Monday: National Chocolate Cupcake Day

Start your week off with a sweet treat because today is National Chocolate Cupcake Day. According to nationaltoday.com, this delicious dessert food was first introduced in the 1796 cookbook “American Cookery,” written by Amelia Simmons. Simmons was the first American to write a cookbook. Good thing she did, because now chocolate cupcakes are enjoyed nationwide. Whether it be store-bought or homemade, chocolate cupcakes are perfect for parties and gatherings. There is no shame, though, if you want to eat them on an ordinary day! Celebrate today by baking the sweet treat yourself or buying them from a local bakery business. Oct. 18 is also National No Beard Day, National Health Education Week and Health Care Aide Day.

Tuesday: National New Friends Day

As we enter the heart of fall, staple seasonal activities such as corn mazes, apple picking and pumpkin carving are happening. With today being National New Friends Day, take the leap and invite new friends to enjoy these activities with you! Whether it be friends you just met or people you have been meaning to introduce yourself to, use this opportunity to grow new friendships and create everlasting memories and connections. You never know, they may just end up being your best friend. Oct. 19 is also National Seafood Bisque Day, National Pharmacy Technician Day and LGBT Center Awareness Day.

Wednesday: International Sloth Day

Today is the perfect time for animal lovers to celebrate an incredible creature. Oct. 20 is International Sloth Day. According to worldwildlife.org, the pygmy sloth is critically endangered and the maned sloth is vulnerable. Show these animals some love and support today by donating to wildlife organizations to help save and preserve their species. If you are unable to donate, share about it on social media! Spread the word, visit your local zoo and overall show your appreciation for sloths. Oct. 20 is also National Medical Assistants Day, National Day on Writing and International Chefs Day.

Thursday: National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day

Halloween is approaching and fall is in full swing. Today is National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day, so what better way to celebrate the season than to eat a fall-themed dessert! According to nationaltoday.com, cheesecake dates all the way back to Greece in the 5th century B.C. Nowadays, cheesecake can be found in all sorts of flavors from oreo to birthday cake to coconut creme. To celebrate fall, take advantage of this holiday and indulge with some pumpkin cheesecake. If you don’t like pumpkin, then try caramel apple cheesecake to stay in the fall spirit! Oct. 21 is also National Reptile Day, National Apple Day and National Pets for Veterans Day.

Friday: National Color Day

Today is National Color Day! This day can be celebrated in a countless number of ways. Wear your favorite color to work or school. Tie-dye some shirts with your friends. You could even take some time alone to immerse yourself in a coloring book or create a colorful painting! With a holiday that is limitless, anything is possible today with how you want to celebrate colors. Oct. 22 is also National Nut Day, International Stuttering Awareness Day and International Caps Lock Day.

Fourth-year University of Maine student Kerissa Marquissee will soon be registering for her classes for the last time in her undergraduate studies. Even though the pandemic impacted more than half of her time in college, her spirit and energy never dampened. 

Marquissee grew up in the village of Mohawk in New York. Before transferring to UMaine in the fall of 2020, she attended Herkimer County Community College in Herkimer, New York. She was a member of their volleyball team there, and traveled to different community colleges to compete against them.

Originally, she was studying to become a physical therapist, but changed her major and received her associate’s degree in liberal arts and sciences. Now, at UMaine, she is studying for her bachelor’s in wildlife ecology.

“My passion for wildlife was stronger than the medical field,” said Marquissee. “This passion runs in [my] family. I grew up loving it through my dad and decided it would be the best career path for me.”

During her first year as a transfer student at UMaine, Marquissee found ways to get involved. She participated in Club Volleyball for her first semester, and is a member of the Wildlife Society. She attends their weekly meetings to do fun activities outdoors with other students in her major.

Over the summer after her first year at UMaine, Marquissee interned at the Utica Zoo as a conservation education intern. 

“I attended birthday parties, nursing homes and schools to educate the public on animals and the importance of their role in the environment, as well as identifying the animals’ physical features and where they are from,” said Marquissee. 

