Jazz Day is an international celebration of the magic of jazz. The day caps off American Jazz Appreciation Month each year. Jazz is a unique form of music that came about in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Africa

Apr

Oatmeal Cookie Day, Ntl.: April 30

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Every April 30 is a day to celebrate the oatmeal cookie! For around three centuries, oatmeal cookies have made our lives tastier and healthier. They are an excellent source of iron and fiber, plus a delicious treat.

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Apr

Raisin Day, Ntl.: April 30

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National Raisin Day celebrates the sweet treat most often made from dried grapes. However, other berries have become popular raisins in recent years, including currents, goji berries, blueberries, and cranberries. National Raisin Day is an unofficial celebration each year.

Africa

Apr

Spank Out Day, Ntl.: April 30

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The Center for Effective Discipline (CED) promotes National Spank Out Day to urge parents to look for healthier and more effective discipline options and limit corporal punishment for their children. Spanking is not only a crude and violent attempt at discipline but also an ineffective one. Spanking and hitting a child causes alienation and induces fear-based adherence, and it fails to teach understanding and behavior modification. National Spank Out Day encourages organizations to implement a No Hit Zone. A No Hit Zone is an environment that supports a culture of safety and health where: No adult shall hit another adult. No adult shall hit a child. No child shall hit an adult. No child shall hit another child. No Hit Zones provide education and promote healthy relationships and safe environments across the lifespan.

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Apr

Tabby Day, Ntl.: April 30

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The most common marking is the familiar stripped pattern on cat fur known as "tabby." Eighty percent of cats can be considered tabby. These tiny tigers warm the hearts of millions of people worldwide, so it is only fitting they have their day. Like Bulldog Day, Sandy Robins created this event as a book promotion for "Making the Most of all Nine Lives: The Extraordinary Life of Buffy the Cat." You can often guess a cat's sex by its markings. Orange tabby cats are 80% male, whereas a male calico cat is extremely rare. Solid-colored cats often show their tabby roots faintly on their tail or when the sun hits them just right. Enjoy National Tabby Day! Image: Joey or 'Jojo,' an 18-pound, solid muscle, Saudi Arabian spotted desert tabby and beloved adopted pet of LEEP's Founder.

Africa

Apr

Therapy Animal Day, Ntl.: April 30

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Therapy animals are different than service animals. Service animals perform specific tasks their owners can't do due to disability, such as seeing-eye dogs or public service like K-9 police dogs. Therapy animals fulfill a psychological function, providing comfort and companionship. Whereas a service animal is 'on the job' wherever its owner/handler goes, a therapy animal seeks out affection, cuddles, and to be touched. Therapy animals can be cats, dogs, birds, rodents, or anything that brings comfort to a human. Goals of National Therapy Animal Day: Recognize and honor therapy animals. Raise awareness and educate the public about the role therapy animals play in enhancing the health and well-being of humans. Honor the thousands of dedicated handlers (the human members of therapy animal teams) who volunteer their time and compassion during visits.

Africa

Apr

Walpurgisnacht (870 AD): April 30-May 1

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ABOUT WALPURGISNACHT

Walpurgisnacht is a favorite Christian feast day with European college students. European legends in Medieval times taught that witches and warlocks would fly through the land on this night, the eve of St Walpurga's feast (May 1). St. Walpurga (Patron saint of coughs, storms, hydrophobia, and sailors) was a Devonshire Englishwoman born in 770 AD. She was sent to Germany as a young nun and took over monastery duties after her brother died. Upon her death, it is said the walls of her tomb oozed with an oil with unusual healing properties.

Like many traditions, Christianity and common pagan customs intertwined to create this unique holiday of bonfires, spindles, grain, witches, warlocks, and merrymaking. Farmers believed their crops would grow as high as they could jump on this day. Bells adorned the necks of cattle, and women hopped over brooms. All worn-out items in the home feed the bonfire as part of spring cleaning.

Today, college students in Germany, Scandinavia, and other nations have made this a huge Halloween-style party that signals the end of the school year and the beginning of summer. The largest parties are in the Harz Mountains of Germany.

The date is the anniversary of May 1, 870 AD, when Pope Adrian II canonized Saint Walpurga.

