Did You Know…?

March 22 is World Water Day! A day that helps recognize the importance of freshwater and the urgent need for sustainable water management practices.

This year’s theme is “Accelerating Change” in order to solve the water and sanitation crisis. This day provides an opportunity to focus on the importance of freshwater and promote sustainable management practices to ensure that everyone has access to clean water.

Visit World Water Day to learn more.

Did You Know…?

Women’s History Month is an annual celebration in March that recognizes and honors the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. It is held to increase awareness of women’s struggles, accomplishments, and contributions to society while promoting gender equality and women’s rights.

March was chosen as the month to celebrate Women’s History Month because of International Women’s Day, which falls on March 8th. Women’s History Month 2023 is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.”

Learn more about Women’s History Month, visit Woman’s Day-Women’s History Month Facts.

Did You Know…?

Cupid began as a Greek God. The Cupid we know and always associate with Valentine’s Day was once known to the ancient Greeks as Eros, the god of love.

According to History.com, Eros, the son of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, would use two sets of arrows. One arrow for love and another for hate. He used his arrows to play with the emotions of his targets. It wasn’t until Romans told stories of his mischief that he adopted the childlike appearance we recognize today.

To learn more interesting facts about Valentine’s Day, visit History: Valentine’s Day Facts.

Did You Know…?

Each February, NHLBI and The Heart Truth® celebrate American Heart Month. It is a month to celebrate not only life but also a way to motivate Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles. American Heart Month is a great time to think about reducing your cardiovascular disease risk. Start the Seven days of self-care this week and start the road to preventing heart disease.

Want to learn more about American Heart Month? Visit the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Did You Know…?

January has been National Blood Donor Month since 1970. President Richard Nixon proclaimed January 1970 as the first National Blood Donor Month to pay tribute to voluntary blood donors and encourage new donors to join and get more comfortable with donating blood.

Want to learn more about National Blood Donor Month? Visit American Blood Center.

Did You Know…?

The Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service?  Each year Americans across the country use MLK Day of Service as an opportunity to volunteer and improve their communities. Want to learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service, visit United We Serve.

Important Reminder: January 16, VNFA offices will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Did You Know…?

Some people are not drinking champagne, setting off fireworks, or kissing their spouse at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Instead, some have a unique tradition of eating twelve green grapes in the last twelve seconds of the countdown. This tradition is done to ward off bad luck in the new year. Twelve lucky grapes are supposed to be a way to bring 12 wishes to completion in the next year.

Will you be getting green grapes this New Year’s Eve? Read more on New Year’s Twelve grapes.

Did You Know…?

Christmas has many interesting facts:

  1. Christmas wasn’t always on December 25.
  2. “Jingle Bells” was originally a Thanksgiving song.
  3. The Dutch gave us the idea to leave cookies and milk.
  4. Coca-Cola played a part in Santa’s image.
  5. Hanging stockings started by accident.
  6. Celebrating Christmas used to be illegal.
  7. Candy canes originated in Germany.
  8. Santa has his own Canadian postal code.

Want to read more interesting facts about Christmas, visit 35 Interesting Christmas Facts.

Did You Know…?

Facts about Hanukkah

  1. The word Hanukkah means “dedication.”
  2. Hanukkah lasts for eight nights, to commemorate how long the holy light burned.
  3. A Menorah is lit each night of the holiday.
  4. Gifts were not always given for Hanukkah.
  5. Hanukkah dishes are fried for a reason.

Want to know more about Hanukkah?

Did You Know…?

Today is Giving Tuesday. According to GivingTuesday.org, Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement encouraging giving and the celebration of generosity. Giving Tuesday was originally created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good, but that idea has grown into more than just one day. Learn more about giving Tuesday, visit the Giving Tuesday website to get more information.