All - Leep Calendar

YOU NEVER FORGET HOW TO RIDE A BIKE... National Ride a Bike Day in the United States, observed annually on the first Sunday of May, encourages people of all ages and abilities to get out and enjoy biking. This day promotes the health benefits of cycling, the importance of sustainable transportation, and the joy of biking. HISTORY National Ride a Bike Day was established in 2020 by the League of American Bicyclists. As a national advocacy organization dedicated to promoting cycling, the League aimed to create a day to inspire more people to incorporate biking into their daily lives, whether for recreation, fitness, or commuting. The primary objective of National Ride a Bike Day is to celebrate cycling and encourage more Americans to experience its benefits. The day aims to raise awareness about the advantages of cycling for personal health, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. Promoting cycling, the event seeks to foster a culture of active transportation and advocate for better biking infrastructure and policies. National Ride a Bike Day attracts many participants, including individuals, families, cycling clubs, advocacy groups, and local communities. People of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate, making it an inclusive event that promotes biking for everyone. Participants engage in various activities to celebrate the day. Many individuals and families take the opportunity to go for leisurely rides in their neighborhoods, parks, or local trails. Cycling clubs and advocacy groups often organize group rides, bike safety workshops, and community events to promote the benefits of cycling and encourage new riders. Local businesses and organizations also participate by offering discounts and promotions for cyclists, hosting bike-related events, and supporting community rides. Schools and educational institutions may organize bike-to-school events, teaching students about the benefits of cycling and bike safety. Social media plays a significant role in National Ride a Bike Day. Participants share their biking experiences and photos using hashtags like #NationalRideABikeDay and #BikeDay. This online engagement helps spread the message and inspire others to join the celebration. National Ride-a-Bike Day in the United States is a day dedicated to celebrating and promoting cycling. By encouraging people to ride their bikes, the event aims to highlight the numerous benefits of biking for health, the environment, and communities. Through various activities and widespread participation, National Ride a Bike Day fosters a greater appreciation for cycling and advocates for a more bike-friendly world.

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May

Bike Shop Day, Ntl. (UK): May 2

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CYCLE YOUR HEART OUT NATIONAL BIKE SHOP DAY National Bike Shop Day in the United Kingdom, observed annually on the first Saturday of December, celebrates local bike shops and their vital role in communities. It highlights the importance of supporting independent retailers, promoting cycling, and encouraging healthy, sustainable transportation. HISTORY National Bike Shop Day was established in the UK in 2018 by the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT). Recognizing the significant contributions of independent bike shops to local economies and cycling culture, ACT launched this day to increase public awareness of the value these shops bring and to encourage consumers to support them. The primary objective of National Bike Shop Day is to celebrate and promote the independent bike shops that provide essential services, expertise, and community engagement. The day aims to spotlight the benefits of local bike shops, including personalized customer service, professional repairs, and fostering a sense of community among cyclists. The event also seeks to boost the cycling industry and promote sustainable transportation by encouraging people to visit and support their local bike shops. National Bike Shop Day involves a wide range of stakeholders, including independent bike shops, cycling enthusiasts, local communities, and cycling organizations. Bike shops across the UK participate by hosting special events, promotions, and activities designed to engage customers and highlight their offerings. Typical daily activities include bike maintenance workshops, group rides, product demonstrations, and special discounts on bikes and accessories. Many shops also organize fun events such as raffles, competitions, and giveaways to attract customers and create a festive atmosphere. Cycling enthusiasts and communities participate by visiting local bike shops, participating in organized events, and sharing their experiences on social media using hashtags like #NationalBikeShopDay. This engagement helps to create a buzz around the event and encourages others to support their local bike retailers. Cycling organizations and advocacy groups also get involved by promoting the day, organizing community rides, and advocating for the importance of local bike shops in promoting cycling as a healthy and sustainable mode of transportation. National Bike Shop Day in the United Kingdom is a celebration that underscores the importance of independent bike shops in fostering a vibrant cycling culture and supporting local economies. By engaging communities and promoting the benefits of local bike shops, the day aims to encourage more people to support these businesses and embrace cycling as a sustainable, healthy lifestyle choice. Through various events and activities, National Bike Shop Day fosters a stronger connection between bike shops and their communities, highlighting their essential role in the cycling ecosystem.