Marquissee plans to graduate from UMaine next spring. After graduation, she hopes to find a job in Florida, although she is willing to move to just about anywhere that her work will bring her.

“I want to become a research-based wildlife biologist, preferably working with mammals,” said Marquissee. “I am also willing to branch out into other focuses, though, and work with any animals or species that I can. Overall, I will just be excited to be out in the field doing what I love.”

She is still deciding whether or not she will attend graduate school. If she does, it won’t be for a few years after she graduates from UMaine.

“I’m going to go into the field first with my bachelor’s and see if it is what I like and what I really want to do before deciding if I want to go to graduate school,” said Marquissee.

Although she’s registering for her final semester of classes and nearing graduation, which makes her sad knowing her time at UMaine is almost over, she remains hopeful and excited to finally begin her career and build a life for herself.

Monday: National Cinnamon Roll Day

Kick off the cooler days of fall by filling your belly with something sweet and warm like a cinnamon roll, since today is National Cinnamon Roll Day. According to nationaltoday.com, cinnamon rolls date way back to around 2000 B.C., imported from Egypt to China. Enjoyed by hundreds of families today for breakfast, this decadent house-filling aroma is always a catch. Be creative when making your cinnamon rolls: Make pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls or try cream cheese frosting! Oct. 4 is also National Golf Lovers Day, National Taco Day and World Animal Day.

Tuesday: National Do Something Nice Day

Today is National Do Something Nice Day. Pay it forward today with an act of kindness to either a stranger or a friend or family member. Pay for the coffee order behind you in line, or simply give someone walking by with a compliment. You could even sign up as a volunteer for an organization in your community, help someone carry their groceries to their car or remind family members that you love and care for them. It is no secret that we should all be nice toward one another every day of the year, but take today to make sure positivity is spread far and wide. You never know who may need it. Oct. 5 is also National Get Funky Day and National Kiss a Wrestler Day.

Wednesday: National Noodle Day

Today is the perfect opportunity to be creative and let your artistic senses flow. On National Noodle Day, the recipes are limitless! Gather friends and family and create your favorite noodle dish. Whether it be store-bought or homemade ramen, chicken noodle soup or even spaghetti and meatballs, get cooking. To spice things up even more, have a cook-off gathering. Everyone can bring their favorite noodle dish and voting can determine the fan-favorite winner. Oct. 6 is also National Mad Hatter Day, National Coaches Day and National Plus Size Appreciation Day.

Thursday: National Frappe Day

Oct. 7 was made for those with a sweet tooth. Today is National Frappe Day. This popular drink can be enjoyed many different ways. Many dairy bars across New England offer frappes as a thicker milkshake made with just about any ice cream flavor and combination. On the other hand, if you head over to Starbucks or McDonald’s, it is a well-known, delicious frozen coffee beverage offered in an assortment of flavors, usually based around either caramel or mocha. Treat yourself to your favorite kind of frappe today! Oct. 7 is also National Depression Screening Day.

Friday: National Fluffernutter Day

If you’re from New England then you have surely heard of the native sandwich called the Fluffernutter. According to nationaltoday.com, in 2006 the state of Massachusetts proposed to make the Fluffernutter their official sandwich. Although the proposal failed, this famous sandwich still lives on. There have even been festivals held celebrating the condiment Fluff in New England. Similar to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, swap out the jelly for some Marshmallow Fluff and you have yourself a Fluffernutter. This national holiday is definitely one you don’t want to miss out on! Oct. 8 is also National Pierogi Day.

All holidays were found on nationaltoday.com. Be sure to keep up to date with our regularly featured holidays featured both on our Instagram @themainecampus and website.

At the University of Maine, Greek life is a big part of campus culture and the student body community. There are 16 fraternities and 8 sororities, with over 1,000 students participating overall. Greek life began at UMaine back in 1874, offering students the opportunity to make lasting friendships and support their community for decades now.

Tau Kappa Epsilon

Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) is one of UMaine’s 16 fraternities. Ryan Perry, a second-year journalism and media studies student at UMaine and a member for two years, appreciates the diversity of interests you can find in TKE. 

