• CELEBRATION SPOTLIGHT Priscilla Subramaniyam

    CELEBRATION SPOTLIGHT Priscilla Subramaniyam

    The Celebration Spotlight recently interviewed Celebration Ambassador Priscilla Subramaniyam. Priscilla shares a passion for living each day with positivity. Her energy inspires others to go out and make a difference and to be the best versions of themselves. She infuses these qualities into the National Day Calendar mission and Celebrates Every Day! We visited about being an ambassador, special events and locations in the Kansas City area, and what Celebrate Every Day means to Priscilla.

    Make the Bed

    Michele: Can you share with me some of your background and some of the experiences you’ve had celebrating every day?

    Priscilla: Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be with you today. I’m just thrilled to be a part of the Celebration Nation. This is a movement that means so much to me. And it’s kind of funny how you find your way around such an important motto like this. Back in 2013, when I was interning for a local toy company, I incorporated the National Days into my content for the prospective brands I was interning for. So that’s kind of where I started with the National Days. And it’s kind of funny because I just found different opportunities to incorporate those National Days, International Days, Monthly Observances throughout my career. So that’s probably where I’d say I’ve gotten a little bit of experience with National Days with my career.

    Michele: I’ve listened to your podcasts and your YouTube videos, and you include a lot of your community, important topics, and you’re not afraid to tackle a challenging subject. How has this changed your lifestyle?

    Priscilla: One of the things that is really important to me is believing in yourself, self-empowerment. That starts the minute you get out of bed. Every day that you choose to get out of bed, you’re choosing to make a conscious effort to do something good in your life. It just starts with you getting out of bed. People talk about, “Why is it so important to fix your bed in the morning?” I have tremendous respect for anyone who served in the military, any branch of the military. Thank you for your service. Talk to people who served in the military, and they always say, “The best way to have an attitude of gratitude is to start by just making your bed in the morning.” That’s what I believe with this lifestyle I’ve manifested around Celebrating Every Day.

    “Every day that you choose to get out of bed, you’re choosing to make a conscious effort to do something good in your life.” Priscilla Subramaniyam

    No matter what my day will encompass, it helps with those things that I’m not prepared for, or when there’s something at work I wasn’t anticipating, or there’s a challenge. As a parent, I know I have the right mindset and a sound support system. I have a strong belief in being positive, but it doesn’t mean that my life is perfect. By no means is it that way. I have struggles just like any other person. Struggle is part of human nature. So it’s really important to realize that when you go through hard times in your life, in any capacity, professionally, personally, you have a support system and seek resources when you need them.

    Positivity Vibe Tribe

    Michele: This also goes right into your Positivity Vibe Tribe. The theme is right there. Where did you come up with the idea for it?

    Priscilla: It’s quite fascinating, actually. Nothing really comes into play; the dominoes never really line up as you want them to. Positivity Vibe Tribe has been a culmination of lived experiences. The things I’ve been through in my life, trying to get to the best version of myself. And I believe that pillars of optimism, resilience, and gratitude through positivity – those pillars are really what have helped me in my life to get me to the best version of myself.

    Trivia Question: How many quarts of popcorn do Americans eat annually?

    That’s how the Positivity Vibe Tribe came about. It actually was born on a stage in the spring of 2018. I was in a competition as a finalist. I was asked a question about social media. On that night, on that stage, this idea was born. It’s just funny how you can look back and see how every experience in your life is getting you to a point where you want to be. In spring 2018, I had that really incredible transformative experience. I thought about it, reflected on it. I tried to understand how that experience would shape me.

    Sometimes, we don’t see that challenges can be blessings in disguise. But, quite frankly, I think that being in this global pandemic for this period of time was a big awakening for me. It was an opportunity to set the stage and for me to face my fears and say, “I want to go and put this forward.”

