Category: June 03

  • WORLD CLUBFOOT DAY – June 3

    WORLD CLUBFOOT DAY

    Every year on June 3rd, World Clubfoot Day seeks to unite those affected by clubfoot so that they can inspire and encourage one another. It’s also a day to spread awareness for this common congenital disability.

    #WorldClubfootDay

    Each year, up to 200,000 babies across the globe are born with clubfoot. This statistic makes clubfoot one of the most common congenital disabilities in the world. This defect occurs when a baby’s foot twists inward and downward. Clubfoot develops during the formation of the baby’s bones, ligaments, and muscles in the womb. Babies with clubfoot can either have a mild or severe case. In the most severe cases, a baby’s foot looks like it is upside down. In over half of the cases of clubfoot, both feet are affected.

    Impact

    Left untreated, clubfoot can cause a variety of complications. These complications include arthritis and the inability to walk normally. Children with clubfoot might also struggle with a poor self-image. To avoid these kinds of complications, patients usually begin treatment after birth.

    One of the most effective forms of treatment for clubfoot is called the Ponseti method. This treatment option involves placing a cast on the foot to hold it in a specific position. Every week, the foot gets repositioned and recast. Repositioning and recasting of the foot are repeated for several months. Toward the end of the process, surgeons perform a minor surgery to lengthen the Achilles tendon. After this entire process, the baby wears special shoes and braces for up to three years until the position of the foot is fully corrected. If the Ponseti method is not effective, a more invasive type of surgery may be necessary.

    Treatment can help a child born with clubfoot live a fully active life. However, many children throughout the world do not have access to clubfoot treatment. In certain countries, children with untreated clubfoot face exclusion from society. They are unable to get an education and might be unable to work. In some cases, communities also ostracize the mother, blaming her for the child’s deformity.

    HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD CLUB FOOT DAY

    A variety of events are held on this day that enables families affected by clubfoot to meet, connect, and support one another. Many hospitals, foot, and ankle specialists, and healthcare organizations also hold educational seminars and presentations. To participate:

    • If you or a family member has been affected by clubfoot, share your story on social media.
    • Read about famous people born with clubfeet, such as Dudley Moore, Troy Aikman, and Kristi Yamaguchi.
    • Donate to Hope Walks or another organization that offers clubfoot treatment for those in low-income countries.

    Spread awareness for this day on social media with #WorldClubfootDay

    WORLD CLUBFOOT DAY HISTORY

    The Ponseti International Association (PIA) established World Clubfoot Day in 2013. They chose June 3rd in honor of Dr. Ignacio Ponseti’s birthday. He is the orthopedist who developed the Ponseti method.

  • NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY – First Saturday of Every Month

    NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY

    If it’s the first Saturday of the month, it’s National Play Outside Day. So, no matter what month it is, everyone put down their electronic devices and get outside!

    #PlayOutsideDay

    All year long, we are given numerous opportunities to get outside and play. But sometimes, life, responsibilities, and distractions keep us from spending time in the fresh air as we should. National Play Outside Day is a reminder to stretch our legs and expend some energy in the great outdoors.

    Benefits of Outdoor Play

    Why is playing outside so good for us? Besides getting us off the sofa or away from the desk, it also gives us an opportunity to explore our neighborhoods. While it’s impossible to list all the benefits of outdoor play, we do have a few to share.

    • Playing outdoors is a freeing activity. It frees us from routines, enclosed spaces, and frames of mind.
    • The outdoors fills us with energy. Whether it’s the fresh air, sunshine, or physical activity, we perk up and become motivated to accomplish things.
    • It clears the cobwebs from our brains. We sometimes get stuck on a topic, project, or issue and are unable to resolve it. A change of scene often brings clarity we didn’t have before.
    • Outdoor play provides terrific physical activity for our bodies. Our hearts pump fresh oxygen to our limbs and brains.
    • We experience new sights and sounds. Children get to experience the world around them.
    • As a social activity, playing outside encourages positive interactions.
    • When you play outside every month, it becomes habit-forming – and this is one good habit to have!
    • It stimulates the imagination. Outdoor play almost has no boundaries. Your yard can be a kingdom or the playground can be a mountain to scale.

