All - Leep Calendar

The first Friday of May each year is International Tuba Day. Joel Day created International Tuba Day in 1979 while still a student at Philadelphia's Lower Merion High School. As one of only two tuba players in the band and getting very little respect from his fellow bandmates, he created a day to recognize all tuba players as the musicians they are. He later attended Millersville University. Doctor Sy Brandon, formerly of Millersville University, completed two books for International Tuba Day, including American folk and international musical arrangements for the tuba.

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May

May Day: May 1

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May Day has been celebrated since Roman times and began as a pagan holiday to celebrate spring and fertility. In Germany, it is known as Walpurgis Night. Saint Walburga brought Christianity to the German people. Since the 1880s, May Day has also been associated with labor and employment, with the Catholic Church designating May 1 as the Feast of St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers. May Day is celebrated all over the world as either a worker's holiday, pagan holiday, or saint's feast. The Maypole dance is the iconic expression of this holiday and dates back to the seventeenth century, originating in Germany. For most people, May Day is simply the herald of the warm weather months to come. The following is an article from 1937 about May Day illustrates the enthusiasm surrounding this day: _____________ Skyrack Express Friday, May 21, 1937 Barwick Village Maypole re-erected Miss Yvonne Gascoigne crowns The Queen The triennial festival to celebrate the re-erecting of "Ye Olde Village Maypole" at Barwick took place on Whit-Tuesday, with all the usual excitement and glamour. A steady influx of visitors began early in the morning, and by the early afternoon, all the roads were thronged with people all eager to watch the ancient, time-honored ceremony of raising the pole. The carnival, which precedes the rearing of the Maypole, is also a survival of an ancient custom, and again the old traditions were observed to the minutest detail. To the delight of the crowd, the sun was on its best behavior, giving warmth and added charm to the procession, which was headed by the Garforth Brass Band. The 1937 Maypole Queen, Betty Binns, and her attendants. (Photograph kindly supplied by Brian Foxcroft, Betty's nephew.) The May Queen (Miss Betty Binns), a schoolgirl of 13, and her retinue followed in a profusely-decorated wagon, and then came the maypole-plaiters and the country dancers, also in beautifully decorated wagons. Three more decorated wagons competed for a prize and helped to make the procession a memorable one. The fourth wagon presented a Dutch tableau, complete with a windmill and a Dutch family, playing midst a blaze of tulips. A striking picture was presented by a fifth wagon, on which was a tableau representing the Empire; and the last was a cheerful little cart trimmed in Coronation colors. There was one entrant in the fancy dress parade—a junior who created much mirth as a small teddy bear. The procession wended its course along Main Street and down Chapel Lane to the Hall Tower Field. The May Queen and her courtiers, on the platform erected for the crowning ceremony, presented a charming ensemble. The Queen was crowned by Miss Yvonne Gascoigne, with whom were Mrs. Gascoigne and Lady Ashdown. The Rector introduced the visitors, and also on the platform were Mrs. Lovell Clark and Mrs. Keed. Miss Gascoigne also presented the May Queen with a bouquet of carnations, and herself received a bouquet of iris from Rita Senior on behalf of the teachers and scholars. The train-bearers to the Queen were Margaret Birch and Frank Poulter, attired in white. Michael Ashworth was the crown-bearer, and Walter Barrett and Derick Burke were the equerries. The eighteen Maids of Honor looked very dainty in white, all having been chosen from the Primary Class. The plaiters skipped daintily around the miniature Maypole, weaving spiders' webs and barbers' poles, etc., in various colors. An attractive display was given by the country dancers from the Senior Class, who wore old-country costumes; the girls' dresses of floral cotton with bonnets to match and the boy's in smocks. The Garforth Brass Band played for the ceremony. Other diversions included a Punch and Judy show and an excellent concert party from Leeds. The judges of the decorated wagons placed Mr. Verity first, Mr. Tom Braithwaite 2nd, and Mrs. Bedford 3rd. The judges were Mr. Ward and Mr. Binns of Scholes. The prize for the best pair of plow horses was divided between Mr. John Thorp of Barwick and Mr. Helm of Aberford. All the entrants for swarming the greasy pole to retrieve a ham were unsuccessful. The pets' competition was won by a small terrier, the property of Miss Brenda Cooper, and Miss Jean Kirk got the second prize for a Persian cat and kitten; the third prize went to Miss Elam of Wyke Beck Farm, Halton, with a small Berkshire pig of much fame, which accompanies her on shopping expeditions. Towards evening the band led the villagers and visitors to fetch the giant pole (all beautifully renovated and bearing a painted flag in honor of Coronation year) from the Hall Tower Field, where it had gone through a course of "beauty treatment" under the expert hands of Mr. Dennis Armitage. On the return with the pole, Cr. Hemingway headed the band, which played very appropriate music. The beautiful garlands, the newly gilded fox, and the red, white, and blue stripes of the pole were all most effective. Five ropes had been secured to the pole for the purpose of guiding and assisting the rearing, and ladders of various sizes were used, all padded to avoid scratching the paint. After very careful work, the Pole was raised to perpendicular height, to the cheers of the huge crowd, and to the strains of "Three Cheers for the Red, White, and Blue." All that remained was for someone to scale the pole to release the ropes. This Mr. Frank Tennant did with remarkable agility. Not only did he release the ropes, but he swarmed to the top and turned the fox around. This feat was greeted with a storm of applause. Great credit for the excellent performance of the schoolchildren is due to Mr. G. Ashworth and Misses Grimshaw, and Shillito. The people responsible for the garlands were members of the Mothers' Union, Mrs. Cooper, and family, Misses Nora and Marian Lovett, and the schoolchildren. Mrs. Wood of Potterton Hall provided the children with red, white, and blue ribbons with which to decorate the garlands. The organizing committee was Messrs. Fred Robshaw, Walter Lovett, and Ernest Harrison.