    Leveling Up

    In 2020, I established this digital community called Positivity Vibe Tribe, and we are focused on optimism, resilience, and gratitude through positivity. So, I’m grateful to have been able to have had that experience in 2018. Every experience you are facing, whether positive or negative, I have found that the more challenging situations in life are setting us up for breakthroughs. We’re not always taught that way. It took me a long time in my life to realize that.

    I think it’s about encompassing this lifestyle and having the right mindset, and knowing that every experience you have is a means to get you to the best version of yourself. For anybody out there that thinks life is linear, it’s definitely not. It takes us in so many directions. And the most important thing to remember as a human is that when you are going through something difficult, it’s probably because you are leveling up.

    “…when you are going through something difficult, it’s probably because you are leveling up.” Priscilla Subramaniyam
    Celebrate Every Day Interview with PriscillaNational Popcorn Day

    Michele: Positivity goes really well with the mission of the calendar, too. Yes, there are things we have on the calendar that are complex subjects. But we also look at how they help us grow.

    National Popcorn Day is January 19th and the birthday of National Day Calendar. So what’s going on in your community worth celebrating for National Popcorn Day or any other day for that matter?

    Priscilla: What I want to talk about is a local gem in our community. We have a popcorn shop called Topsy’s Popcorn, and it has been around for over 60 years. We have an open space called the Country Club Plaza, and it’s the first planned suburban shopping mall in the United States. Topsy’s is the oldest merchant in the Country Club Plaza. It originally opened as Patzi’s. They were purchased in 1948 by Mr. Jerry Berger. And then, he changed the name to Topsy’s and registered the name as a trademark on July 1, 1950. Today, Topsy’s International, Inc. comprises 12 franchises, popcorn, ice cream shops around Kansas City and surrounding areas. Topsy’s shops achieve 2-3 times the sales of a typical popcorn shop. And Topsy’s ranks as the top 2 U.S. retailers for Christmas.

    “Shopping and supporting local is an important part of the economy. I think that’s super important.” Priscilla Subramaniyam

    Michele: What other events happen in and around the Kansas City area?

    National Days

    Priscilla: Some of the fun things I’ve been able to do as a Celebration Ambassador have been around National Days. One memory in particular that really stands out is celebrating National Ice Cream Day; going to Betty Raes in Kansas City has been a really enjoyable experience. Also celebrating National Doughnut Day with Donutology. They really believe that the key to happiness is donuts. I love looking for small businesses and showcasing them. Shopping and supporting local is an important part of the economy. I think that’s super important.

    Michele: Do businesses and organizations celebrate special days, or are there any festivals near you that really speak to the National Days?

    Priscilla: The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art hosts fun festivals for anyone visiting the Midwest. They bring in food trucks and have games outside that are super fun and really enjoyable. Another one that I’m particularly fond of is the World War I Memorial and Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, which pays respect to our veterans. We are the only city in the country with a memorial and museum dedicated to our WWI veterans. It’s a really special place. They do a good job around National Doughnut Day. They’ve done both in-person and, more recently, virtual webinars around the history of National Doughnut Day and how it got its start.

    Michele: What are your favorite National Days?

    Priscilla: My favorite is National Coffee Day. I drink coffee like water. It is my absolute favorite thing to start my day is to have my cup of joe in the morning. I absolutely love love love National Coffee Day. And, one of the things that I appreciate is that National Day Calendar does is the list they compile of participating businesses both local and national. You compile a robust list so we can go and patronize those businesses. I’ve done that! I saw something listed there, and I patronized that business, and I was really happy to do it. I wore my coffee socks and fun Celebrate Every Day sway.

    Education

    Michele: We do like to include small businesses that are local to you and the national chains, too. National Day Calendar also includes a classroom section geared toward educators and students. How do you see the calendar from an educational standpoint?

    Priscilla: When I interned for that toy company, one of the sister companies was geared toward teachers. There are definitely a lot of National Days that can align very well for educators. The possibilities are endless. The ones I like are the ones that can tie into STEM.

