September is here, and classes have started at SUNY Delhi and will start next week at Delaware Academy. Here are some holidays and celebrations that take place in September: Labor Day, a federal holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It became a national holiday in 1894. Patriot Day on Sept. 11 honors the innocent victims and first responders who died in the terrorist attacks on that day in 2001. Constitution Day is a federal holiday celebrated on Sept. 17 to commemorate the signing of the United States Constitution in 1787. International Literacy Day is a United Nations observance celebrated Sept. 8 to promote literacy and raise awareness of the importance of reading and writing.
World Suicide Prevention Day is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). The purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented and is observed on Sept. 10. This year, recognize this day and sign up for the Delaware County Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk that will be held on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. Registration for the Walk is open at afsp.org/delawarecounty
National Food Bank Day is the first Friday in September. Plan to make a donation to your local food bank. The Delhi Food Bank is open Mondays from 1 until 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 3:30 until 5:30 p.m. United Ministry Church behind the Delaware National Bank on Church Street.
Autumnal Equinox Saturday, Sept. 23, and is the day when the sun crosses the celestial equator, marking the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. These are just a few of the many holidays celebrated in September.
This year, look for September’s full Harvest Moon to appear just after sunset Thursday, Sept. 28. It then reaches peak illumination at 5:58 a.m. It then reaches peak illumination at 5:58 a.m. Eastern Time Friday Sept. 29, drifting below the horizon shortly thereafter.
Last week’s trivia question: was who was the college’s first director in 1915? Dr. Carl E. Ladd served as the school’s first director in 1915 and took on the task of organizing the school in just under 10 weeks. Ladd radiated confidence and created a spirit of zeal and loyalty that brought harmony to an otherwise chaotic situation. Delhi’s first commencement took place at the end of April 1918 when 19 diplomas were awarded, four in Domestic Science and 15 in Agriculture.
This week’s trivia question is who was the first principal at Delaware Academy?
Community volunteers of the week are the students at SUNY Delhi who made dog chew toys as part of the Welcome Weekend activities on campus last weekend. Thank you to the students for taking the time to create the toys that will go to the Heart of the Catskills for the pups there to enjoy.
The opening of Ben Dowell’s solo show “Paranoid Breakfast” will be held Saturday, Sept. 2 from 4 until 7 p.m. at Birdsong Farm, 38718 Highway 10. Artist Dowell presents a new body of paintings and sculptures for Paranoid Breakfast. The exhibition includes an array of objects that are contemplative and humorously alien. His treatment of paint on both canvas and objects starts with a stripped-down approach (single brush size, color applied directly to the surface without blending and thick brush strokes). Accumulating through these basic parameters, the facticity of paint, signaled by its body and smell, reminds the viewer of phenomenal effects and the eventual degradation of the rational approach. Elements of collage become the only familiar points to grasp at narrative. Also included in Paranoid Breakfast are cast zinc sculptures. Again using a gestural approach, Dowell pours molten zinc into packaged food (cereal boxes, bags of chips, etc.) which are buried in sand. The result is a casting of the negative space of the food and geometry of the packaging. Through this physical transformation, the consumer products echo archaeological objects. The work in the exhibition occupies an awkward space in the hierarchy of artifacts that resonate an anxious tone and an inarticulate presence, that are not destined to become sedentary facts and understanding. Dowell lives and works in Hamden. The show will be open through Sunday, Oct. 1.
Bovina Farm Day will be held Sunday, Sept. 3 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Crescent Valley Road in Bovina. Hosted by Farming Bovina, a non-profit organization, this annual celebration of the area’s rich agricultural traditions is back this Labor Day weekend. Bovina Farm Day is an opportunity for visitors to meet the farmers, find local food, and discover products made in the area. Farming Bovina welcomes everyone to experience a variety of farm animals and get the kids involved with all the activities of the day including a corn maze, hayrides, treasure hunts, and games. Dairy farm tours, a chance to visit the historic Maynard Schoolhouse, and butchering and cooking demonstrations are other highlights of this day of family fun.
The Kirk Thrift Shoppe is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the First Presbyterian Church of Delhi, 4 Clinton Street. Gifts from the Heart is store at Heart of the Catskills Humane Society state Route 10. All items are donated, it’s staffed by volunteers, and proceeds benefit the homeless cats and dogs of Delaware County. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Mark your calendars for the 21st annual Dog Walk at the shelter Saturday, Sept. 16 from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. This year’s dog walk theme is The Enchanted ‘Fur’est.
Mark your calendar for a can drive and car wash to benefit the DA football team Sunday, Sept. 10 at the eCenter, 5 1/2 Main Street from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The Delhi’s Farmers Market is held Wednesdays at Courthouse Square from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Birdsong Farm, 38480 State Highway 10, hosts a market Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Check out the farm, shop with vendors, hear good music, and take in the beauty. Bovina holds a Farmers Market every Thursday evening from 4 until 7 p.m. just off Main Street at 50 Creamery Road, Bovina.
Bingo will be at the American Legion, 41 Page Avenue, every Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. Sales will start between 6 and 6:30 p.m. You must be 18 or older to play.
AA meets Monday through Friday at noon at the Saint John’s Episcopal Church. Meetings are open to anyone. The Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties host many events for those in need at 84 Main Street. Visit www.friendsofrecoverydo.org/calendar or like them on Facebook to learn more info, www.facebook.com/forecoverydo.
Al-Anon Family Group of Delhi meets Wednesdays at 12 p.m. at the United Ministry Church, Church Street. This group offers help and support for families and friends affected by someone else’s drinking. All are welcome.