Africa

May

May One Day: May 1

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May One Day is about defining a dream, taking steps to realize that dream, and making it a reality. Annually on May 1 since 2016.

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May

Mayday for Mutts, Ntl: May 3

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Mutts are dogs that are of mixed breed and not purebred. These adorable animals account for over 75% of all dogs in the United States found in shelters. In 2000, as a way to draw attention to the issue, author Karen Derrico (Unforgettable Mutts: Pure of Heart Not of Breed) founded the national Mayday For Mutts on the first Sunday in May each year, which is also the commencement of the American Humane Association's "Be Kind to Animals Week."

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May

ME/CFS Awareness Month (US-CA): May

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ME/CFS Awareness Month urges state agencies, medical service providers, health care agencies, research facilities, medical schools, and the NIH, CDC, and the FDA to work toward increasing clinical care, supportive care, and medical education and research funding to a level commensurate with similarly prevalent diseases, and encourages schools, colleges and media organizations to inform the public about ME/CFS.

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May

Meat Free May (UK): May

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Meat Free May in the United Kingdom highlights the effects of consuming meat on the body and the planet. One cause of greenhouse gas emissions is livestock contributing to deforestation and climate change. The supply of fish in the oceans is also diminishing. Vegan and Vegetarian groups believe that if people eliminated meat or shifted to a lower-meat diet, there would be fewer deaths and reduced environmental damage.

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May

Medication Dependence Prevention Month (AU): May

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Medication Dependence Prevention Month raises awareness about preventing medication harm and finding community support. Currently, in Australia, more people are dying from prescription pain and sedative medications than from traffic accidents. Overuse or using the medicine for too long can lead to medication tolerance, dependence, and addiction, and it can also worsen the pain and increase insomnia. Medication Dependence Prevention Month seeks to prevent this health crisis by encouraging people with long-term pain or insomnia to plan how and when to stop using these medications with their health professionals safely.

