Category: May Month

  • NATIONAL MINIATURE GARDEN MONTH | May

    NATIONAL MINIATURE GARDEN MONTH | May

    We celebrate National Miniature Garden Month in May to spread joy and awareness of the new hobby of gardening in miniature.

    #MiniatureGardenMonth 

    National Miniature Garden Month is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature by getting your hands in the soil and having fun crafting and creating to your heart’s content. Whether you are starting to learn about gardening, or you are an experienced gardener, growing a garden in miniature is another way to grow nature’s beauty. Enjoy puttering, planting, and decorating with different themes and special occasions, it will keep your imagination flowing all year long.

    What is miniature gardening?

    A miniature garden is a combination of crafting and gardening. In this new hobby, the rules of gardening have shrunk to fit almost anywhere. They are made using true dwarf and miniature trees that are paired with small-leafed perennials and ground covers for the understory. Combined with a miniature patio and tiny accessories will build a living scene that is an authentic garden in miniature. You can build an eight-foot-long miniature garden in your garden bed, or create one in an eight-inch container for your tabletop. The fun with gardening in miniature is it can be done any time of year, for any season or reason.

    You see, miniature gardening is not only a way to grow, play, experiment, plant, create, invent, dig deeper or garden differently, it is a way touch the hearts of people in ways that they never would have imagined. ~Janit Calvo, Miniature Garden Society

    Miniature gardening has quickly become an enjoyable pastime. In fact, anyone who enjoys working the plants and loves any kind of garden-craft will find this new hobby very inspiring. Some gardeners use specific themes, such as fairy gardens filled with gnomes and fairies, with pathways going to and fro. Other themes can reflect a holiday or your favorite storybook, complete with symbols or figures from your own nostalgic memories. Whatever you decide to create, your masterpiece will be a reflection of you.

    Starting A Miniature Garden

    A garden in miniature follows the first basic rule of finding the right plant for the right place. So, the first thing to do when beginning a miniature garden is to decide where you want your little world to live. Whether you are growing indoors, outdoors, in shade or sun, you can find miniature plants to suit almost any location.

    After finding the perfect spot for your mini garden, select plants to suit that spot that have the same light and water needs. Have fun choosing plants of different heights and different textures. Then, you can choose your accessories and patio material that will suit your theme. Include a bench that you can visualize sitting on, and perhaps a birdbath filled with water to float little flowers in.

    Miniature Garden Ideas

    • Holiday themes.
    • Special occasions.
    • Recreate childhood memories.
    • Altar or yoga garden for meditation theme.
    • Fantasy worlds.
    • Whimsical fairy themes.

    MINIATURE GARDEN CELEBRATIONS

    • Attend a miniature garden class to begin creating your own miniature garden.
    • Learn about the best plants to use with a miniature garden.
    • Visit a local garden center to look for dwarf and miniature trees and plants.
    • Make a miniature garden for your next charity raffle, or gifts for your teacher or coworker.
    • If you’re an experienced miniature gardener, teach a class at your local garden center or community center.
    • Host a miniature garden creating party with friends and family.
    • Visit MiniatureGarden.com for more insight, videos, and ideas.
    • Learn more about the hobby and become a member of the Miniature Garden Society.
    • Visit Two Green Thumbs Miniature Garden Center for your plants, patios and accessories to create your next miniature garden.

    FOUNDER OF NATIONAL MINIATURE GARDEN MONTH

    In 2022, National Day Calendar approved National Miniature Garden Month on behalf of Janit Calvo and Two Green Thumbs Miniature Garden Center. Janit is the original founder of the modern miniature garden hobby. She is also the president of the Miniature Garden Society and author of the bestselling books on the hobby, Gardening in Miniature, published by Timber Press. Janit has been spreading the joy of miniature gardening since 2001.

    Janit’s love of miniature gardening was sparked in 1999 after seeing the miniature and dwarf conifers at a nursery in north Seattle where she was working at the time. A lifelong gardener and lover of all things miniature, Janit began combining these two major hobbies, wondering why it wasn’t a hobby yet. Since then, she has spent more than two decades building the marketplace for everyone to learn about this new blend of craft and gardening. The hobby is now an official pastime. 