    We’ve only scratched the surface of the benefits of outdoor play. There are so many more! So, be sure to get outside with the family on the first Saturday of every month – or even more often than that!

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY

    We know the seasons change, so what we were able to do outside last month will be different this month. However, that shouldn’t stop you from celebrating the day. This is your monthly reminder that it’s time to get outside and play. We have suggestions for every season that we’re sure you’ll enjoy!

    • Explore hiking trails near you.
    • Visit the local swimming pool or even take swimming lessons.
    • Check out every park in your neighborhood and climb, slide or swing on every playground set.
    • Start a game of catch, kickball, tag, or Frisbee or make up a game.
    • Go to the beach.
    • Run through the sprinkler.
    • Go camping.
    • Go fishing.
    • Fly a kite.
    • Jump in a pile of leaves.
    • Build a fort – of leaves or snow or whatever is handy.
    • Walk around the block.
    • Go for a bike ride.
    • Build a snowperson.
    • Go sledding.
    • Identify the constellations at night and look for meteors.
    • Visit your favorite state or national park.
    • Check out these 9 Fun Winter Outdoor Activities.

    What’s your favorite way to play outside? Introduce some of the games you used to play to your children. Whatever you do, be sure to get outside and play! Use #PlayOutsideDay to share on social media.

    NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY HISTORY

    In 2011, Aaron Wiggans and Rhonda D. Abeyta founded National Play Outside Day as a reminder to explore and play in the world outside. The day encourages healthful habits that will last a lifetime.

  • CHIMBORAZO DAY – June 3

    Every year on June 3rd, Chimborazo Day celebrates the highest point on Earth. It’s also a day to lace up the hiking boots and hit the closest trail.

    #ChimborazoDay

    Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador. The mountain measures 20,000 feet. This is less than Mount Everest, which is more than 29,000 feet. While technically Chimborazo is not the highest mountain in the world, it is the highest point on earth. How can this be? It all depends on how the mountains are measured. Chimborazo is located on the Earth’s bulge at the equator. Because this mountain is measured from Earth’s center, instead of sea level, it is the closest point to the moon.

    Here are some other interesting facts about Chimborazo:

    • Located in the Andes Mountains, it is only the 39th highest peak in its range.
    • It ranks as the 16th most prominent mountain in the world
    • The mountain is a dormant volcano that last erupted 1,400 years ago.
    • The upper elevations are covered with glaciers.
    • The word Chimborazo either means “women of snow” or “mountain of ice.”
    • It contains four major summits.
    • The mountain is subject to severe weather and avalanches, making it difficult to climb.

    During the 17th and 18th centuries, many attempts were made to climb the mountain. An English climber named Edward Whymper made the first successful assent in 1880. Today, when most people climb the mountain, they take the El Castillo Route. This route ascends 4,250 feet up the west side. It takes between 8 and 12 hours to climb the mountain on this route and up to 5 hours to climb back down.

    HOW TO OBSERVE CHIMBORAZO DAY

    Many people in Ecuador celebrate this day by visiting Chimborazo. You don’t have to travel to Ecuador to participate, though! Here are some other ways to take part:

    • Watch videos and read articles about Chimborazo.
    • Learn about other famous mountains like Matterhorn, Mount Fuji, Denali, and Mount Kilimanjaro.
    • Enjoy the day hiking or spending time in the great outdoors with your family or friends.
    • Watch a movie that features mountain climbing, such as Touching the Void, North Face, The Wildest Dream, and Meru.

    Spread awareness for the highest point on earth with #ChimborazoDay.

    CHIMBORAZO DAY HISTORY

    Our research team is still looking for the history of this fun day.

