Clowning Around Day - It is the beginning of International Clown Week. Invite a local clown to visit the facility to perform and demonstrate how he puts on his make-up. Ask him to give a short lesson on "clowning" and share how he got started in the business. Have clown make-up on hand for residents, volunteers, and staff to try. Visit our Lighten Up! page for more humor programs every month. Also, "clown around" with a set of C-L-O-W-N Bingo Cards this month.

Happy Birthday Chopsticks! - The song, not the eating utensil. On this date in 1877, "Chopsticks" was published for the first time. It was written by a 16-year-old girl named Euphemia Allen, and was the only song she ever published. It originally included instructions for the notes to be played by the sides (edges) of the hands in a chopping motion. Play "Chopsticks" and eat rice with chopsticks today. Also, make a Chopstick Picture Frame and check out these 5 Reuses for Chopsticks.

Rounds Resounding Day - The day is sponsored by the Rounds Resounding Society. Their motto is, "As rounds resound, all the world's joined in a circle of harmony." Celebrate the day by "rounding" up your group for a "Round and Round We Go Sing-along." Try singing a few familiar rounds, such as "Row, Row, Row Your Boat," "Frere Jacques" (Are You Sleeping), "Down by the Station," "Sailing, Sailing," "This Old Man," and "Edelweiss." If you want to go Beyond Row, Row, Row Your Boat, you can try some of these songs - many dating back centuries - like "Early to Bed." (Each song has accompanying sheet music and a sound clip in midi format.) If you need some direction, see How to Sing a Round.

International Friendship Day - International Friendship Day is celebrated the first Sunday in August. Check out the International Friendship Day page for poems, cards, and other ways to celebrate the day. We also celebrate Best Friends Day (Aug. 15) this month.

Wiggle Your Toes Day - In celebration of Foot Health Month. Put your best foot forward with foot massages today. Visit the Foot Care-4-U site to learn more about "The Agony of De-Feet." Also, try to find all the words in this Put Your Best Foot Forward puzzle.

Watermelon Wednesday - "When one has tasted it, he knows what the angels eat." ~ Mark Twain. Serve watermelon and try to solve the Seedless Watermelon word search. Also, play a game of M-E-L-O-N Bingo today.

American Artists' Day - Celebrated on Andy Warhol's birthday (81st this year). Learn about his life and his art. View one of his most famous paintings, the Campbell Soup Cans. Since it is also American Art Appreciation Month, feature other American artists this month, such as Jackson Pollock or Norman Rockwell. Plan a trip to your local art museum or invite a docent to speak to your group. See our Brush to Canvas page and become an artist yourself this month. Also, try solving the Searching for Famous Artists and the Artists Corner word searches and the Art-ful Puzzle crossword today.

Resurrect Romance Week Begins - The week focuses on celebrating creative romance. See our Lighten Up! page for an activity about funny personal ads. After all, a sense of humor may be the most important quality to look for in a mate.

"Catch of the Day" Day - August is National Catfish Month. Have you tried catfish? Serve catfish and discuss Catfish Facts this month. Check out The Catfish Institute for recipes and more. Since it is also Mustard Month, try this delicious Catfish with Dijon Sauce recipe.

Make a Panini Day - August is National Panini Month. The panini is a sandwich typically served hot or grilled with ciabatta bread. You can get very creative with ingredients while making paninis. Check out these recipes and other tips and serve a variety of paninis for lunch today.

Strange Music Day - Try making your own musical instruments with such items as pie tins, wooden spoons, and empty cans filled with beans. Then, make your own "strange music." Play the instruments during your exercise class.

Lemonade's Birthday - On this date in 1630, lemonade was invented in Paris, France. Plan a "Pucker Up Punch Hour." Serve Oprah's Watermelon Lemonade and play the Lemonade Stand Game. FYI: We also celebrate Lemonade Lucy's Day (Aug. 28) this month.

Cadillac's Birthday - The Cadillac Company was "born" on this date in 1901. It was named after the eighteenth century French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, founder of the city of Detroit. The company would come to be known as the maker of America's luxury car. Check out Cadillac History, Facts, and Trivia for more. See our It's a Guy Thing page for "Tailfins" - a discussion about old cars.

Solar Car Day - On this day in 1955, William G. Cobb demonstrated the first solar-powered car. Discuss today's hybrid cars and the importance of energy efficiency. What do you think of ethanol and the price of gasoline?