    Janit’s love of miniature gardening was sparked in 1999 after seeing the miniature and dwarf conifers at a nursery in north Seattle where she was working at the time. A lifelong gardener and lover of all things miniature, Janit began blending these two major hobbies wondering why it wasn’t a hobby yet. She has spent more than a decade building the marketplace for everyone to learn about this new blend of crafting and gardening. In doing so, more and more people came forward declaring they have been a miniature gardener, too. The hobby is now an official pastime.

    Miniature Garden Society

    Janit created the Miniature Garden Society in 2015 as a place for mini gardeners to find the right information for success. The Miniature Garden Society provides a space for those who are passionate about all things gardening in miniature. Members have a place to connect with other like-minded miniature gardeners, get valuable insight, stay inspired and learn skills and techniques through unique DIY projects specifically for miniature gardeners.

    Through this Society, you too can learn about plant and growing information, find seasonal maintenance advice, a ton of inspiration and examples of in-ground and container gardens, and you can interact in the forums by asking specific questions about any mini garden project. See more information here, at MiniatureGardenSociety.org.

    Publications

    • Gardening in Miniature: Create Your Own Tiny Living World
    • Gardening in Miniature Prop Shop: Handmade Accessories for Your Own Tiny Living World
    • The Mini Garden Gazette eNewsletter, published since 2006.

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  • NATIONAL RETURNING YOUTH MONTH – May 4 – June 4

    Each year between May 4 and June 4, National Returning Youth Month brings awareness to young adults transitioning into society after incarceration. This monthly observance encourages all Americans to remove the stigma associated with those coming out of incarceration. Most importantly, National Returning Youth Month opens well-deserved dialog to support post-incarcerated youth.

    #ReturningYouthMonth

    Many believe young adults in our society have unlimited resources that will guide them towards successful adulthood. Unfortunately, nearly 11 percent of all teenagers and young adults in the U.S. are faced with lack of support and resources to become productive citizens. According to Measure of America, 4.1 million young adults between ages 16 and 24 are falling behind in the U.S. Sadly, these disconnected youth do not attend school or maintain employment. Oftentimes, many resort to making bad decisions in order survive. As a result, they are often incarcerated and labeled for the rest of their lives.

    Returning to daily life after incarceration can be stressful and discouraging. But, by providing the right tools, post-incarcerated youth can become productive members of society. The key to success and most effective way to achieve that success is offering guidance, access to resources, and provide alternative solutions to avoid future incarceration.

    HOW TO SUPPORT RETURNING YOUTH MONTH

    There are many things you can do to welcome back incarcerated youth into society.

    • Encourage businesses to participate in employment opportunities.
    • Advocate at the local, state, and national level.
    • Become a mentor.
    • Provide free medical and psychological services.
    • Donate to the Returning Youth Initiative.
    • Purchase bus passes or provide transportation to and from job interviews.
    • Be supportive and non-judgemental.
    • Share your stories of success on social media using #ReturningYouthMonth.

    HISTORY OF NATIONAL RETURNING YOUTH MONTH

    Credit for establishing National Returning Youth Month belongs to Dr. Surajit Khanna, founder of the Returning Youth Initiative, which is a program designed to restore the hopes and dreams to returning youth. This monthly observance begins on Dr. Khanna’ birthday in honor of his dedication as an advocate for post-incarcerated young adults and lasts an entire month.

    Dr. Khanna celebrates a birthday on May 4, which is the same day National Returning Youth Month begins. Incidentally, this is the same day we celebrate National Star Wars Day. The Returning Youth Initiative want today’s youth to be with their loved ones and not to be incarcerated. When saying “May the 4th be with you,” on National Star Wars Day, remember to also say “May the youth be with you” to kick off the first day of National Returning Youth Month.

    Dr. Khanna

    Dr. Khanna is an attorney, a child safety advocate, and a servant of the underserved. He volunteers his time on post-incarcerated young adults’ issues. He considers himself the “voice of the voiceless” and provides building blocks to create a better future for post-incarcerated youth. In addition, he also supports mentoring opportunities with organizations and assists with providing appropriate supervision to reduce recidivism among participants. Best of all, he breaks barriers on the stigma placed on post-incarcerated youth face returning into society.