  • WORLD BICYCLE DAY – June 3

    WORLD BICYCLE DAY

    On June 3, World Bicycle Day targets individuals as a way to promote a healthy lifestyle, especially for those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

    #WorldBicycleDay

    Organizers also target local governments to encourage them to improve road safety and integrate bicycling into transportation infrastructure planning and design.

    Bicycles and the routes their riders are on the increase. They’re seen as a healthier, inexpensive and convenient mode of transportation, and they’re sharing the road with more traditional urban transit systems. City planners looking to alleviate the increased flow of automobile traffic encourage bicycles usage. In some cities, public transportation systems can’t handle the demand, so cities are beginning to accommodate bikes with improvements such as “bicycle-only lanes” and other improvements.

    Did you know that according to transportation researchers, $50 billion is spent worldwide on bicycles each year – and that number is growing? On top of that, the U.S. cycling market is a $5.9 billion industry.  In many cities, dockless bicycle systems are fueling the popularity of bicycling. Dockless systems allow users to locate a bicycle nearby and unlock it electronically. Did you know that the fastest-growing bicycle type in the market right now is electric?

    HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD BICYCLE DAY

    If you own a bicycle, get on it, and see how far you can travel before getting exhausted. Then, every week, try to extend that distance.

    Rent a bicycle to try a different exercise such as back road bicycling, mountain biking, or urban cruising. On social media, #WorldBicycleDay or #June3WorldBicycleDay will help you interact with others about the day.

    WORLD BICYCLE DAY HISTORY

    The first World Bicycle Day was observed in 2019. In April 2018, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 3 as International World Bicycle Day.

  • NATIONAL BLACK BEAR DAY – First Saturday in June

    NATIONAL BLACK BEAR DAY

    On the first Saturday in June, National Black Bear Day recognizes the most commonly found bear in North America.

    Also known as the American black bear, its scientific name is Ursus americanus. Despite their name, black bears can even come shades of cinnamon, blue/black, blue/grey and in rare instances, white. Found in 40 U.S. states and every Canadian province, the black bear’s enormous range is only beaten by one other four-legged mammal, the whitetail deer.

    #NationalBlackBearDay

    According to North Carolina Black Bear Biologist, Colleen Olfenbuttel, coastal North Carolina has the largest black bears on the planet. The current world record and the previous world record came from North Carolina. She also points out the northeastern part of the state also has the world’s highest black bear densities. In North Carolina black bears have access to high protein crops and enjoy mild winters – which is why they are so many bears and grow to be so enormous there. 

    When a black bear stands on its hind legs, it has the most human-like qualities. They have a prey instead of a predator mentality, so they aren’t interested in eating you or your pets. Because they are omnivores, bears eat plants and animals. They forage for berries, roots, and insects, but will also eat small mammals, fish, and carrion. If a bear has been fed human food, it will also help himself to your picnic leftovers or camping supplies. This is where they have earned a bad reputation, but that’s why we shouldn’t feed the bears!

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL BLACK BEAR DAY

    Learn more about the American black bear. It’s likely you live within driving distance of a preserve where black bears can be observed in the wild. Respect their habitat, follow the park’s rules, and you’ll get to view one of North America’s most extraordinary animals. Use #NationalBlackBearDay to share on social media.

    NC Black Bear Festival LogoNATIONAL BLACK BEAR DAY HISTORY 

    NC Black Bear Festival founded National Black Bear Day the first Saturday in June to celebrate America’s black bear while educating people about this magnificent mammal and dispelling many of the myths.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Black Bear Day to be observed annually beginning in 2018.

  • NATIONAL BUBBLY DAY – First Saturday in June

    NATIONAL BUBBLY DAY

    Pour a glass of sparkling sunshine to celebrate National Bubbly Day every first Saturday in June!

    #NationalBubblyDay

    Bubbly, or sparkling wine, reflects the excitement associated with memorable events. Effervescent bubbles combine with the appealing flavors and aromas ranging from citrus, apple, and pear to toasted fruit, spices, and nuts. Whether paired with a full meal or light appetizers, these wines satisfy the requirement for an unforgettable celebration.