“We have guys who are Republicans or Democrats, introverts or extroverts,” Perry said. “There are guys into sports, video games and the list goes on.”

It is easy to see why long lasting friendships can be made in a fraternity. 

“My favorite memory with TKE was living in the house,” said Perry. “The days when guys came up to you and wanted to watch a movie, go out to eat or even just simply hang out is what I have cherished the most. It is the little things that have led me to the lasting friendships I have made.”

Each fraternity and sorority has a philanthropy, and at TKE, they support St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Live music streams and 24 hour gaming streams have been used to support this organization.

Last week, TKE finished out its yearly rush week. With everything able to be back in person this semester, they were very successful in recruiting new members. 

“Last year, the first time the guys saw the house wasn’t until after they got their bids and it made the whole process a lot harder to sell the fraternity and understand why it is such a cool place to be at,” said Perry. “This year back in person was amazing. I don’t know the exact number of bids we had, but I believe it was about 25. If every single one of them gets through, it will double our fraternity size in one semester.”

This week, TKE’s bids are received and the pledge deal process will take place. For homecoming on Oct. 16, they will be having their band play live. TKE members have also helped out with the blood drive this past week. Future renovations will be done on their fraternity house, involving redoing their bathrooms and getting their kitchen up and operating again.

Delta Zeta

One of the eight sororities at UMaine is Delta Zeta (DZ). UMaine second-year nursing student, Katie Libby, is entering her second year with DZ this semester.

For Libby, the lasting friendships she has made has been the most valuable takeaway from being in DZ. 

“My favorite memory was from last year and it was the Big Little event,” said Libby. “Figuring out who my Big was the best time. I didn’t know I was going to get her, and she was my number one pick. This year so far, my favorite memory was bid day because I was able to be a Rho Gamma for formal recruitment. I wasn’t able to join my sorority and was disaffiliated back in August, so bid day was great because I finally had all my sisters back.”

Delta Zeta’s philanthropy is for The Painted Turtle, as well as for the Starkey Hearing Foundation, SeriousFun Children’s Network and the American Society for Deaf Children.

“Since this is an international sorority, members can travel all over the world and help give people in need hearing aids,” said Libby. “We also go to The Painted Turtle camp where you can volunteer for children that are deaf. That is one of the main reasons I wanted to join Delta Zeta, is so I could be a part of that camp,”

Delta Zeta is currently doing continuous open bidding, or informal rush, for those who didn’t go through the formal recruitment process but would still like to join a sorority. The rush chair of DZ can be contacted to meet some of the girls and get to know each other. If it seems like a fit, then they are able to give out a bid.

Monday: Positive Thinking Day

Has the pandemic dampered your positivity on day-to-day activities? Well, luckily today is Positive Thinking Day. With mask mandates and social distancing still in place, now is the perfect time to start thinking bright and clear your mind of all the negative thoughts. Carve out time in your day to do some yoga, start a new book or listen to your favorite artist or band. Remind your friends, family and yourself of all the good in life that can outweigh the bad. Always remember that emotional well-being is just as important as physical well-being. Positive thinking can even increase a person’s life span. Sept. 13 is also National Peanut Day, International Chocolate Day and National Boss/Employee Exchange Day.

Tuesday: National Coloring Day

Whether you’re good at coloring in the lines or not, summon your inner artist today because it’s National Coloring Day. Coloring has many calming properties, as it can relax the fear center of your brain. It can reduce stress and anxiety, help you to improve your motor skills and vision, improve your sleep and improve your focus. With that being said, take out your favorite coloring book and get started with your favorite coloring utensil. Use crayons, markers, colored pencils or even pens. The creativity is endless! Sept. 14 is also Hug Your Hound Day, National Cream Filled Donut Day, National Ants on a Log Day and National Eat a Hoagie Day.