    I think there’s a lot of opportunities for kids to be curious. One of the important things we can instill in them is that love for curiosity. When you have a hard class in school, and it’s difficult to understand it, sometimes it takes an educator to help you through that difficult class and help you understand the material, not just memorize it but understand the concept, that you’ll actually have a better time enjoying the application. I think it’s more fun for students, whether it’s first grade or high school, that there’s an opportunity for them to see it in a different way. If we can help our youth see the application of the hard sciences, it can be more enjoyable for them.

    Celebrate Every Day

    Michele: What does Celebrate Every Day mean to you?

    Priscilla: Sometimes, we wait for that birthday, anniversary, or birth milestone. But why should you wait? We can make each and every day count. I believe the motto of Celebrate Every Day encourages us to find joy in everyday life. It can help manifest our inner child. It can light up any kind of social setting. I will say that over the past two years, as a person, as a parent, as a professional, this motto has given me a lot of hope. Sometimes difficult days, come what may in life, it has helped me to keep going. It has also helped me to help others along the way through the Positivity Vibe Tribe. We’re all in this together. That’s something I wanted to share.

    Michele: I want to share the answer to our trivia question before we sign off. The answer to “How many quarts of popcorn do Americans eat annually?” is 17 billion quarts per year. So that comes out to 47.2 quarts per American.

    Priscilla: Holy smokes! Let’s give a shout-out to Nebraska for National Popcorn Day, too. They lead the corn belt in popcorn production.

    There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!

  • Priscilla Subramaniyam

    Meet Priscilla

    Priscilla is a vibrant force of nature. Her professional career ranges from working for a start-up business to working in management.

    On any given day, you can catch Priscilla dancing to a fun beat on a whim. It’s no secret she loves being a fun wife, mother, daughter, sister, cousin, and everything in between. However, there is also a serious side to Priscilla.

    Volunteer work has always been important to Priscilla. In addition to devoting time to community involvement, she also serves on various boards and committees. Obviously, she knows this is a great way to give back. At times, choosing an organization can be difficult for some. But, for Priscilla, the choice is easy. She chooses mental health, stroke and heart health, and women’s health because they are dearest to her heart.

    Positivity: Pass It On to Positivity Vibe Tribe

    Priscilla focuses on her daily belief in empowerment. Once she heard about National Day Calendar, she was immediately drawn to becoming an Ambassador.

    During participation in a 2018 pageant, Priscilla found herself onstage as a finalist. After answering one particular question, her internal bell rang. To sum it up, she decided it was time to discuss the importance of face-to-face interaction.

    Positivity: Pass It On to Positivity Vibe Tribe: Navigating the Reel vs. Real of Social Media and Harnessing Face-to-Face Communication Project. ~ By Priscilla Subramaniyam 

    During 2020, when being in-person wasn’t feasible, she started her YouTube channel to connect with small businesses, nonprofits and individuals with platforms and was able to reach people across the USA and Dublin too.

    We know Priscilla is a firm believer in the power of being positive. Through perseverance, positivity, pageantry, and parenting, it’s easy to find daily inspiration. As a result, Priscilla incorporates a thriving spirit that allows her to Celebrate Every Day!

    Priscilla’s Picks

    Being an Ambassador means a lot to Priscilla. In addition to celebrating as much as possible, she goes above and beyond to get others involved. One of her favorite things is to show up at local businesses to do live events.

    According to Priscilla, she does have a few favorite days throughout the calendar.

    • Pi Day (March 14)
    • Let’s Laugh Day (March 19)
    • Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day (fourth Thursday in April)
    • Donut Day (first Friday in June)
    • Cheese Day (June 4)
    • Flip Flop Day (June 14)
    • Avocado Day (July 31)
    • Dance Day (third Saturday in September)
    • Coffee Day (September 29)
    • Pasta Day (October 17)
    • Make a Difference Day (fourth Saturday in October)

    ​Priscilla lives in the Kansas City metro area.