    However, different areas of the world create their own special brand of bubbly according to strict methods and select grapes which produce a sparkling wine unique to each region.

    Produced in the rolling hills of Spain, Cava fills a glass with bright citrus and fruit notes. Protected in Spain, this bubbly must meet stringent requirements to earn the name Cava. Using only the “Traditional Method” which requires a second fermentation in the bottle.

    While many people refer to bubbly as Champagne, to earn the name the wine must be made in the Champagne region of France with certain kinds of grapes and a specific method. When celebrating with Champagne, enjoy the crisp flavors of apple or a nutty, sweet finish.

    Another sparkle on the bubbly scene takes us to Italy and Prosecco. Made primarily from the Glera grape, Prosecco celebrates refreshing floral and fruit notes.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL BUBBLY DAY

    Pop the cork on a bottle of bubbly and celebrate by sharing a toast among friends! While you’re enjoying the fizz, serve up a meat and cheese tray, too. Make it a light and enjoyable evening. Use #NationalBubblyDay to share on social media.

    NATIONAL BUBBLY DAY HISTORY

    Freixenet Cava, known for its iconic black bottle, founded National Bubbly Day to celebrate the wine that makes celebrations extraordinary and worthy of the word! Since 1861 and for five generations, the Ferrer family continues to bring quality bubbly to your celebrations where ever you are in the world.

  • NATIONAL EGG DAY – June 3rd

    NATIONAL EGG DAY | JUNE 3

    June 3rd is time to get a crack on the annual observance of National Egg Day!

    #NationalEggDay

    The nutrient-rich food has gone back and forth with science and nutritionists over the decades as to just how many eggs are too many for a healthy diet. However, one egg provides an excellent source of protein and vitamin D. At 75 calories and 5 grams of fat, it’s an easy choice to satisfy hunger, too.

    Eggs are easily seasoned and pair well with vegetables to increase the nutritional value of a meal. Eggs are an essential ingredient to baked goods and are a part of our everyday diets. There’s so much to celebrate in these small packages.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL EGG DAY

    Enjoy eggs for breakfast.  How about a fried egg sandwich for lunch? What’s your favorite way to enjoy an egg? If you’re looking for terrific ways to cook up your eggs, explore Eggs 11 Ways to learn more.  Use #NationalEggDay when posting on social media.

    Educators and families, check out a project from the April National Day Calendar Classroom that works well to celebrate this day, too!

    NATIONAL EGG DAY HISTORY

    While National Day Calendar has yet identified the origins of this egg-cellent holiday, take a crack at these other food celebrations. They’re hard to beat. That’s all yolks!

  • NATIONAL PRAIRIE DAY – First Saturday in June

    NATIONAL PRAIRIE DAY

    On the first Saturday of June, we recognize one of the richest ecosystems on the face of the earth with National Prairie Day. In North America, the prairies are at the heart of the continent.

    #NationalPrairieDay

    A wide swath of central North America comprises flat grassland running from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan down to Texas. Prairies provide homes to a wide variety of wildlife including prairie dogs, prairie chickens, buffalo, bison, elk, deer, rabbits, hawks, and foxes. They are also home to diverse native prairie plantings offering year-round food, shelter, and nesting grounds for habitat.

    What took thousands of years to form approximately 170 million acres has been reduced in the last 150 years to 1 percent of habitat. Where once a vast and un-numbered variety of species thrived, the fertile soil now produces bumper crops of wheat, sorghum, flax, rye, and oats.

    As a result, we’ve lost complex established ecosystems that once supported precious native birds, pollinators, insects, and other native wildlife. Habitat loss contributes to extinctions. However, what remains is still teeming with diverse flora and fauna species. Many of these species are endangered of becoming extinct and some still yet to be discovered and identified. Amazingly, original tracts of undisturbed prairie serve as living ecological and native American cultural research stations. These models of precious ecosystems with genetic resources continue to be studied, their ecological worth, and economic benefits yet to be realized.

