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California Wine Month celebrates the annual harvest with tastings, festivals, concerts, and food pairings throughout the state. California's vintners and growers enhance the state's lifestyle, economy, and culinary pleasures. This event was first declared in 2017 by Governor Brown of California, and September draws millions of tourists to California's wine regions each year. A SHORT HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA WINES California's first vineyard was planted in Mission San Bruno, today's Baja California Sur of Mexico, by Jesuit priest and Italian Eusebio Francisco Kino in 1683. Drought forced Kino to abandon San Bruno within two years of its establishment. By 1768, Spain's King Charles III expelled all Jesuits from New Spain, granting administration of the missions to the Franciscan order of monks. Concurrently, Catalan Franciscan friar Junïpero Serra embarked on his historic expedition to Alta California (today's Southern California), establishing the first mission in San Diego in 1769. As with other missions, wine production assisted in supporting the operation. Within a decade, viticulture flourished. The first winery, not part of a mission, was established at Mission San Gabriel. Californian grapes were of a hardy, disease-resistant strain that came to be known as the "mission grape," a variety still used in some fine California wines and sherries today. During the 19th century, Americans and Europeans arriving in California expanded viticulture north and east. They brought grape varietals and winemaking traditions from various parts of the Old World. The "good pirate" Joseph Chapman, captured in a raid on Monterey in 1818, settled in California after his release from prison. He founded the territory's first commercial vineyard in Los Angeles in 1824. Frenchman Jean-Louis Vignes introduced French vines in the 1830s, and his product quickly surpassed the mission-grape wines in quality. Credit for the incredible diversity of Vitis Vinifera Grape is attributed to the Hungarian Count Agoston Haraszthy. He introduced scores of varietals, including the Zinfandel, one of the most iconic California wines. Haraszthy founded the Buena Vista Winery, the oldest continually operating winery in the state, established in Sonoma in 1857. A former employee of Haraszthy, Charles Krug, is credited with founding the first commercial winery in Napa Valley in 1861. Grapevine cultivation in Napa Valley began in 1836 by the early settler George Calvert Yount in today's Yountville. Native Californian grapes grew freely on his property, so Yount decided to try his hand at viticulture. His venture eventually established one of the world's most acclaimed wine-growing regions. The Gold Rush of 1849 and subsequent population booms created a large market for wine within the young state. Foreign markets took note as the quality of California wines improved; California eventually became a top exporter of wine. Captain Gustave Niebaum, a Frenchman, founded the Inglenook Winery in Rutherford in 1879 to produce the state's first Bordeaux. His wines won gold medals at the World's Fair of Paris within ten years. By 1900, California's viticulturists were counted among the world's best. Prohibition between 1920 and 1933 caused tremendous hardship for California's wine industry. Growers replaced wine varietals with table grapes. Another tactic was to ship grape juice concentrate packaged with instructions outlining how to avoid fermentation (to teach home brewing.) As wine is a vital part of Christian and some Jewish observances, shipments of sacramental wine increased. Wineries producing religious wine were permitted to operate. After the repeal of Prohibition, recovery was slow. Americans preferred beer or spirits. Fine wine remained favored by high society and those with Old World and religious traditions despite California wines becoming exceptional by the mid-twentieth century. Sales of fortified wine stymied its success, the high-alcohol versions favored by alcoholics. Marketing changed that. Robert Mondavi and other industry leaders worked hard to change perceptions and reposition wine in American minds. Today, wine is second only to beer as a favorite alcoholic beverage, and California is its largest producer. If you're in California this September and looking for events, see https://discovercaliforniawines.com/events. If you are not, enjoy a bottle of California wine anywhere in the world. Many resellers will have promotions. Cheers!

Africa

Sep

Women's Friendship Month, Intl.: September

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Created by Kappa Delta Sorority, International Women’s Friendship Month encourages women to remember the essential roles friends play in their lives. Throughout September, women celebrate with fun get-togethers, unique adventures, and all-out celebrations. Many Kappa Delta chapters host special activities for women on their campuses.

Africa

Sep

Women's Health and Fitness Day, Ntl.: September 30

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Women’s Health & Fitness Day is the nation’s largest annual health promotion event, held the last Wednesday in September. This unique national program includes participation by local organizations throughout the United States. It focuses on the importance of regular physical activity and health awareness for women.

Africa

Sep

Women's Health Week (AU): September 7-11

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Created in 2013, Women's Health Week gives women the license to put themselves first and dedicate a week to health. Health information and free resources are made available by various organizations throughout Australia during this week and is championed by Jean Hailes.

Africa

Sep

Wonderful Weirdos Day: September 9

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Today is when being different and slightly strange is encouraged and applauded. Wonderful Weirdos Day celebrates what makes us unique—brought to you by Wellcat.

Africa

Sep

Wool Week, Shetland: September 27 - October 3

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Shetland Wool is prized the world over for its quality and durability. Created in 2011, Shetland Wool Week is an international awareness campaign promoting the United Kingdom's wool industry, specifically the artisans that spin Shetland wool into rugged and fashionable clothing.

Africa

Sep

Workforce Development Month, Ntl.: September

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September is declared "National Workforce Development Month" to underscore the importance of investing in US workers' education, training, and career growth. This commitment to workforce development is essential for the US to remain competitive in the global market. Collaboration between state and local governments, educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations ensures sustainable workforce growth across various sectors, including emerging industries. Notably, while 52% of jobs demand more than a high school diploma but not a bachelor's degree, only 42% of US workers have received training at that level. This disparity could hinder growth in evolving healthcare, manufacturing, and IT industries. Business leaders are voicing concerns, with 76% suggesting increased skills training investment would benefit their companies. As of summer 2021, the US saw: 1, Nearly 10 million unemployed individuals. 2. Disproportionate unemployment rates among Black and Hispanic adults compared to White adults. 3. Workers without a bachelor's degree face nearly double the unemployment rate. 4. Over half the jobs lost to the COVID-19 pandemic were held by those earning below $40,000 annually. 5. A recent poll showed nearly half of US workers believe they'll need new skills within a year, and many are open to retraining for different industries.