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  • NATIONAL WOMEN’S SMALL BUSINESS MONTH – October

    NATIONAL WOMEN’S SMALL BUSINESS MONTH

    In October, National Women’s Small Business Month highlights the benefits and industry women bring to communities when they own a small business. With over 11 million (and growing!) women owning small businesses in the United States, there’s plenty of opportunities to get involved.

    Benefits of Women-Owned Small Businesses

    Throughout the month, organizations, businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs share resources and advice that support women-owned businesses. Like any small business, the benefits to a community are enormous. Locally owned small businesses bring revenue to communities. Small companies are more likely to support local organizations, schools and projects. They also provide a tremendous number of jobs, keeping local economies going and growing.

    When you include women in the small business factor, you increase business diversity. Did you know that 50 percent of women small business owners are women of color? Supporting women in small businesses also inspires young women in powerful ways. When they see other women succeeding, they’re motivated to succeed, too! In 2012, 44 percent of women small business owners also had children under the age of 18 in their household. That means, by supporting women-owned businesses, you’re also supporting families.

    Businesses owned by women come in all varieties, too. They pursue business in STEM fields, creative and consumer domains, and service-oriented professions. There’s really no limit to the opportunities available.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #WomensSmallBusinessMonth

    Whether you own a small business or are considering starting one, there are several ways to participate all month long.

    Attend or host an event

    Whether it’s a seminar, webinar, interview or workshop, these events promote healthy small businesses. They provide a wealth of information all business owners need to know. These events also offer resources specific to women-owned enterprises.

    Be a mentor to other women

    If you’ve already overcome the stumbling blocks of ownership, you’re one of the most valuable resources available to beginning business owners. Your experiences not only help pave the way for others, but your insight brings clarity and confidence to others.

    Sharpen your skills

    Any business person knows that it’s vital to keep learning and discovering. Whether it’s a new technology, legislation, or financial news, the business world is always changing. It demands we stay focused and aware of the changing business world. Improving our skills also provides us with more opportunities. Whether driving business into new areas or changing direction, growing our tools help us create a brighter future for our businesses.

    Join an organization

    Numerous organizations around the country support small businesses. By networking with other like-minded women, you’re not only able to learn about growing your business but you can also share your experiences and be a voice for others. Some organizations you may find helpful include the National Association of Women Business Owners, your local Chamber of Commerce, and the American Business Women’s Association. If local organizations are lacking in your area, help start one. Bring a chapter to your community and let the leadership begin!

    Discover other resources

    For example, the U.S. Small Business Administration includes an Office of Women’s Business Ownership that serves not only as a guide, but advocates for women business owners, too.

    Support a Woman-Owned Small Business

    Explore your community and shop at women-owned small businesses. You can even explore the small-businesses who Celebrate Every Day! For example:

    One of the most significant ways you can celebrate is by share information on social media, including this article. Use #WomensSmallBusinessMonth to post on social media.

    NATIONAL WOMEN’S SMALL BUSINESS MONTH HISTORY

    Since 2012, the Small Business Administration has be been supporting National Women’s Small Business Month by promoting events, webinars and giving a voice to women business owners. Each year, the organization hosts a variety of events recognizing women in small businesses.

     

  • CELEBRATION AMBASSADORS

    The National Day Calendar® Celebration Ambassadors

  • HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH – September 15 to October 15

    HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

    From September 15th through October 15th, we recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. During the four weeks, celebrations honor the heritage and contributions made by members of the Hispanic community. With great fanfare, celebrations sweep across Latin America, Central American, and Mexico, and Chili commemorating each country’s independence from week to week!

    CONTRIBUTIONS

    As of 2020, the Hispanic population has grown to nearly 62 million people in the United States. According to Pew Research data, that number may be higher since not all who are of Hispanic descent identify as Hispanic. Furthermore, that same year, more than half of the Hispanic population were registered to vote, a historic milestone.  As the Hispanic population grows, more opportunity presents itself to embrace the rich culture and vast history they share. From coast to coast, we celebrate Hispanic heritage every day in mainstream society. It is not only reflecting our cultural differences; it adds a different perspective to our lives for us to enjoy.