    Opportunity

    National Prairie Day creates a chance to educate the public about preservation, conservation, and restoration. It also teaches us about the history, wildlife, and habitats of the prairie. Understanding the prairie means looking beyond what often initially appears simple and learningat each form of life that thrives within it. It also means comprehending complex systems we can learn from and ensuring our future. The natural beauty of prairies can be breathtaking, too. Today’s “amber waves of grain” were created from the fertile soil of these oceans of grasslands. They were were once tall enough to hide a man on horseback! Prairies inspired the paintings of Harvey Dunn in South Dakota, poetry from Walt Whitman, and books from authors such as Laura Ingalls Wilder in Missouri.

    Measurable Interrelated Benefits of Prairie Include:

    Water Quality and Quantity Protection:
    • Prairies absorb up to seven inches of rain without runoff.
    • Prairie plants are adapted to drought; It’s like having drought insurance.
    • They offer watershed protection.
    • Prairies also increase water infiltration and water yield, increase water supply by reducing erosion and reservoir sedimentation.
    • Because fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides aren’t used on these natural habitats, they  increase water quality.
    • Stormwater management on the prairie acts as a sponge that curbs soil erosion and flooding.
    Soil Quality and Quantity Protection:
    • Prairie soil microbes can also reduce the amount of synthetic chemicals used in agriculture.
    • The root systems of native prairie grasses firmly hold soil in place to prevent soil run-off.
    • One acre of prairie can store well over one ton of carbon per acre per year.
    • Native prairie plants with roots up to 15 feet deep act as a sponge, absorbing up to seven inches of rain without flooding.
    Birds, Native Pollinators, and Wildlife Protection:
    • Native bees are found to be 40 times more efficient pollinators than honey bees.
    • Praries support pollination to adjacent farms through native pollinators.
    • They provide habitat to migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, waterbirds and songbirds.
    • Praries protect animals adapted to wide open spaces with few trees.
    Energy Independence via Biofuels:
    • Prairie biomass can be harvested for renewable energy, creating natural gas.
    North American Cultural and Natural Heritage Conservation:
    • Praries provide the opportunity to learn primitive skills.
    • They are rich in Native American history.
    • They are also rich in homesteading history.
    Plant Biodiversity Protection:
    • Praries offer management by grazing fire disturbance.
    • Prairie plantings can be considered a form of drought insurance as they are adapted to drought, grazing, and fire.
    • Forbs (native wildflowers) are of particular importance as food sources for native insects and wildlife.
    • Endangered plant species have yet to be studied for their medicinal potential.
    • Paries are full of natural seed stores and offer propagation of endangered species.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PRAIRIE DAY

    Learn about prairies by participating in a Prairie BioBlitz. National Prairie Day also includes other ways to celebrate.

    • Visit public prairies and take in the views, nature and wildlife around you.
    • Support local, state, and national organizations committed to prairie education, conservation, and restoration
    • Create your own prairie garden at home. You will see how it changes through the season while giving back to nature.

    You can also learn more about prairies by visiting these websites:

    The Prarie Enthusiasts
    Prairie Ecologist
    Land Institute
    American Prarie
    National Park Service

    Use #NationalPrairieDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL PRAIRIE DAY HISTORY

    In 2015, Christine Chiu of the Missouri Prairie Foundation founded National Prairie Day to educate the public about the vital ecosystem and increase prairie education, conservation, and restoration. 

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Prairie Day to be observed on the first Saturday in June annually. 

  • NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MACAROON DAY – June 3

    CHOCOLATE MACAROON DAY | JUNE 3

    Each year, National Chocolate Macaroon Day celebrates a tasty treat. Last month we celebrated National Macaroon Day on May 31st. Now we add a little chocolate to the mix, sweetening the deal.

    #ChocolateMacaroonDay

    The main ingredient is always shredded coconut, usually sweetened and sometimes toasted. Other ingredients include flour, sugar or sweetened condensed milk, and egg whites and flavoring. Once the ingredients are combined, the mixture is dropped by spoonfuls onto baking sheets and baked. Chocolate is added either to the batter or the baked cookie is dipped into melted chocolate. While these cookies are quite beautiful, people either love or hate coconut. 

