gain himself a slight advantage when running. He played for the Tigers until 1926, serving as player-manager from 1921 to 1926. He played in 1927 and 1928 for the Philadelphia Athletics before retiring. At his retirement, he held career records for games played (3,035), at bats (11,434), runs (2,246), hits (4,189), total bases (5,854), and batting average (.366). Cobb also retired with the record for most career stolen bases at the time, with 892. (Rickey Henderson holds the current record, with 1,406 stolen bases.) To this day, he holds the record for stealing home (54 times) and for being the youngest player ever to compile 4,000 hits and score 2,000 runs. Ty Cobb, Philanthropist Ty Cobb invested his money wisely. One of his investments was in Coca-Cola, and as a result, he retired from baseball as a wealthy man. He was generous with his money. First, he gave $100,000 so his hometown of Royston could build a modern hospital. It was named Cobb Memorial Hospital, after his parents. Today it’s part of the Ty Cobb Healthcare System. In addition, he established the Cobb Educational Fund, which to this day awards scholarships to needy Georgia students so they can attend college. To qualify, students must first complete a year of college with a 3.0 grade point average, because Cobb wanted to reward students who were as academically driven in the classroom as he was on the baseball field. To date, the Cobb Educational Fund has awarded over $15 million in non-athletic scholarships to thousands of students. Ty Cobb was a complex man who left his mark both on and off the baseball field. ©ActivityConnection.com – Ty Cobb: A Peach of a Player

Birthday Bonus: Advertising Happy 1. Director – I (solution) Grandparents 2. Radio broadcaster – D E. billboard 3. Rock singer – H G. jingle Day Scrabble 4. Comedian – B J. brochure 1. love 5. Composer – C B. pun 2. dinner 6. TV journalist – L O. consumer 3. honor 7. Actor, The Lone Ranger – F P. brand 4. roses 8. Track star – G N. price 5. visit 9. Model – J L. commercial 6. cookies 10. Poet – A R. product 7. laugh 11. Horror novelist – E C. magazine 8. spoil 12. Movie actress – K Q. banner 9. wisdom I. Internet 10.stories F. discount 11.fun A. Facebook 12.hugs K. radio 13.Nana M. celebrities 14.candy H. slogan 15.smile D. hype 16.heritage

Secret Quote: “Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” ~ Emily Brontë

Ty Cobb Trivia 1. Answer: C. The Georgia Peach Bonus Answer: A. Babe Ruth; B. Randy Johnson; D. Ted Williams 2. Answer: D. Cobb was elected in the inaugural Hall of Fame balloting with the highest percentage of any player, eclipsing even Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner. 3. Answer: B. Green. Beginning in the 1910s, Cobb was superstitious about signing his autographs with green ink. While the ink color will have faded dramatically with time, a true autograph will still have signs of the green ink. 4. Answer: A. Glaucoma. He also suffered from tumors around his eyes, probably due to sun expo- sure. Despite his deteriorating eyesight, he set batting records throughout his career. 5. Answer: D. Coca-Cola. By the time of his death, he was a millionaire, owning over 20,000 shares and several bottling plants. 6. Answer: B. The Deadball Era emphasized pitching and defense over scoring. As Cobb’s career was winding down, so too did this type of baseball. The sport had rapid evolution in the 19th century, but by 1911, changes made to the rules and structure of Major League Baseball made games “livelier” for the fans. 7. Answer: B. He threw right and batted left. 8. Answer: C. Center field 9. Answer: A. .366 10.Answer: B. 117. Though Ty Cobb still holds the record for highest career batting average, he was not a big home run hitter. Tie Breaker: Answer: C. Cobb played 16 years for the team as a player only, but he finished his last six years with the team as a player-manager. This role is very rare these days, but historically, it was a cost-saving measure to have a member of a sports team simultaneously perform both playing and coaching duties. Last Camping Trip Detective Search for the items in bold.

It was September—summer fun was almost done, and fall was on its way, But there was one last camping trip scheduled for Chip and Trish McVey. With their toddler, Etta, her Raggedy Ann doll, and a labradoodle named Freddy, They were prepared for being outdoors with 1 Raid and 1 Off!spray can at the ready. Chip unloaded 1 fishing pole, 3 fishing lures, and 2 bundles of rope from the car. He schlepped 2 lanterns, a flashlight, binoculars, 2 hatchets, and a candle in a jar. A camping book, 2 fly swatters, fishing hat, and firewoodwere trip number three. With 2 quick start bricks and a box of matches, he was done and tired as could be. Trish gave Chip 2 beers and told him to chill and watch his daughter for a bit. Then, she found 2 brown eggs and made 2 fried eggs for Etta, who was having a fit. She gathered 3 potato chip bags, a box of granola bars, and a can of baked beans, Along with 2 forks, 4 Hershey’s bars, 2 marshmallow toasting forks, and salad greens. On a walk they found 9 leaves, 6 pinecones, 2 frogs, and 1 snake—to Trish’s dismay. Back at camp, the crank radio was loudly warning of a bad storm headed their way. What had just been unpacked was repacked again, and they drove three hours back home. “We’ll camp in the backyard,” Chip vowed, “and not until spring will we again roam.”