    Returning Youth Initiative Goals:

    • Welcome post-incarcerated young adults into society with an integrated approach, be part of their community, and not return to a life of crime.
    • Provide young adults with a pathway to a productive life.
    • Provide housing, food, life skills training, trade skills training, secure employment, and long-term education.

    In 2022, the Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Returning Youth Month to be observed annually May 4 to June 4. Join National Day Calendar and the Returning Youth Initiative as we celebrate National Returning Youth Month.

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  • JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH – May

    JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

    Jewish American Heritage Month in May reflects on the contributions of the Jewish people to a young and growing Nation over its almost 250-year history. Like many in the United States, their culture and history go far beyond the founding date of the country. The Jewish people began establishing families, businesses, synagogues and contributing to their communities long before 1776.

    In every sector of the Nation, Jews have made vital contributions to the culture and molding of the country. Each generation made contributions that shaped who we are today. From the early progress of colonies deciding to raise arms against the British (Hyam Solomon) to our courts (Louis Brandeis and Elena Kagan), they continue to build upon the civilization their forefathers sought. Others brought their scientific knowledge (Albert Einstein and Jonas Salk) while a community of business leaders created foundations (Al Fleishman and Monroe Green). They also filled the world of arts with immense talent entertaining us (Woody Allen, Barbara Streisand, J.J. Abrams), creating classic compositions (Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein), or writing timeless works (Norman Mailer, Ayn Rand).

    Jewish American Heritage Month also looks at the history of injustice the Jewish people have had to overcome for centuries, not just in America but around the world. It’s a time to reflect on the tragic conditions they suffered and at times continue to face. The observance also offers the opportunity to end anti-Semitism and learn the history behind it.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth

    During Jewish American Heritage Month attend local events hosted by heritage centers, libraries, schools, and synagogs. These organizations host seminars, webinars and other events sharing the heritage, history, and culture of Jewish Americans. You can also take time to read books, memoirs or documentaries on the subject. Share your Jewish heritage and family history or speak at a local event.

    Use #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth to share on social media.

    JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

    Following resolutions passed by the House and Senate, in 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed May to be Jewish American Heritage Month. His proclamation was the result of efforts by the Jewish Museum of Florida and South Florida Jewish community leaders.

    Each year since then, the sitting president proclaims Jewish American Heritage Month in May.

     

     

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  • GLOBAL EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND FITNESS MONTH – May

    GLOBAL EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND FITNESS MONTH

    Every year in May, Global Employee Health and Fitness Month aims to improve the health of the global workforce. Through initiatives and helpful programs, the campaign encourages employers to engage their employees in healthful activities. It also provides a variety of wellness and fitness programs to complement already existing programs. Employers with wellness programs have healthier employees who are more productive. Wellness programs reduce overall healthcare costs and reduce illness and injury.

    Employees who participate in wellness programs have lower stress levels, better overall health, and improved confidence, too. Challenge employees to pair up with partners to take the stairs or go for a walk on their lunch break. Take stretch breaks and eat healthy meals. Make sure to get plenty of rest and track your exercise, too. Join the movement and encourage others to join you.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #EmployeeHealthAndFitnessMonth

    Employers can participate by offering wellness programs and incentives to employees who participate. Create challenges and opportunities to encourage employees to be physically active and focus on their health. Employees, encourage your employer to join the movement. Other ways to participate include:

    • Invite other co-workers to join you for a walk on your lunch break
    • Choose the farthest parking space or walk to work
    • Take the stairs
    • Use a standing desk
    • Participate in desk exercises

    Use #EmployeeHealthAndFitnessMonth to share on social media.

    GLOBAL EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND FITNESS MONTH

    The National Association for Health and Fitness launched the observance in 1989 to encourage employers to invest in their employees’ health. Each year the campaign has grown from a national observance to a now global event.

     

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  • BETTER SPEECH AND LANGUAGE MONTH – May

    BETTER SPEECH AND LANGUAGE MONTH

    Throughout May, Better Speech and Language Month aims to raise awareness concerning disorders of speech, hearing, voice, and language. Communication disorders can develop at any point during a lifetime. The causes vary, too. Sometimes disorders appear at birth, impacting speech and communication. Other times, injury, illness or a genetic disorder develops.

