May 27, 2016 – NATIONAL CELLOPHANE TAPE DAY – NATIONAL GRAPE POPSICLE DAY – NATIONAL DON’T FRY DAY – NATIONAL HEAT AWARENESS DAY

                             NATIONAL CELLOPHANE TAPE DAY

Observed annually on May 27th is National Cellophane Tape Day. It is hard to imagine where we would be without this invention. How would we wrap our Christmas and birthday gifts?

This common household and office item, which is also known as invisible tape or Scotch Tape, was invented by Richard Gurley Drew (June 22, 1899 – December 14, 1980).  Drew joined the 3M Company in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1920, first inventing the masking tape in 1926, followed by the invention of the cellophane tape in 1930.   
Originally designed to seal Cellophane packages sold in grocers and bakeries, the new adhesive missed its mark. By the time all its drawbacks were resolved, DuPont introduced heat-sealed cellophane.
Regardless, with a resounding endorsement from customers, 3M found a market in both the home and the office.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Use #CellophaneTapeDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
Within our research, we were unable to find the creator of National Cellophane Tape Day.

National Grape Popsicle Day May 27

NATIONAL GRAPE POPSICLE DAY

May 27 calls for warm weather and sunshine so we can recognize National Grape Popsicle Day.
In San Francisco, California, in 1905, 11-yr-old Frank Epperson was outside on his porch, mixing water with a white powdered flavoring to make soda.  Upon going inside, he left it there on the porch with the stirring stick still in it.  That night the temperature reached a record low and the following morning, Frank discovered the drink had frozen to the stick.
Years later, in 1922, Epperson introduced his treat at a fireman’s ball where it was a huge success. Then in 1923, he made and sold his frozen treat-on-a-stick at an amusement park in Alameda, California.  Epperson applied for a patent in 1924 for his frozen confectionery, which he called “Epsicle” ice pop.  He then renamed it “Popsicle“.
Popsicles are one of summertime’s favorite treats for kids of all ages. National Grape Popsicle Day honors one of the most popular flavors!
HOW TO OBSERVE
Use #GrapePopsicleDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
Our research was unable to find the origin or the creator of National Grape Popsicle Day.

National Don’t Fry Day Friday Before Memorial Day

NATIONAL DON’T FRY DAY 

Each year on the Friday before Memorial Day, it is National Don’t Fry Day.  The goal of National Don’t Fry Day is to raise awareness of all the risks of overexposure to the sun.  It is important for everyone to remember to use sun protection and sun safety practices.
Unfortunately, skin cancer is increasing in the United States, and the American Cancer Society estimates that one American dies every hour from skin cancer.  The risk for ultraviolet (UV) damage to the skin increases as we spend more time enjoying the outdoors now that warmer weather is upon us.   We need to take precautions when we are outside in the sun.  Using a good sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are a few ways to get started with sun safety.
Skin cancer is curable if it is found early.  Be aware of changes on your skin with growths and in moles.  See your doctor if you have any concerns.  Be safe!
For more information see: http://skincancerprevention.org/programs/dont-fry-day
HOW TO OBSERVE
Use #Don’tFryDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
National Don’t Fry Day was created by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention.

National Heat Awareness Day Last Saturday in May

NATIONAL HEAT AWARENESS DAY

National Heat Awareness Day is observed each year on the last Friday in May.  Resulting in numerous fatalities each year, heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States.

• 1980 heat wave claimed 1,250 lives
• 1995 heat wave claimed more than 700 lives in Chicago (the deadliest weather event in Chicago history)
• 2003 August, record heat wave in Europe claimed an estimated 50,000 lives

Most American summers see heat waves in one or more parts of the United States.  Some regions of the country have both high temperatures and high humidity. However, some of the worst heat waves have been dry.
The following advisories may be issued from the National Weather Service:

• Excessive Heat Outlooks
• Excessive Heat Watches
• Excessive Heat Warning/Advisories

Take these precautions when heat advisories are issued: stay hydrated (drink lots of water), avoid alcohol, caffeine drinks and extra sugar,  avoid over exertion and find a cool place to stay in.
For more weather safety information visit:
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/index.shtml
http://www.weather.gov/safety
HOW TO OBSERVE
Use #HeatAwarenessDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
National Heat Awareness Day is sponsored by the National Weather Service.
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