    These sturdy cookies go well with coffee and tea, too. Serve them with biscotti, shortbread or lemon cookies to add variety.

    HOW TO OBSERVE CHOCOLATE MACAROON DAY

    Bake up chocolate macaroons for your chocolate and coconut loving friends and family. Share your favorite recipes and combine milk, dark and white chocolates in your recipes. If you’re looking for one to make, enjoy this Chocolate Macaroons recipe.

    Use #ChocolateMacaroonDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MACAROON DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this sweet holiday.

    June 3rd Celebrated History

    1916

    President Woodrow Wilson signs the National Defense Act. The act expanded the size of the United States National Guard.

    1965

    Ed White completes the first spacewalk by an American. He launched into space aboard the spacecraft Gemini 4. The mission was NASA’s first multi-day mission in space.

    2001

    At the Tony Awards, The Producers wins 12 awards. The record-setting musical comedy production by Mel Brooks starred Mathew Broderick and Nathan Lane.

    June 3rd Celebrated Birthdays

    Myrtle Cagle – 1925

    The American pilot and flight instructor began flying at the age of 12. During her career, she endured testing at the Lovelace Clinic under the premise that she could potentially become an astronaut. However, NASA had no intentions at that time of allowing women into the space program.

    Allen Ginsberg – 1926

    The American beat writer is known for his poetry. He published several works including Howl and Other Poems.

    Norman Brinker – 1931

    Once the owner of Chili’s, Norman Brinker developed numerous restaurant concepts including the salad bar.

    Larry McMurty – 1936

    Author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Lonesome Dove, Larry McMurtry’s works have been adapted to film. His gritty westerns weave lore, legend, and history into vivid landscapes and colorful characters.

    Dr. Jill Biden – 1951

    The 48th First Lady of the United States stepped into the role on January 20, 2021. An American professor at Northern Virginia Community College, Jill Biden is thought by many to be the first First Lady to actively hold a paying job during the President’s tenure. She also worked during her husband’s time as Vice President.

    Travis Hafner – 1977

    Travis Hafner played Major League Baseball for nine seasons as a designated hitter and first baseman. Hafner debuted with the Texas Rangers and also played for the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees.

  • NATIONAL REPEAT DAY – June 3

    NATIONAL REPEAT DAY | JUNE 3

    Observed on June 3rd, National Repeat Day could be an opportunity for some and a bad omen for others. Repeating a foot massage or a day with a dear friend would make this holiday special. Repeating a root canal or Hurricane Katrina are not suggested for this day.

    #NationalRepeatDay

    Another way to celebrate is by repeating some of the simple tasks of the day.  Wash the dishes twice.  Make the same meal for lunch as you do for supper. Watch the same movie twice. The 1993 film Groundhog Day comes to mind. Send duplicate text messages.

    Have a great day! Have a great day!

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL REPEAT DAY

    What kind of things do you find yourself repeating throughout the day? Are there phrases you say or actions? Some of us retrace our steps all day long. Others, repeat the same movements. Is there a tradition this time of year that you repeat? Here are some other ideas for celebrating the day:

    • Say “thank you” twice instead of once each time.
    • Wrap the same gift, twice.
    • Call your mom twice and tell her the same things in the second phone call.
    • Repeat your children’s names until they respond to you.
    • Proofread your emails twice. (But only send them once.)
    • Play your favorite song two times and sing along both times, too.
    • Download and print this Repeating Circles coloring page. Maybe even do it twice.

    Use #NationalRepeatDay to post on social media.

    Have you ever done something worth repeating? How about something you never want to repeat again? We have two lists you might want to read – 7 Things Worth Repeating and 7 Things Not Worth Repeating. Are your “things” on the lists?

    NATIONAL REPEAT DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this duplicating holiday.