June chock full of activities and fun

  • Published
  • By Janelle Broach
  • Girl Scout Leader
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  June is the kick off to Montana summers. We spend hours poolside, floating the rivers, skiing the lakes and fishing the streams. Mosquitoes are our worst enemy and sunscreen is our best friend. Hot dogs and hamburgers become staples, as do popsicles and ice cream cones.

Some of us venture out past Big Sky Country looking for new adventures, yet many of us stay here to explore what the west has to offer. Wherever your travels may take you this month, be sure to check out the endless environmental observances and the bizarre and weird celebrations.

Below are some favorites:

· June 2 -10 is American Rivers Clean-up Week. Since 1992, the American Rivers organization has raised awareness of the magnitude of trash accumulated in our American waterways. For information, contact Fish, Wildlife, and Parks office of Great Falls, at 454-5840 to see how you can help.

· June 5 is World Environment Day. This day encourages awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and public action. This event is similar to Earth Day.

· June 5 is the start of National Fishing and Boating Week. For information on events in your area, please contact your local FWP office at 454-5840.

· June 14 is Flag Day- In honor of the adoption of the official U.S. flag of 1777, people celebrate our stars and stripes.

· June is National Fruit and Veggie month. This is a time to educate the public about the health benefits of consuming these items in your daily diet. Weight loss, lowering heart disease and boosting energy are just a few benefits.

· Fly a kite day is celebrated the entire month of June. This is a time to honor Benjamin Franklin and his use of a child's kite to raise a key into a lighting storm to prove that lighting is really a stream of electrified air. Take advantage of Montana's windy days and fly a kite.

June has an abundance of historical moments as well as celebrations and observances. Here are a few:

· Battle of Midway 1942
· Radio was patented in 1896
· Shopping carts were created in 1937
· First day ice cream was served in the U.S. in 1786
· Robert Kennedy was assassinated in 1968
· ET movie premiered in 1982
· Baseball invented in 1839
· Pledge of Allegiance recognized by Congress in 1942
· Toothbrush was invented in 1948
· Bicycle was patented in 1819

While June offers us burgers on the barbecue, spectacular sunsets and long, warm days, don't forget to benefit from the endless observances and celebrations as well.