    Regardless of the cause, treatments and alternate means of communication provide options. Early intervention can help to identify external causes or help to address hearing concerns in children. Using hearing protection on the job and listening to music and other media at reasonable levels will help to preserve hearing. Even short-term exposure can have damaging effects.

    There are a variety of illnesses that speech-language pathologists and audiologists can work together on a plan of treatment to improve quality of life and improve recovery.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #BetterSpeechAndLanguageMonth

    • Learn Better Speech and Language Month by visiting the American Speech Language Hearing Association website.
    • Share your speech-language-hearing success and struggles.
    • Give a shout-out to your favorite audiologist or speech-language pathologist.
    • Use #BetterSpeechLanguageMonth to share on social media.

    BETTER SPEECH AND LANGUAGE MONTH HISTORY

    Since 1927, the American Speech Language Hearing Association has promoted Better Speech and Language Month to increase awareness surrounding speech, hearing, voice, and language disorders and to improve the outcomes through prevention and the therapy and treatments available.

     

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  • ALS AWARENESS MONTH – May

    ALS AWARENESS MONTH

    May is ALS Awareness Month, and with it comes a round of support and advocacy for everyone who has received the diagnosis. ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease that is progressively neurodegenerative. It affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The disorder affects nerves and muscles, gradually impacting a person’s ability to speak, swallow, breathe, and walk – every aspect of their life.

    ALS Fast Facts
    • ALS progresses rapidly and is terminal.
    • Researchers are still searching for a cause.
    • Only 10% of ALS diagnoses are hereditary.
    • Veterans face a higher risk of developing ALS.
    • The VA does provide support for veterans with ALS.

    Physicians will run several tests to rule out other conditions. ALS is difficult to diagnose due to its similarities to other conditions. While there is no cure, treatments currently available can slow the disease’s progression.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #ALSAwarenessMonth

    • Learn more about ALS or donate to show your support by visiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association website.
    • Join a local event such as an ALS walk or run.
    • Visit the ALS Association website for information.
    • Use #ALSAwarenessMonth to share on social media.

    ALS AWARENESS MONTH HISTORY

    The United States Senate passed Joint Resolution 174, designating May 1992 as National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month. President George H. W. Bush signed proclamation 6426.

    Every May since organizations have observed  ALS Awareness Month across the nation with events designed to promote research and provide improved support for those coping with the disease and the families who care for them.

     

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  • SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH – May

    SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

    All May long, Skin Cancer Awareness Month encourages us to learn preventative skin care habits and seek screenings for early intervention.

    Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and it’s also one of the most preventable. Wearing sun protection either in the form of clothing or broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen and seeking shade when outdoors is the first line of defense. Knowing your moles is another line of defense and how to spot a change in your skin helps in early detection. Most skin cancers are highly treatable.

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Prepare for outdoor activities and summer skin exposure. Carry sun protection everywhere you go – for you and the family. Re-apply sun-block throughout the day, even on cloudy days. When possible, wear long-sleeves and spend time in the shade. Know your risk. Have those moles checked and get a baseline on file with your dermatologists. For more information visit skincancer.org and use #SkinCancerAwarenessMonth to share on social media.

    HISTORY

    The American Academy of Dermatology, the CDC, the Skin Cancer Foundation and many other organizations support Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

     

     

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  • NATIONAL PRESERVATION MONTH – May

    NATIONAL PRESERVATION MONTH

    May is dedicated to National Preservation Month. Also known as Historic Preservation Month, the month celebrates the nation’s heritage through historic places. Organizations across the country promote a variety of activities on the local, state, and national levels. Whether you are interested in touring historical sites or helping to preserve the history in your backyard, there is something for everyone.

    Not only are the places worth preserving, but the stories behind them are, too. Everywhere we go, there is more to discover. Whether the story is found in archives or attics, peeling back the layers of time helps us understand the past. Recording stories help to provide a rich and lively history of the people who lived and worked there. We can better imagine their hardships, what they overcame, and the difficult decisions they made in the face of adversity.