Africa

Apr

9-1-1 Education Month, Ntl.: April

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The 9-1-1: The Number to Know™ Campaign by the National 9-1-1 Education Coalition for use by national organizations, state 9-1-1 entities, regional authorities, and PSAPs during National 9-1-1 Education Month and National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, both in April. It supports the coordinated promotion of 9-1-1 education and awareness year-round. The vision of the National 9-1-1 Education Coalition is to save lives and improve emergency response by creating a national 9-1-1 education and awareness effort to ensure the appropriate and responsible use of 9-1-1 resources and embraces contemporary communications opportunities. The mission of the National 9-1-1 Education Coalition is to leverage the resources of public safety, educational, and industry stakeholders to create a national, coordinated campaign of public awareness on the appropriate and responsible use of 9-1-1 resources. The Coalition will encourage a nationwide effort to celebrate “National 9-1-1 Education Month” and “National Telecommunicators Week” as events to promote education and awareness as well as provide support for ongoing access to the “best of the best” 9-1-1 education content and promotional ideas, and foster the advancement of 9-1-1 technology and services to meet the evolving needs of the public to access emergency help. About the National 9-1-1 Education Coalition In October 2010, a volunteer group of public safety, education, and industry stakeholders formed the National 9-1-1 Education Coalition to support the nationwide coordinated promotion of National 9-1-1 Education Month and National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. The Coalition leveraged the resources and expertise of its members to create the 9-1-1: The Number to Know awareness campaign, designed to promote a message of public awareness on the effective use of 9-1-1 resources. The Coalition also supports access to the “best of the best” 9-1-1 educational and promotional ideas. It fosters the advancement of 9-1-1 technology and services to meet the evolving needs of the public to access emergency help.

Africa

Apr

Adop a Greyhound Month, Ntl.: April

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Greyhounds are sporting dogs, but what happens after racing? Many find themselves homeless, and that is where you can help. There's a greater need to place ex-racing greyhounds into permanent homes than at any point in recent history due to past and pending greyhound racing track closings across the country. National Adopt-a-Greyhound Month is the perfect time to adopt one of these gentle companions. Thousands of greyhounds are being cared for by adoption groups as they await adoption. Visit thegreyhoundproject.org for information on how to adopt a greyhound in your area.

Africa

Apr

Adopt a Ferret Month: April

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Adopt a Rescued Ferret Month

Adopt a Ferret Month, created in 2007, urges people to adopt rather than shop. Ferrets are wonderful, curious animals that do well with most cats and dogs.

A ferret is a small, carnivorous mammal belonging to the Mustelidae family, including otters, weasels, badgers, and minks. Ferrets have long, slender bodies, short legs, and a tapered tail. They are known for their playful and inquisitive nature, making them popular pets. Domestic ferrets descend from the European polecat (Mustela putorius). Ferrets have been kept as pets and work animals for thousands of years.

European polecats are native to Western Eurasia and North Africa. Ferrets are bred for hunting (ferreting) rabbits and rodents. Their slender bodies allow them to enter warrens and burrows, thereby chasing their prey into the open.

Why Ferrets Make Good Pets

Ferrets make intriguing and entertaining pets for several reasons:

Playful and Curious: Ferrets are exceptionally playful and enjoy interactive toys, exploring their environment, and playing games with their owners.

Social Animals: They can bond strongly with their owners, dogs, cats, and other ferrets. They often enjoy being in groups and can be quite affectionate.

Intelligent: Ferrets are intelligent animals capable of learning tricks, using litter boxes, and adapting to routines.

Active: They have high energy levels, which can be entertaining for owners. However, they require ample time out of their cages daily for exercise and stimulation.

While ferrets can make delightful pets, they require specific care to ensure their health and happiness, including a diet rich in animal protein, a safe and spacious environment, and regular veterinary care. Ferret parents must take measures to ferret-proof the home due to their curiosity. Additionally, potential owners should be aware of the legal status of ferret ownership, as ferrets are prohibited or regulated in some places.

Adopting a ferret from a rescue or shelter can be rewarding. These adoption-focused initiatives raise awareness about ferrets' needs and encourage responsible pet ownership. To locate a Ferret shelter in your country or state, look here: http://ferretshelters.org.