Wednesday: Greenpeace Day

Similar to Earth Day, Greenpeace Day is celebrated every year on Sept. 15 to create a discussion on how to treat the planet better. Several campaigns take place to spread awareness about ecological issues and concerns that need to be addressed. 55 countries are involved in Greenpeace Day, all working together to achieve environmental justice. Many peaceful protests are held on topics such as the following: reducing fossil fuel emissions, improving air quality, avoiding the use of plastic and improving water quality. Take part in this spread of awareness, whether it be in-person or online. Find discussion forums, Facebook groups or even town meetings. Sept. 15 is also International Dot Day, Make a Hat Day, National Linguine Day and National Online Learning Day.

Thursday: National Guacamole Day

A fan-favorite food, guacamole has been a staple appetizer paired with tortilla chips at parties. National Guacamole Day is the perfect opportunity to indulge in the avocado-based dip. Guacamole goes back all the way to the 14th century, originally invented by the Aztec people. This famous dip can be made in countless different ways at home. Many put ingredients from cumin to cilantro or even garlic in their ‘guac.’ If you feel guilty indulging, don’t! Avocados are high in vitamins and have healthy fats that can lower your cholesterol. Sept. 16 is also Collect Rocks Day, National Play-Doh Day and National Choose Your Chocolate Day.

Friday: National Apple Dumpling Day

Is your sweet tooth calling to you? You’re in luck because today is National Apple Dumpling Day. This savory pastry is made from cut and peeled apples and filling all wrapped into dough. With this dish, you have the option to either bake it or broil it. Who is to say you have to feel guilty enjoying this dessert? You know what they say: an apple a day keeps the doctor away! Apple dumplings are most commonly eaten in the northeastern United States, especially around the state of Pennsylvania. Sept. 17 is also International Country Music Day, National Pet Bird Day and National Tradesmen Day.

All holidays were found on nationaltoday.com. Be sure to keep up to date with our regularly featured holidays featured both on our Instagram @themainecampus and website.

On Sept. 9, the lecture “Pushing Climate Change Research to the Roof of the World” by Dr. Paul A. Mayewski was held at the Versant Power Astronomy Center at the University of Maine. This presentation touched upon Mayewski’s participation in the National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Everest Expedition in April and May of 2019. “Pushing Climate Change Research to the Roof of the World” was the first of the “Science Lecture Series” at the Astronomy Center this semester.

Mayewski and his expedition team pushed the limits of science on the world’s highest peak: Mt. Everest. They set many scientific records, including having the highest automatic weather stations in the world and the highest drilled ice core. 

Many areas of the trip were detailed in Mayewski’s PowerPoint, including the different locations he stopped at and what type of technologies were used throughout the trip. For example, the small kingdom of Kathmandu was one place they stayed in. Their timeline was no easy feat either, as this trip was lengthy and required lots of patience.

“Ultimately, it took us six weeks from the time that we left the east coast of the U.S. to the time that we actually got to the place where we started working,” Mayewski said. His group trekked on foot with the assistance of the local people, who were very kind to help guide them across mountains and glaciers despite language and culture barriers.

The weather conditions were not always ideal while trekking during the day.

“It was so hot along the way that midday the temperatures were 110 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit,” Mayewski said. “That’s because when you have a lot of snow around it reflects the radiation. It’s not as effective at melting and the lighter color of the snow reflects it.”

Mayewski continued on to talk about glaciers, water towers and climate change. The team was able to conduct chemical fingerprinting of air masses, drill ice core samples and even study the jet stream. There were also measurements done related to meteorology, glaciology and biology mapping.

“Since about 2000, glaciers in the Himalayas have been retreating very rapidly,” Mayewski said. “Something big happened in 2000. That’s when greenhouse gases really begin to kick in and they have a very big effect.”

With this increase in melting glaciers, it is creating even more hazardous conditions for climbers on Mt. Everest.

“It’s extremely rocky, the slopes are extremely steep, and the more melting that goes on here, the more hazardous these slopes get,” Mayewski said. “Many of the villages are built right on the edge of very steep areas where the fall is a couple thousand feet. The edges of their towns are beginning to migrate into the valleys.”

