June 30, 2023

This week we celebrate the 4^th of July and wish America a happy birthday!

Then we look at why we celebrate with fireworks.

We also check to see which other countries have 4^th of July celebrations.

We look at Betsy Ross and the creation of the first American flag.

In our Teachers Corner, we learn with song by looking how the play Hamilton can help teach American history through its soundtrack.

In Wellness we present healthy options for your holiday cookouts.

For a little Family Fun, we have some July 4^th trivia questions and answers.

Like the colonial Americans who struggled for freedom, J.K. Rowling struggled for her intellectual freedom and persevered. We continue our Harry Potter series with two more illustrated versions of a books from the Harry Potter series.

We also take a look at recreations of locations from the Harry Potter series at Universal Studios Florida.

In our Local Spotlight we introduce you to Tucson architect and businessman Kwevi Quaye and the 20th Diaspora Showcase Africa event in Tucson that he is producing.

In the Pet’s Corner we provide advice on keeping your dog calm during fireworks and thunderstorms.

We would also like to remind you that Dr. Fox’s Workshop Demonstration is coming up at the end of the month; Saturday, July 29th at the Tucson Community Meditation Center. It will be free to Flock readers, tap here to enroll.

The Fourth of July is here! America's 247th birthday. Happy Birthday America! The Declaration of Independence was approved by the colonies on July 2nd but announced on July 4th, 1776. We have celebrated this date as America's birthday ever since. We would also like to celebrate those who have served this country and fought for our freedom over the last 247 years. Happy birthday America, we are proud of you!

From: History.com, By: Sarah Pruitt, June 20, 2023

It’s hard to imagine Independence Day without fireworks. But how did this tradition get started?

As it turns out, setting off mini-explosions of all shapes and colors (but particularly red, white and blue) on July 4th goes back almost as far as American independence itself.

"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival…It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

— Letter from John Adams to his wife Abigail. July 3, 1776

From: seeker.io, By: Lauren Mack

From patriotic parades and fireworks to battle reenactments and readings of the Declaration of Independence to barbecues and competitive eating contests, there are a multitude of ways to mark the holiday that celebrates freedom, which is even more meaningful this year as many cities are offering events in person. Here’s how you can celebrate the USA’s 247th birthday.

The List:

1. Watch a Parade and Fireworks at Boston Harborfest

2. Commemorate the Battle of Gettysburg in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

3. Listen to Live Music and Eat Hoagies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

4. Attend a Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

5. Talk to Dead Presidents at Mount Rushmore in Keystone, South Dakota

6. Celebrate at America’s Oldest Fourth of July Celebration in Bristol, Rhode Island

7. Paint Fences during the National Tom Sawyer Days in Hannibal, Missouri

8. Watch Competitors Scarf Down Hot Dogs in Coney Island, New York

9. Watch Flyovers and Fireworks in Washington, D.C.

4th of July fireworks in Sydney, Austalia

The 4th of July is celebrated by large groups of Americans living in other counties including Norway, Ireland, and Australia. The nation of Denmark is the only country outside of the USA to hold an official July 4th celebration.

From: Ding, June 27, 2019

With American expats having relocated all over the globe and US culture being prominent in many countries, it is perhaps no surprise that 4th July has become an official global event. In fact, in many countries American expats and people with American heritage proudly display their US patriotism on this special day.

The Birth of Old Glory, Prcy Moran, 1917

From: U.S. History.org

Betsy Ross, best known for making the first American flag, apprenticed with an upholsterer before irrevocably splitting with her family to marry outside the Quaker religion. She and her first husband, John Ross, started their own upholstery business. Despite a lack of credible evidence to support it, legend holds that President George Washington requested that Ross make the first American flag.

The Declaration of Independence was approved by 12 of the 13 original colonies on July 4th, 1776, with New York abstaining until further instruction from Albany. Fifty-six delegates from all thirteen colonies eventually signed the Declaration of Independence on August 2nd, 1776.

The Colonies in the order they appear in the Declaration of Independence:

Georgia

South Carolina

North Carolina 

Virginia

Maryland

Delaware

Pennsylvania

New Jersey

New York

Connecticut

Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

Massachusetts Bay

New Hampshire

The Broadway hit Hamilton is one of the winningest musicals of all time. Hamilton covers the birth of America including the Boston Tea Party, The Declaration of Independence, the American Revolutionary War, the development of the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Listening to its soundtrack is an accessible and entertaining way to learn some U.S. History.

Hamilton: An American Musical, full soundtrack on Youtube, 2:22:28

The Original Broadway Cast soundtrack CD

Below is a Trailer for the Disney+ filmed version of the original Broadway production of the award-winning musical Hamilton. Subscribers to Disney+ can stream the entire movie.

Trailer for the Disney+ production of Hamilton

Mixed Berry & Whipped Coconut Cream Pie, credit: A Saucy Kitchen

From: Veg News, By: Sarah McLaughlin, July 4, 2022

Fourth of July often involves barbecues loaded with meaty fare, but we’ve found nine vegan recipes that show you how to have a delicious, cruelty-free holiday. Impress the skeptics with an array of meatless burgers and hot dogs, dairy-free cakes and side dishes, and vegan-friendly drinks—all while leaving animals off the menu.

From: Parade, By: Maryn Liles, June 26, 2023

Get those Uncle Sam thinking caps on and test yourself with these July 4th trivia questions.

Are you willing to sign your John Hancock in the history books of Independence Day knowledge? It’s time to powder your wig and button your pea coat because these 4th of July trivia questions are sure to send off fireworks in your brain, from trivia on July 4th history, Independence Day trivia for kids and more.

