Chuck's Chat - Welcome to July!

This year is half over. Six months down, six more to go. And as of this writing, only 175 days until Christmas.

It’s been a while since I’ve whined or complained about something, and I recently encountered something multiple times that I wish to share. Folks, if you’re gonna use the drive-in banking facility, please have all your information filled out prior to blocking the lane and preventing the rest of us from getting on with our day. The drive through lanes are there for a convenience, not for you to balance your checkbook or fill out the deposit slip or add up the numbers or, or whatever it takes you forever to do. Same goes for all you scratch off lottery ticket buyers. Make up your mind so the rest of us just buying an iced tea refill can get on down the road. I can’t wait for Kansas to install the machines that dispense the tickets like some other states have.

I see that July is National Anti-Boredom month. One poorly timed trip to the bank drive-in or convenience mart will take care of that.

July is also National Horseradish Month. Horseradish is believed to have originated in Eastern Europe, and contains small amounts of calcium, potassium, magnesium, folate, and other micronutrients. What’s more, this spicy vegetable is rich in a variety of healthy plant compounds and may protect against cancer, infections, brain diseases, and improve breathing issues. The Egyptians knew about horseradish as far back as 1500 B.C. Early Greeks used it as a rub for lower back pain and an aphrodisiac. Today, approximately 6 million gallons of prepared horseradish are produced annually in the U.S.

The full moon in July is sometimes referred to as the Thunder Moon since thunderstorms frequently rumble during the summer. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon in July is also referred to as the Buck Moon, Salmon Moon, Berry Moon, and Halfway Summer Moon. It will take place on July 13 at 2:37 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. At 5:06 a.m. on that day, the moon will also reach perigee, the point in its orbit closest to Earth. It will result in a "supermoon" a full moon that appears larger than usual.

July is also when many of the local and county fairs begin. If you don’t have a direct involvement with one, I highly encourage you to attend one. No, not for the carnival rides or the demolition derby. For the kids. The youngsters exhibiting their animals, craft items, woodworking projects, baked goods, vegetables and sewing. There are many other projects that will be displayed; all the culmination of imagination, discipline, hard work, and encouragement from parents, leaders, and countless volunteers. Have some spare time? Contact your local fair board or extension office for ways you can provide assistance. These events don’t run themselves. Thank you to the many who graciously donate their time, money, and energy to help provide avenues for tomorrow’s leaders to continue to develop and succeed.

Until next time,

Buy American

God Bless America

Chuck Voelker