This is not Mayewski’s first expedition by any means. Born and raised in Scotland, his upbringing with hiking early on in life sparked his interest in this field. The UMaine website notes more than 60 expeditions he’s taken in his life, where he’s traveled to some of the most remote areas on the planet. He has also received many awards for these expeditions. His past well-known discoveries include abrupt climate change by atmospheric circulation, exploration into undiscovered areas in Antarctica and human impacts on both climate change and the planet’s ecosystems.

Mayewski’s titles include climate scientist, glaciologist and polar explorer. He is also the director of the Climate Change Institute at UMaine. He has published over 500 scientific papers, and has written two books: “The Ice Chronicles” and “Journey Into Climate.”

“Pushing Climate Change Research to the Roof of the World” is part of the Versant Power Astronomy Center’s ongoing “Science Lecture Series. The next one will be on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. and will feature Dr. Neil Comins. These lectures are held every second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. during the academic year, with new speakers each month. Visit https://astro.umaine.edu/publicevents/science-lecture-series for more details.

Additionally, the planetarium has ongoing regular public programs on Friday nights at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., plus music shows on Sundays at 4 p.m. Each month the offering changes. Visit https://astro.umaine.edu/publicevents/ for more details.

4/5 Stars

Escape the Fate, an American rock band originating from Las Vegas, Nevada, are well-known for their hard and alternative rock music. On April 16, the band released their seventh studio album “Chemical Warfare,” their first full-length release since 2018. The album consists of 12 songs that mark the most experimental period of Escape the Fate’s career to date.

This latest venture by Escape the Fate continues a greater trend of change in the band’s style. Since their debut, each album has exchanged elements of hard rock and metalcore for pop rock, similar to what fellow post-hardcore band and label-mate Bring Me the Horizon has done. It is a risky move, as many of Escape the Fate’s most loyal fans remain dedicated to their original hard rock vibe. Regardless of risk, “Chemical Warfare” has upbeat and catchy songs that will impress listeners.

Escape the Fate was formed in 2004, but features a different lineup of members today from their debut album. Currently, the band consists of drummer Robert Ortiz, vocalist Craig Mabbitt and guitarists T.J. Bell, Kevin “Thrasher” Gruft and Erik Jensen. Of the band’s original members — Monte Money, Ronnie Radke, Max Green, Ortiz, Omar Espinosa and Carson Allen — Ortiz is the sole remaining founding member. The current members are now signed to Eleven Seven Music.

Previous albums released by Escape the Fate are “Dying Is Your Latest Fashion” (2006), “This War Is Ours” (2008), “Escape the Fate” (2010), “ Ungrateful” (2013), “Hate Me” (2015), “I Am Human” (2018) and now “Chemical Warfare” (2021).

The songs in “Chemical Warfare” range from two to four minutes long, following their new trend of pop rock with electric guitar riffs and catchy sing-along choruses. Notable songs in the album include “Lightning Strike,” “Not My Problem” and “Hand Grenade.” The album also features guests artists Travis Barker and Lindsey Stirling.

Although some of the songs are upbeat and pop rock, several songs retain the band’s trademark intense emotionality. The song “Demons” features a screaming breakdown, showcasing Mabbitt’s vocal flexibility.

Escape the Fate went through a bit of trouble in the making of “Chemical Warfare.” In February of this year, all of their gear and instruments had been stolen from their practice space in North Hollywood, California. However, the band still came out strong and released a fun and impressive album. 

Change can either be a good thing or a bad thing. In the case of Escape the Fate, the newly developed pop sound of “Chemical Warfare” is a bold but positive change. Whether this change will be well-received by their fan base of roughly 2.1 million monthly Spotify listeners remains to be seen. Without overdoing it, Escape the Fate established a new, poppy feel for their music, and there is no doubt they will continue to take a step up into the world of pop rock in a fun, successful way.

5/5 Stars

Netflix has released a new coming-of-age drama that showcases the story of the Fletcher Street Stables of Philadelphia. Based on the novel “Ghetto Cowboy” by Gregory Neri, “Concrete Cowboy” follows a tight-knit community of horse riders as they reconcile with encroaching gentrification.