Africa

Apr

African-American Women's Fitness Month, Ntl: April

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Initiated in 2007, National African-American Women's Fitness Month™ (NAAWFM) encourages health awareness, and physical activity focused on the needs of African-American women. It seeks to educate all women, focusing on women of color, about the health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle and promote an active lifestyle.

Africa

Apr

Alcohol Awareness Month: April

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NCADD Alcohol Awareness Month, held every April since 1987, was founded by and sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) to increase public awareness and understanding. It seeks to reduce the stigma associated with alcoholism, often preventing individuals and families from seeking help. More than 18 million individuals, or 8.5% of Americans, suffer from alcohol-use disorders. In addition, countless millions of individuals, family members, and children experience the devastating effects of alcohol problems on someone in their life. Twenty-five percent of U.S. children experience to alcohol-use disorders in their family. The economic cost of alcoholism and alcohol abuse is estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be US$ 223.5 billion ($746 per person) or about $1.90 per drink. Researchers found the costs primarily resulted from losses in: a) Workplace productivity (72%) b) Health care expenses (11%) c) Law enforcement/criminal justice expenses (9%) d) Motor vehicle crashes (6%)

Africa

Apr

Animal, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month: April

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Each year, people throughout the United States "Go Orange for Animals" to raise awareness of animal abuse and prevention of abuse throughout April. Founded in 1866, the ASPCA was the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere. Its founder, Henry Bergh's mission was "to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States." The ASPCA works nationally to rescue animals from abuse, pass humane laws and share resources with shelters nationwide.

Africa

Apr

April Fools' Day: April 1

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April Fools Day is the official day of pranks worldwide, and you never quite know what to expect. No doubt, the best stunt ever pulled was the Orson Wells "War of the Worlds" broadcast—but that didn't happen on April 1. British media takes the prize as the world's most prolific pranksters (a high percentage of the top 100 pranks of all time come from them). Still, many companies and industries have discovered that pulling the perfect practical joke on April Fools' Day is a fabulous way to build brand value and prestige. What have people been fooled by on April 1? Just about everything from fast food chain Taco Bell saying it bought and renamed the Liberty Bell to the Liberty Taco Bell to the state of Alabama changing the total of Pi to a more godly round number of three. Here are the top 10: 1) 1957 The Swiss Spaghetti Harvest by BBC 2) 1985 Sidd Finch by Sports Illustrated 3) 1962 Instant Color TV by Swedish television tech expert Kjell Stensson 4) 1996 The Taco Liberty Bell by Taco Bell 5) 1977 San Serriffe by the London Guardian 6) 1992 Nixon for President by NPR 7) 1998 Alabama changes the value of Pi by New Mexicans for Science and Reason 8) The Left-Handed Whopper by Burger King & USA Today 9) 1995 Hotheaded Naked Ice Borers by Discover Magazine 10) 1976 Planetary Alignment Decreases Gravity by the BBC See Museum of Hoaxes http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool/ for these and the Top 100.

Africa

Apr

Arab-American Heritage Month: April

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(WASHINGTON, DC) March 31, 2021 – During April, the Arab America Foundation formally recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM). Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and Arab Americans will engage in special events that celebrate our community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society. “This is the time of the year when we take pride in the contributions Arab Americans are making in education, medicine, law, business, technology, government, military service, and culture,” said Warren David, president of Arab America, he went on to say, “This year, we celebrate the accomplishments of educators, writers, poets, and musicians, who promote the Arab American heritage and culture–a testament to the contributions Arab Americans have made to America’s rich diversity.” The Arab America Foundation has formed a national advisory team and twenty-four state teams of over two hundred fifty Arab Americans to approach governors, state legislatures, mayors, city councils, superintendents, school board members, and other public officials to issue NAAHM proclamations and adopt our educator curriculum kit. Educator’s Curriculum Kit The Educator’s Curriculum Kit highlights the history of Arab migration to America, geographic understanding of the Arab world, Arab American diversity in faith and language, interesting customs and traditions, issues affecting our community, and our many achievements in business, politics, education, and more. You can request a curriculum kit to be sent to a school district or individual school by contacting Dr. Amal David.

Africa