    Hispanic people across the country contribute to society in unprecedented ways. Historically, Alberto Gonzales is credited as being the first Hispanic U.S. Attorney General, while Mel Martinez is considered the first Cuban-American U.S. Senator. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, both members of the Hispanic community, served as members of the U.S. Senate. Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic to sit as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Undeniably, representation from the Hispanic community is also found in schools, public offices, medical, fashion, and every aspect of business.

    In addition, pop culture contributions by the Hispanic community flourishes thanks to many talented artists, such as Salma Hayek, George Lopez, Carlos Santana, and Jennifer Lopez. Finally, we need to give credit to the countless tasty Hispanic recipes found across the nation. Hispanic food has increasingly become a part of mainstream Americana. We relish the flavor and spice deeply infused into the traditions. Dishes ranging from tacos and tamales to Cuban sandwiches, tequila, and Mojitos, entice us to enjoy the Hispanic heritage, one bite at a time.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #HispanicHeritageMonth

    Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by joining local celebrations. It is a fantastic way to meet new people. Additionally, you can learn more about the contributions Hispanics have made in politics, business, the arts, sports, fashion, and cuisine, to name a few. Embracing the history and traditions of another culture not only broadens your knowledge, but it also teaches appreciation of other people and their customs.

    Join Priscilla Subramaniyam on her Positivity: Pass It on Channel for interviews throughout the month. We’ve included the first one below.

    Use #HispanicHeritageMonth in social media correspondence.

    HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH HISTORY

    Originally, President Lyndon Johnson declared Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. Through later legislation submitted by U.S. Rep. Esteban Torres (D-California), the week expanded to National Hispanic Heritage Month under the direction of President Ronald Reagan in 1988. Festivities begin on September 15th, marking the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

     

  • NATIONAL POPCORN DAY – January 19

    NATIONAL POPCORN DAY

    On January 19th, National Popcorn Day pops onto the scene with a crunch we all love to enjoy! The annual celebration recognizes a treat that satisfies munchies, day or night. 

    #NationalPopcornDay

     

    This time-honored snack can be sweet or savory, caramelized, buttered or plain, molded into a candied ball, or tossed with nuts and chocolate. However it is enjoyed, enjoy it on National Popcorn Day, January 19th.

    The word “corn” in Old English meant “grain” or, more specifically, the most prominent grain grown in a region. When Native Americans introduce their most common grain, maize, to early Europeans, they aptly applied the word “corn.”

    As early as the 16th century, the Aztecs used popcorn in headdresses worn during ceremonies honoring Tlaloc, their god of maize and fertility. Early Spanish explorers were fascinated by the corn that burst into what looked like a white flower.

    Popcorn started becoming popular in the United States in the middle 1800s. It wasn’t until Charles Cretors, a candy-store owner, developed a machine for popping corn with steam that the tasty treat became more abundantly poppable. By 1900 he had horse-drawn popcorn wagons going through the streets of Chicago.

    At about the same time, Louise Ruckheim added peanuts and molasses to popcorn to bring Cracker Jack to the world. Then in 1908, the national anthem of baseball was born. Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer wrote Take Me out to the Ballgame. From that point onward, popcorn, specifically Cracker Jack, became forever married to the game.

    At the Movies

    Another romance connected to popcorn may have had a slow start but eventually took off. Today, who can imagine going to the movies without getting a box of buttered popcorn? While popcorn was an economical choice for snack food, the expense of installing a machine and adequately venting the building didn’t seem worth the effort. If it weren’t for Glen W. Dickson, we would be purchasing our popcorn from a vendor on the street before taking in the show. Dickson put in the effort and expense of placing machines inside his theaters. After realizing how quickly he recouped his costs, other theater owners followed suit.

    The microwave oven spurred the next big advancement for popcorn. With the invention of the microwave, a whole new market opened for the snack food. Magnetrons, a technology produced by Raytheon Manufacturing Corporation for the military during World War II, were later used to develop microwave ovens. Percy Spencer was the man who made it happen. He used popcorn in his initial experiments during the microwave’s development. 