1. Where was the first celebration of Independence Day held?

2. Every Independence Day, how many times does the Liberty Bell ring?

3. The Fourth of July commemorates which document?

4. Which American president was born on July 4th?

5. Which two presidents of the United States died on July 4th of the same year?

6. Which president of the United States was the first to host a Fourth of July celebration at the White House?

Scroll to the bottom of his email for answers.

Here are two more titles that expand on the Harry Potter series of books by J.K. Rowling with beautiful illustrations.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix follows Harry Potter's struggles through his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, including the surreptitious return of the antagonist Lord Voldemort, O.W.L. exams, and an obstructive Ministry of Magic.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a 2001 guide book written by British author J. K. Rowling (under the pen name of the fictitious author Newt Scamander) about the magical creatures in the Harry Potter universe.

Fans of the Harry Potter books and movies can now visit locations from the series recreated at the Universal Studios theme park in Orlando, Florida.

From: Universal Studios Florida

See More Of The Wizarding World Than Ever Before At Universal Studios Florida

Follow in Harry Potter's footsteps as you walk through the streets of London, and enter Diagon Alley™ where you'll find many of the wizarding world's most famous establishments. Dine at the Leaky Cauldron™, see a wand choose a wizard at Ollivanders™ wand shop, and get ready to travel deep below Gringotts™ bank for a multi-dimensional thrill ride.

Based in Tucson, Kwevi Quaye is a talented architect, businessman and founder of Diaspora International, a cultural ambassador, and a graduate from the University of Arizona. He served as a board member of the Ethiopian Children’s Fund, the Ghana Education Project, Tucson Jazz Society, and as a member of Technoserve, an organization that helps entrepreneurs in poor areas of the developing world to build businesses that create income, opportunity and economic growth for their families, their communities and their countries. He is also a masterful Scrabble player.

Kwevi Quaye

Kwevi Quaye is the President of Diaspora Showcase, a holding company with global interests in architecture, entertainment, media, sports, fashion, travel, real estate development and investment. Diaspora's projects are developed through the establishment of international joint ventures, that offer the opportunity to penetrate new markets worldwide and provide the company with a unique expertise in alliance management. 

Kwevi Quaye, through his company Diaspora International has been producing Diaspora Showcase Africa fashion shows since 2004. The events incorporate fashion, visual, musical, and culinary arts in a uniquely themed production each year.

From: Eventbrite

DIASPORA SHOWCASE AFRICA presents its 20th Anniversary with "Soundtrack Runway", featuring a cast of more than 100 artists, dancers, models and designers.

Created by Kwevi Quaye, this unique show, has amassed a following, throughout the United States and globally with its thematic entertainment series of presenting Africa, through fashion, music, dance and culinary arts.

"Soundtrack Runway", is a tribute to the legendary South African artist, Miriam Makeba. It begins with a classical symphonic renditions of some of her popular songs, and concludes on the fashion runway with an acoustic set by Malian Kora instrumentalist, Karamo Susso, Congolese guitarist Jason Tamba, Nigeria-British guitarist, Bumi Thomas, joined by guitarist Fernando Perdomo from the movie "Echo In The Canyon", and percussionist, Munyungo Jackson, all of whom have played in numerous #1 hits and Grammy-Award winning albums.

Loud noises can be quite unsettling for your dog. July 4th is just around the corner, and for those in the southwest, so is monsoon season and the thunderstorms it brings. The article below contains some tips to help your dog stay calm and feel safe during these events.

From: Farmers' Almanac, By: Farmers' Almanac Staff, June 26, 2023

The "bombs bursting in air" can seem like the end of the world to your pet. Here are some easy suggestions to keep him calm during the noisy events of summer. It’s not uncommon for dogs to experience what experts call noise phobia – feeling anxious, stressed, or panicked when exposed to loud sounds. This can be especially challenging during summer months when thunderstorms and fireworks are more common. Here are six helpful techniques to ease your dog’s fear of thunder and fireworks.

Dr. Fox's Workshop Demonstration, Opening the Limitations of Our Personal Identity, is coming up at the end of the month. Dr. Fox is a Flocker and he reads what's in The Flock and what you contribute. And he is now giving back and he's offering all Flock readers a free pass to his workshop that will be taking place on Saturday the 29th of July. For more information go to haywardfox.com.

Never Separate

We are an elemental part of the cosmos

Echoing its composition

And moment to moment formation

How we think, how we act, how we see things and how we feel all become our identity.

Join Hayward Fox for this In-Person,

half-day WORKSHOP DEMONSTRATION

where we will practice a body-mind interaction designed to interrupt our limited and sometimes dysfunctional ways of being.

Saturday, July 29 8:30 am - Noon

Tucson Community Meditation Center

1147 N. Howard Blvd., Tucson

Q1. Where was the first celebration of Independence Day held?

A1. Philadelphia in 1777

Q2. Every Independence Day, how many times does the Liberty Bell ring?

A2. 13, once for each of the original 13 colonies.

Q3. The Fourth of July commemorates which document?

A3. The Declaration of Independence

Q4. Which American president was born on July 4th?

A4. Calvin Coolidge, born on July 4th, 1872

Q5. Which two presidents of the United States died on July 4th of the same year?

A5. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4th,1826. This was also the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which they both signed. 

Q6. Which president of the United States was the first to host a Fourth of July celebration at the White House?

A6. Thomas Jefferson in 1801

I'm looking forward to sharing more of your personal stories - oral, written, or otherwise, as we enter our second year. I'd so love to present them to The Flock, hit a mailbox below to share your story.

To me, listening to the William Tell Overture is just as much a part of July 4th as watching firewoks. Rossini did a masterful job. To listen to Rossini's William Tell Overture hit the link below.

William Tell Overture

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