Released on April 2, 2021, “Concrete Cowboy” has a run time of 1 hour and 51 minutes. 

Starring Screen Actors Guild Award winner Caleb McLaughlin and five-time Emmy nominee Idris Elba, the cast of “Concrete Cowboy” is undoubtedly a strength. Supporting actors include Lorraine Toussaint as Nessie, Wu-Tang Clan’s Method Man as Leroy, Jharrel Jerome as Smush and Jamil Prattis as Paris. McLaughlin and Elba are well-known for their roles in “Stranger Things” and “The Wire,” respectively.

The story follows Cole (McLaughlin), a 15-year-old troubled teen from Detroit, who finds himself expelled from school after again getting into trouble at school, with his mother at her breaking point. The next thing you know, his bags are packed and he’s been dropped off at his father’s place in Philadelphia for the summer without even a goodbye from his mother. With his father Harp (Elba) a virtual stranger, Cole’s behavior continues to spiral out of control. Cole spends most evenings participating in drug deals with his not-so-influential friend Smush. Harp, a member of the Fletcher Street Stables, manages to incorporate Cole into his tight-knit community of urban cowboys and cowgirls, making a difference in his life, even at his lowest points. The stables, new friends and his new horse, Boo, giave Cole a community and something to believe in despite the looming danger that the community faces by urban development.

“Concrete Cowboy” is a heartfelt tear-jerker, as it highlights the plight of the real-life Fletcher Street Stables. Although Cole’s story isn’t a true one, the hardships and gentrification the Fletcher Street Stables community faced is. This film raises awareness on how gentrification can be overlooked as many people are unaware that it is even happening.

The setting of this film was incredibly immersive. From Harp’s home to the street he lives on to the stables, the poverty they live in is portrayed in a way that is raw and tangible. Viewers can see just how much this community of people love their horses and culture, as they are willing to live in these poor conditions just to afford to take care of them and make sure that their history is never lost or forgotten.

“Concrete Cowboy” is an inspiring film that encourages viewers to see the potential for happiness around you and find life’s bright side, even when you think there isn’t one.

Every spring season since 2013, the Downtown Bangor Beautification Committee (DBBC)  holds an Adopt-A-Garden program for the public and businesses in the Greater Bangor area. This project has allowed adopters to take parks, tree pits and hardscapes and turn them into flourishing, vibrant gardens. This year, even amidst the ongoing pandemic, the DBBC has continued to hold the Adopt-A-Garden program and plans to spread even more beauty throughout the city of Bangor.

Greg Edwards, an active member of the DBBC, shared that there is room for growth this year as there are more gardens to beautify than in previous years.

“We have 137 gardens, although we are looking to add another 10, so we’d have 147,” Edwards said. “Right now, 116 of those are adopted, so we are about 85% adopted. We have 21 gardens left, and it’ll be 31 left when we add the additional gardens.”

The gardens are all over the downtown Bangor area, and adopters have until June 1 to plant. If adopters do not plant by this deadline, the gardens are put back up for adoption. Usually, by the end of the season, almost all of the gardens are adopted.

“They are all over downtown and the focus tends to be around the parkway and spreads out towards Central Street,” Edwards said. “We have trouble getting people to adopt on the outskirts of town, but they usually all end up getting adopted by our deadline.”

To adopt a garden, there is a map available on the DBBC website, along with the Adopt-A-Garden application. On the map are red dots that indicate which gardens are available for adoption. Many gardens get re-adopted each year by their previous adopters. The blue dots indicate those that got re-adopted, as well as those who have been adopted already this season.

After gardeners fill out their applications and confirm their adoptions, they can participate in Big Dig Week in May. This is an event where all of the adopters come out and plant their gardens throughout the week. Adopters can choose any design they’d like for their gardens to add a personalized touch. 

