As we fly into the month of November, there are several groups who are recognized such as: Aviation History Month, Child Safety Protection Month, National Caregivers’ Appreciation Month, National Diabetes Awareness and Epilepsy Month, and of course, Peanut Butter Lovers Month. Here are some special days to be aware of during this beautiful month.
Sunday, November 4, we turn the clock BACK one hour… Daylight Savings Time ends and we go back to Eastern Standard Time. The change occurs officially at 2:00 AM on Sunday morning, but I personally set my clocks back on Saturday night as I’m going to bed to avoid any late-night math. The Good News is that there will be more light in the mornings… and that’s a good thing.
November 6 is officially Election Day in Mass., although many folks took advantage of our state’s early voting, which ends on November 2. Mass is one of 29 states that makes early voting available in their municipalities to increase voter participation. So, if you haven’t already, please get out and vote on November 6. There are several races this year including governor, the state Senate and House, and both chambers of Congress. Also on the ballot are 3 questions being decided: 1) limiting nurse-patient ratios, 2) creating a citizens’ commission to look into big money in politics, and 3) determining if a transgender anti-discrimination law should remain on the books.
The birth flower for the month is Chrysanthemum. No surprise, this lovely flower is ubiquitous, showing up everywhere on people’s porches and stairs, gardens, and floral arrangements. Since they come in such a wonderful variety of colors, we use Chrysanthemums liberally in our signature POFP bouquets this time of year.
![By Jebulon [CC0], from Wikimedia Commons](https://pofproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Chrysanthemum_×_morifolium_Dompierre_1-300x200.jpg)
November 11 is Veterans’ Day. which falls on a Sunday this year. As a federal holiday, it will be observed on Monday, November 12, 2018. It is a day to show your appreciation to someone who has served or is serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, on which we remember those who lost their lives in the service of our country, Veterans Day is a time to say “Thank You for Your Service” to a vet. Display the flag, visit a VA Hospital, attend a parade…anything that shows that these brave men and women have not been forgotten.
November 15 is America Recycles Day, a Keep America Beautiful national initiative dedicated to “promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States.”
Of course, every day is recycling day at the POFP Workshop. From composting every scrap of plant material left from making bouquets to cleaning and reselling the containers in which the donated flowers arrive, we make every effort to be green. The whole purpose of this organization is to recycle and give new life to flowers that would just be discarded. We refresh and rearrange the flowers into small bouquets that are delivered to someone in need of a smile.
November 15 is also Great American Smokeout Day, which was created by the American Cancer Society in 1977 to remind smokers to quit. Quitting smoking is not easy. (I know this from experience!) So on this day, perhaps you could give encouragement to someone who is trying to quit. Either help them to make a plan to quit or champion their efforts on that day.
November 27 this year is #GivingTuesday the emphasis of which is on helping others through the gifts of time, donations, goods, and skills. It is a global day of giving back. For more information on the history of #GivingTuesday, see https://www.givingtuesday.org/
Please consider making the Power of Flowers Project part of your #GivingTuesday. Help us help others in the community, one flower at a time. Please go to our website to see the many ways you can support the POFP in our mission.
Thursday, November 29, leap right into the holiday season by attending our Kissing Ball Workshop. There you’ll make this lovely decoration with fresh greens and classy baubles to hang outside your door or to give as a gift. See our website for more information on this fun, productive night out.
From all of us here at the Power of Flowers, we wish you and your family a peaceful, happy Thanksgiving and a joyful November.