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May

Meditation Month, Ntl.: May

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National Meditation Month is sponsored by Touching Earth, a Chicago-based yoga and meditation company, to raise awareness of the importance of meditation in mental and physical health and its benefits. People are encouraged to take time out, sit somewhere quiet, and focus and listen. Benefits of meditation when combined with yoga include: Alleviating suffering Relieving stress Lowering blood pressure Lowering heart rate Reducing the production of harmful stress hormones, including cortisol Improving mental clarity and memory Greater focus Minimizing the perception of chronic pain Strengthening neuronal connections in the brain and enhancing an overall sense of well-being.

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May

Mediterranean Diet Month, Intl.: May

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Created in 2009 and sponsored by non-profit Oldways, International Mediterranean Diet Month focuses on healthy eating through whole-natural foods low in sodium and containing good fats. Precisely the kind of food generations of people have lived on. Available resources include HealthyDiningFinder.com, a list of casual-dining chain restaurants offering dishes that adhere to Med Diet standards based on healthy fat and sodium levels. Mediterranean Diet continually tops the list for healthy eating plans due to its accessibility, affordability, and taste! Dishes include sliced fresh tomatoes topped with crumbled feta cheese and sautéed spinach with lemon and couscous. Hundreds of scientific studies report that the healthy Mediterranean Diet and its lifestyle practices reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Africa

May

Melanoma Monday: May 4

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To raise awareness of melanoma and other types of skin cancer and encourage early detection through self-exams, the American Academy of Dermatology designates the first Monday in May as Melanoma Monday®. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Current estimates are that one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is the most common for adults between 25 and 30.

Africa

May

Memo Day, Ntl.: May 21

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National Memo Day, short for Memorandum Day, celebrates the benefits of brevity and focus in daily communications. In the 21st century, your posts to Facebook and groups are the modern form of the memo. Unlike a note or a letter, memos are intended to inform and be seen by a group of people rather than an individual. To celebrate today, write a memo—post something to social media, and you’ll have done it.

Africa

May

Memorial Day: May 25

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The last Monday of May is Memorial Day in the United States. It is one of seven major US holidays that most people are given as a paid holiday (the others are Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Labor Day). The day remembers all whom have given their lives for the nation. Typically Americans use this three-day weekend for family gatherings, BBQs, outdoor activities, and recreation. Memorial Day is considered the official kick-off of summer.

Africa

May

Menstrual Hygiene Day, Global: May 28

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Menstruation is a normal biological process wherein about 800 million women and girls menstruate on any given day. Yet, periods continue to be shrouded in taboos and myths, and women and girls are stigmatized and excluded. Adverse social norms, poor education, lack of access to hygiene products, inadequate sanitation infrastructure, and disposal options severely affect women's and girls' health, education, employment opportunities, and overall social status. To change this, WASH United started Menstrual Hygiene Day in 2014. Since then, it has grown into a veritable movement, with more than 420 partner organizations globally. In 2017, there were 350 MH Day events in 54 countries, of which 67 were in India alone. MH Day reached more than 160 million people through digital campaigning. In India, 50 percent of girls do not know about menstruation, and when they get their period, it leads to fear and poor menstrual hygiene practices. Education about menstruation and menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is critical to empower girls to manage their menstruation safely, hygienically, confidently, and without stigma.

Africa

May

Mental Health Awareness Week (CA): May 4-10

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During CMHA Mental Health Week, Canadians take the time to reflect on their mental health. Canadians are speaking up on the need for psychotherapy, counseling, and community-based mental health services and programs, in addition to acknowledging the issues accompanying mental illness and the need for respect and housing for those suffering, regardless of income. National Mental Health Week in Canada has been a weekly occurrence since 1951.

Africa

May

Mental Health Awareness Week (UK): May 11-17

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Mental Health Awareness Week in the United Kingdom occurs the second week of May. Each year there is a new theme. Everyone has anxiety at some point in their lives, whether preparing for a job interview or bringing up a child. It is normal to experience stress in everyday situations; however, persistent and excessive anxiety can cause serious mental health and physical issues. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems in nearly every country. While a low level of stress can be a beneficial motivating force, it can sometimes take over your life. The success of Mental Health Awareness Week is mainly due to the generous support of organizations and individuals throughout the UK who get involved by publicizing the week, organizing activities and events, and having some fun.

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