    Today, Americans consume 13 billion quarts of popcorn a year, more than any other country in the world. A majority of the popcorn produced in the world is grown in the United States. Nebraska leads the corn belt in popcorn production.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL POPCORN DAY

    National Day Calendar began on National Popcorn Day in 2013. Pop your favorite popcorn and share a bowl with a friend. Please take a photo and share it on social media using #NationalPopcornDay.

    Educators and families, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for projects and ideas to help you Celebrate Every Day with your students.

    Celebrate National Popcorn Day by reading about the happenings in the Kansas City area in the Celebration Spotlight with Priscilla Subramaniyam.

    NATIONAL POPCORN DAY HISTORY

    The a-maizing origins of this pop-ular day is mysteriously amiss. However, we have been celebrating the day since at least 1988.

    Popcorn FAQ

    Q. What are the unpopped kernels called?
    A. Unpopped kernels of popcorn are called either spinsters or old maids. 

    Q. Which state produces the most popcorn?
    A. Nebraska is the top popcorn producer in the United States. Also known as the Cornhusker State, although it’s third in overall corn production.

    Q. Are there different types of popcorn?
    A. Yes. Most of the popcorn we consume is either a Butterfly (also known as snowflake) or Mushroom popcorn. Butterfly popcorn produces a fluffy, winged kernel while Mushroom popcorn produces a denser more compact kernel. While both are delicious for snacking, Mushroom popcorn holds up better to caramel, cheese, and other coatings.

  • NATIONAL HANDSHAKE DAY – Last Thursday in June

    NATIONAL HANDSHAKE DAY | LAST THURSDAY IN JUNE

    On the last Thursday of June each year, people across the nation observe National Handshake Day.

    #NationalHandshakeDay

    Of all the various forms of greeting, the handshake is perhaps one of the most ancient.

    The origin of the handshake is hard to pinpoint. As it is a non-verbal mode of communication, it may have existed before written records. Theories suggest it was a way for medieval knights, Roman soldiers, and other weapon carrying men to check for hidden daggers by grasping each other’s forearms in greeting.

    Archaeological ruins in ancient Greece support this theory. The funerary stele depicts two soldiers shaking hands and dates back to 5th century BC.

    An even older record in Egypt suggests the handshake held a different sort of power – the power of giving. According to Babylonian custom, kings would grasp the hand of the statue of the god Marduk before taking the throne. This act was repeated annually during the festival of Zagmuk to carry his power over into the next year. Even conquering Assyria continued the tradition.

    As during ancient times, modern-day handshakes have different customs around the world. Women didn’t usually carry weapons, and therefore didn’t shake hands as a form of greeting. In the United States, Russia, Australia, Brazil, and the United Kingdom handshakes tend to be firm, but even those with firm greetings have lingering differences. However, in most Asian countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea, the grip is light, and there should be no direct eye contact. However, in the Philippines, they make eye contact while keeping the hold light.

    Then there are the secret handshakes, those elaborate greetings signaling membership in a group, club, or society. One of the more famous societies known to use secret handshakes is the Freemasons.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HANDSHAKE DAY

    Shake the hand of at least one person that you would not have on any other day. You may just want to wish them a good day while doing so. It’s also a day to perfect your handshake. A grip that’s too firm may come off as aggressive, and one too weak may seem insincere. What impression are you trying to make? 

    Are you looking for alternative ways to offer greetings? Check out what our Ambassador, Priscilla Subrmaniyam of Positivity Pass it On shared with us:

    Or you can try a silly approach.

    Use #NationalHandshakeDay on social media.

    HISTORY OF NATIONAL HANDSHAKE DAY

    Miryam Roddy, on behalf of BRODY Professional Development, founded National Handshake Day. “This gesture is key to 1st impressions & relationships,” says Roddy regarding handshakes. The day has been observed since at least 2005.