Africa

Sep

Working Parents Day, Ntl.: September 16

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National Working Parents Day honors working parents and their efforts to provide more to the family. It's an opportunity for kids to take over the responsibilities and for bosses to look at ways to improve the work-life balance of their parental employees.

Africa

Sep

Workplace Lactation Week: September 1-7

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WORKPLACE LACTATION WEEK: SUPPORTING NURSING MOTHERS AT WORK Workplace Lactation Week, observed annually during the first week of August, is a dedicated effort to support nursing mothers in the workforce. The United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC), in collaboration with various health and labor organizations, champions the event. The initiative aims to promote awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and encourage workplaces to implement policies and practices that support lactating employees. BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING Breastfeeding is critically vital for infants' and mothers' health and well-being. Health organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child's life. Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect infants from infections and chronic diseases. For mothers, it aids in postpartum recovery and reduces the risk of certain cancers and other health conditions. Workplace Lactation Week seeks to accomplish several goals. It advocates for the rights of nursing mothers, highlights the benefits of breastfeeding, and provides resources for employers to create lactation-friendly environments. The week-long observance encourages companies to implement supportive measures such as providing dedicated lactation rooms, flexible break times, and access to lactation consultants. COMPANIES AND NURSING MOMS Many companies are taking significant steps to accommodate nursing mothers. Progressive workplaces offer private, hygienic spaces equipped with comfortable seating, electrical outlets for breast pumps, and refrigeration for storing expressed milk. Some employers also provide lactation education and support programs to help mothers manage the balance between work and breastfeeding. Despite these efforts, breastfeeding mothers often face numerous obstacles in the workplace. Common challenges include: Inadequate facilities. Need more break time to pump milk. Need for more understanding and support from colleagues and supervisors. These barriers can make it difficult for mothers to continue breastfeeding after returning to work. Workplace Lactation Week aims to address these issues by fostering a culture of support and understanding. The USBC and its partners advocate for more robust policies, such as mandated lactation breaks and providing lactation rooms in all workplaces. They also provide employers with best practices and guidelines to help create a more inclusive environment for nursing mothers. CONCLUSION Workplace Lactation Week underscores the importance of breastfeeding and the need for collective action to support nursing mothers by promoting these initiatives. It reminds us that accommodating lactating employees is beneficial not only for their health and their children's health but also for the overall productivity and morale of the workplace.

Africa

Sep

Yoga Awareness Month, Ntl.: September

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National Yoga Month is a global campaign by the Yoga Health Foundation to educate, motivate, and inspire people to lead healthy lifestyles. Many yoga studios across the country offer free classes during the month and plan events to promote yoga practice. This event is supported by the US Government and increasingly by governments worldwide.

Africa

Sep

Youth Leadership Month, Ntl.: September

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National Youth Leadership Month encourages young people to take on leadership roles. Programs focus on creating opportunities through teachers, schools, and after-school programs. The objective of this month is to raise awareness of opportunities, assist in developing young leaders and provide training, resources, and the ability to learn by doing through hands-on engagement. Previously observed in February. Sponsored by multiple organizations including Springboard Training and The 13th Man.

Africa

Sep

Zero Emissions Day: September 21

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Can you go 24 hours without using fossil fuels? Created in 2008, Zero Emissions Day is your chance to find out each year. Here's what you do: 1. Don't use or burn oil or gas, or coal. 2. Minimize (or eliminate) your use of electricity generated by fossil fuels. 3. Don't put anyone in harm's way. 4. Do your best, have fun, and enjoy the day!

Africa

Sep

Zero Waste Week (UK): September 7-11

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Zero Waste Week falls on the first Monday of September and is celebrated for one week. This event raises awareness of the impact of landfill on the environment and ways to reduce landfills. Although newsletters are sent all year round and fresh content on their site, Zero Waste Week officially starts in September. Zero Waste Week began in 2008.

Africa

Sep

Malaysia Day (MY)(1963): September 16

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On September 16, 1963, the Malaysian Federation was founded. Today is a national holiday.

Africa

Sep

Malnutrition Awareness Week: September 14-18

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ABOUT MALNUTRITION AWARENESS WEEK Malnutrition Awareness Week, a crucial campaign led by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked issue of malnutrition. Launched in 2012, this annual event aims to educate healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public about malnutrition's prevalence, prevention, and treatment. This condition can have severe health implications. Malnutrition occurs when the body does not receive the necessary nutrients due to inadequate food intake, poor absorption, or specific medical conditions. It can have devastating effects on children, leading to a weakened immune system, impaired wound healing, muscle wasting, and overall frailty. For children, malnutrition can stunt growth, delay development, and impair cognitive function. The symptoms of malnutrition vary but commonly include significant weight loss, fatigue, muscle weakness, and a decline in physical and cognitive capabilities. Look for signs like slowed growth, irritability, and frequent illnesses in children. During Malnutrition Awareness Week, ASPEN hosts webinars, provides educational materials, and collaborates with healthcare facilities to promote the screening and management of malnutrition. The campaign underscores the critical importance of early detection and intervention in preventing the long-term consequences of this condition, making it a key focus. Understanding and addressing malnutrition is vital for improving health outcomes and quality of life, making Malnutrition Awareness Week a pivotal event in the public health calendar.

Africa