October is crisp days and cool nights, a time to curl up around the dancing flames and sink into a good book.
John Sinor
In October, autumn comes into full swing. Oct. 14 is Thanksgiving Day, and Oct. 31 is Halloween. There are other specific days celebrated in October, but these two are the most common.
I don't know who sets these days up or how they become popular, but Oct. 4 is International Ships-in-Bottles Day, and Oct. 6 is National Noodle Day. Really?
October is a great time for stargazing. Watch for meteor showers! October's full moon, known as the Hunter's Moon, arrives on Oct. 17. Like September's Harvest Moon, the Hunter's Moon is closely tied to the autumnal equinox.
According to some historians, the first celebration of Thanksgiving in North America occurred during the 1578 voyage of Martin Frobisher from England in search of the Northwest Passage. Other historians credit the French settlers who came to New France in the 17th century and who typically had feasts at the end of the harvest season. Other researchers, however, state that "There is no compelling narrative of the origin of the Canadian Thanksgiving."
New settlers to eastern Canada and new immigrants into the country, such as the Irish, Scottish, and Germans, added their own touches to the harvest celebrations. We know it began as a day of giving thanks for the blessings of the harvest and of the preceding year.
In 1859, the government of the provinces of Canada declared an official Thanksgiving, but the date changed each year. It was not until Jan. 31, 1957 that the Canadian Parliament declared that Thanksgiving Day should be observed on the second Monday in October.
Leaves begin to change colour in October, as there is less sunlight. Photosynthesis slows down, and the chlorophyll that gives leaves their green colour breaks down.
October is all about ending the growing season and storing the crops in root cellars and freezers, or in preserves and jams and jellies. Fall is the best time to plant bulbs for spring flowers.
Fall is also the time when the Clinton Seniors’ Association hosts its Marketplace in the Clinton Memorial Hall. This year’s event starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. You're sure to find a good bargain, wonderful home baking, Christmas gift ideas, and more.
Congratulations to Judy Hampton on being awarded the King Charles III Medal for outstanding service to the community. Well done, Judy! You are most deserving.
The next regular meeting of the Clinton Seniors’ Association is on Thursday, Oct. 17 following lunch at the Clinton Seniors’ Centre (217 Smith Avenue).
Happy Birthday to Ross Tapping (Oct. 11), Christine Stella (Oct. 13), Jim Johnson (Oct. 19), and Katherine Turmel (Oct. 29).
To know how to grow old is the masterwork of wisdom and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living.
Tom Stoppard
