We’ve all been screaming for ice cream for over 2,500 years

Ice cream is an ancient treat.

By 550 BC, frozen desserts made of ice, honey, saffron and fruits were part of the ancient Iranian culture. The first use of the term “ice cream” in the English language appears in a court document of King Charles II.

American colonials ate it. George Washington’s account books show him spending $200 on ice cream the summer of 1790, and Thomas Jefferson arranged for the installation of an ice house at the President’s House so people could enjoy the dessert year round. Dolley Madison served ice cream at her husband’s inaugural ball in 1813.

At the beginning of the 1900s, the ice cream sundae became a popular soda fountain choice. The Ice Cream Trade Journal for 1909 listed some unique varieties: Robin Hood, cocoa caramel, black hawk, angel cake, cherry dip, cinnamon peak, opera, fleur d‘orange, knickerbocker, tally-ho, Bismarck and George Washington.

On July 15, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation declaring July National Ice Cream Month and called upon the people of the United States “to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

Three decades later, NPR hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton fulfilled their civic duty, devoting an entire show to musical ice cream. You can enjoy cuts from Louis Prima and Jonathan Richman to Van Halen, Syd Barrett and plenty of novelty songs.

Monday, Aug. 15, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., or until the food is gone.
Monday Munch
Individual pizza, tossed salad, ice cream sundae

Wednesday, Aug. 17, noon-1 p.m.
Lunch special
Chef Arnd and his team from the Residence at Shelburne Bay are returning to provide one of their special Wednesday lunches at the Charlotte Senior Center.

Chilled banana and strawberry soup, lemon and dill-poached salmon with Caesar salad, turkey salad over greens with roasted peaches and sliced watermelon with rainbow sherbet.

Registration is required by calling 802-425-6345 or stopping by the reception desk at the senior center by noon Aug. 15.

Thursday, Aug. 18
Grab-&-Go Meal, pick up: 10-11 a.m.
Cavatappi with cheddar cheese and Canadian bacon, beets, broccoli florets, craisin and date cookies, and milk. Registration required by the prior Monday.

Monday, Aug. 22, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Monday Munch
Hot dogs, baked beans, watermelon salad and chocolate cake.

Thursday, Aug. 25
Grab-&-Go Meal, pick up: 10-11 a.m.
Turkey burger with carrots, onion and celery sauce, rice pilaf with lentils, Brussels sprouts, fresh fruit salad and milk.
A $5 contribution is appreciated for the Monday and Wednesday meals. Age Well provides the Thursday Grab-&-Go meals.