Once a garden is adopted, DBBC will provide adopters with signage to place in their garden letting the public know who has adopted each spot. Keep in mind that if you’d like to adopt a garden, then fences, garden lights and decorations are discouraged as the beauty of natural flowers and plants are the primary focus of Adopt-A-Garden.

For those who may be planting, make sure to conduct research beforehand on which plants and flowers would best prosper in the location of your prospective garden. Take into consideration how much sunlight each type of flower would need, how much water each would need and whether or not they are invasive species.

This year, as well as last year, the pandemic has benefited the Adopt-A-Garden program rather than put a damper on business. Since COVID-19 hit, adopted gardens have been improved even more as gardeners have had more free time on their hands due to quarantine and sometimes unemployment.

“In terms of effectiveness of the program, we actually saw an uptick in the amount of effort people put into their gardens as people were quarantining [last spring]. May was the perfect time for people to get outside and do stuff,” Edwards said. “They couldn’t do group events but they could certainly adopt a garden at that time with their families.”

With June 1 approaching, there is still time for University of Maine students to become involved  if they’d like to adopt a garden. For those interested in Adopt-A-Garden, make sure to be prepared to spend time in downtown Bangor to handle the upkeep and presentation of your garden. 

Students can also volunteer on a volunteer day, such as DBBC’s Spring Clean Up on April 25. Another volunteer opportunity is on May 15 during Big Dig Week, where students can volunteer to help plant flowers in the gardens.

For more information and status updates on the Adopt-A-Garden project, visit www.downtownbangor.com or visit the Downtown Bangor Beautiful Facebook page.

Monday: National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

April 12 is the perfect Monday to prepare a staple American comfort food: a grilled cheese sandwich. Whether you have a recipe you stick to and love or you want to experiment, take time today on National Grilled Cheese Sandwich day to indulge in the gooey goodness. Try making a sandwich with cheddar, swiss or provolone, or even try it with rye bread instead of white or wheat. The opportunities are endless when it comes to personalizing your grilled cheese order. As the weather is getting warmer, you could even have a grilled cheese sandwich picnic with friends.

Tuesday: National Peach Cobbler Day

April 13 is National Peach Cobbler Day! If your sweet tooth has been grabbing your attention lately, today is the day to tame that craving. Gather with friends or family and get creative by making your own peach cobbler. If you don’t like peaches, substitute them for another fruit such as apples or cherries. Even if classes get in the way of baking and celebrating this delectable dessert, look up the menus of local restaurants. You may get lucky and find peach cobbler ready to order! April 13 is also National Scrabble Day, National Make Lunch Count Day and International Be Kind to Lawyers Day.

Wednesday: National Gardening Day

April 14 is National Gardening Day. As spring has arrived, now is the perfect opportunity to plant  a garden. Head over to Lowe’s or Home Depot to pick out the best plants and flowers for your indoor or outdoor arrangements. Make sure to pick out plants that will flourish and prosper in the type of environment you hope to plant them in. If outdoor gardening isn’t your cup of tea, plant an indoor houseplant in a pot. Houseplants make a beautiful addition to your home’s character and charm, and most often they are fairly easy to care for. April 14 is also National Ex-Spouse Day, National Look Up at the Sky Day and International Moment of Laughter Day.

Thursday: National Laundry Day

April 15 is National Laundry Day. With the semester soon coming to a close and assignments beginning to pile up, take today to catch up on laundry you have been needing to do. Instead of thinking of it as a chore, think of it as self-care. Make it fun by doing your laundry with your friends. Take a deep breath and feel like your best self in your freshly washed clothes. Remember, washing sheets and bedding is just as important as washing clothes, too! April 15 is also National High Five Day and Tax Day.

Friday: National Librarian Day

April 16 is National Librarian Day. Take today to show your librarian appreciation for all that they do. Whether they helped you find the perfect book for your essay or created a research guide for your class, send a thank you their way for helping you and the entire student body in achieving their best academic work thanks to library resources. A librarian’s job is vital to the success of any academic institution. April 16 is also National Eggs Benedict Day and Wear Pajamas to Work Day.