    How To Get Started
    • Learn about volunteer opportunities in your area. You might be able to rehabilitate historic buildings or sort archived material.
    • Check your attic, basement, garage, or other outbuildings. Do you have historical documents or photos that may contribute to your community’s history?
    • Visit local museums and learn the history of your community. Then learn even more. Find out about the heritage of the area before your town’s charter.
    • Explore the history of a single building. What businesses took up shop over the years? How has it transformed? How has it been preserved?
    • Discover parts of your city you’ve never seen before! Get lost and study the architecture. Speak to the people in the neighborhood. Seek the untold stories.
    • Join a preservation organization. These are just a few to get you started:
    Organizations 
      • National Trust For Historic Preservation
      • State Historic Preservation Office
      • National Register of Historic Places
      • National Park Service
      • Preservation Action
      • National Alliance of Preservation Commissions
      • National Main Street Center
      • Daughters of the American Revolution
      • Sons of the American Revolution
      • Local and State Museums
      • Local and State Historical Societies

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Get excited about the history around us! Celebrate the places, stories, and people behind them, even those not yet discovered. Stitching every story together, every single one, creates a richer, more complete picture of our nation.

    Share your favorite historic place. Take time to visit a museum or tour a place you’ve always wanted to see. Investigate a story you heard a grandparent tell, or better yet, record it!

    Use #NationalPreservationMonth to share on social media.

    HISTORY

    The National Trust for Historic Preservation established a week in May as National Historic Preservation week in 1973. The events included film series, balls, home tours, special units in schools, symposiums, and much more. According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, “A Joint Congressional Resolution was introduced on February 15, 1973, by Sen. Henry M. Jackson (D-Wash.), chairman of the Senate Interior and Insular Affairs Committee to designate the week of May 6-12, 1973, as National Preservation Week. President Richard Nixon signed the resolution into law on May 5, 1973.

    First Lady Patricia Nixon, who presented the National Trust awards during the third annual Awards Luncheon in the Decatur House Garden on May 8th, also read the Presidential proclamation: ‘As the pace of change accelerates in the world around us, Americans more than ever need a lively awareness of our roots and origins in the past on which to base our sense of identity in the present and our directions for the future.’” 

    In 2005, the National Trust expanded the celebration to a month-long observance. It allows a broader opportunity for organizations to display our ever-growing and unique heritage. Each year the National Trust selects a theme and invites preservationists from coast to coast to share their efforts.

     

     

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  • NATIONAL WILDFIRE AWARENESS MONTH – May

    NATIONAL WILDFIRE AWARENESS MONTH

    National Wildfire Awareness Month dedicates the entire month of May to prevention and preparedness.

    While wildfires may not be prevalent in every state, the responsibility to be aware and alert belongs to all of us. The causes of wildfires can occur in every state, and as mobile as our lifestyles have become, we each need to be prepared.

    According to the National Interagency Fire Center, humans cause an average of 68% of fires per year in the United States. Of those human-started fires, 2.8 million acres burn each year. In 2018, 8,767,492 acres burned due to human-started and lightning strikes.

    There are steps to take to both prevent wildfires and prevent them. From fire-resistant building materials to following the safety protocols for handling fire when camping, heating your home or storing fuel, we can all take part in reducing wildfires.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #WildfireAwarenessMonth

    Visit the National Interagency Fire Center website to learn more about what you can do to make your property better prepared for a wildfire. Learn more about fire safety and how to take shelter when a wildfire event occurs. Use #WildfireAwarenessMonth to share on social media.

    NATIONAL WILDFIRE AWARENESS MONTH HISTORY

    National Wildfire Awareness Month has been declared in 10 western states to increase prevention and preparedness for wildfires throughout the country.

     

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  • NATIONAL CYSTIC FIBROSIS AWARENESS MONTH – May

    NATIONAL CYSTIC FIBROSIS AWARENESS MONTH

    National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month in May encourages education in the battle against a lung disease affecting more than 30,000 people in the United States.

    Cystic Fibrosis (CF) affects more than just the lungs. This genetic disease causes constant lung infections, but it also impacts other organs in the body where mucus builds up.

    While there is still no cure for CF, advancements in treatment have made it possible for those with CF to live much longer than ever before. However, they live under the risk of infection and health problems due to CF. A cure is still needed.

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Attend an event near you this month.  Whether it’s a fundraiser or an informational clinic, every opportunity to help eliminate CF will increase the quality of life for those who born with it.  Use #CFAwarenessMonth to learn more.

    HISTORY

    National Cystic Fibrosis Month has been observed in May since the mid-1990s. Visit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for more information.

     

     

     

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