Africa

May

Bike to School Day: May 6

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National Bike to School Day traditionally occurs during the second week of May, National Bike Month. The month seeks to share the joys and benefits of bicycling in communities nationwide. Schools are encouraged to choose a day this week (or anytime during the month) as their official Bike to School Day. There is no absolute right or wrong day, as the entire month is Bike Month. Find out what's going on in your community. Search the event's national database for events in your area and get in touch with your local advocacy organization, favorite bike shop, or bike collective to get plugged into the happenings in your community.

Africa

May

Bike to Work Week, Ntl.: May 11-17

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National Bike to Work Week occurs each May during National Bike Month. The month seeks to share the joys and benefits of bicycling in communities nationwide. Find out what’s going on in your community: Search our national database for events in your area and get in touch with your local advocacy organization, favorite bike shop, or bike collective to get plugged into the happenings in your community.

Africa

May

Biographer's Day (1763): May 16

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On May 16, 1763, English poet, essayist, moralist, and literary critic Samuel Johnson first sat down in collaboration with James Boswell in London. Boswell would go on to write the "Life of Samuel Johnson, a biography." The book has become the standard by which the modern biography would be measured and was hailed by critic Harold Bloom "as the greatest biography written in the English language." Johnson would have enjoyed this designation immensely as a literary scholar and critic. James Boswell was a mere 22 when he first met with Johnson. The book would not be published until 1791, when he was 50. Boswell died four years later, in 1795. Biographer's Day marks the anniversary of the first meeting between Johnson and Boswell. It is a tribute to all biographers, living and dead.

Africa

May

Biological Diversity Day, World (1992): May 22

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The United Nations General Assembly, by its resolution 55/201 of December 20, 2000, proclaimed May 22 as The International Day for Biological Diversity to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The date commemorates the adoption of the text of the Convention on May 22, 1992, by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The UN General Assembly designated December 29 (the date of entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity) the International Day for Biological Diversity. However, it took a lot of work for many countries to plan and carry out suitable celebrations on December 29; given the number of holidays that coincide, the official date was moved to May.

Africa

May

Bird Day, World Migratory: May 9

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The United Nations hosts World Migratory Bird Day on the second Saturday in May (previously May 10) to focus on the impact of migratory birds on the health of people and the planet. CMS and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) – two intergovernmental wildlife treaties administered by UN Environment Program (UNEP) – organize the campaign in cooperation with several partners.

Africa

May

Birth Control Pill Day (1960): May 9

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Gregory Pincus, bolstered by the advocacy of Margaret Sanger and funding from heiress Katherine McCormick, created the first birth control pill using synthesized hormones in 1952. The idea of birth control is not new. In antiquity, women created cotton-based suppositories soaked in honey, dates, and acacia, which fermented inside and effectively killed sperm. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that the idea of a pill became a reality. The first trials, 100% successful, occurred in 1954. However, as many states had anti-birth control laws, Puerto Rico became the location for testing the new contraceptive. In 1957 the FDA approved the drug for severe menstrual disorders but not birth control, which would have to wait another three years. On May 9, 1960, the pill was approved by the FDA for birth control. By 1962 over 1.2 million women were using it. The pill gave women control over their sexual health, desires, lives, and careers. It remains controversial with some faith-based groups and others who are against sex outside of marriage or oppose birth control under any circumstance. Carl Djerassi concurrently explored a similar idea to Pincus' pill using hormones but did not have access to distribution or testing facilities.

Africa

May

Birth Mother's Day: May 9

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Mary Jean Wolch-Marsh first conceived Birth Mother's Day due to her adoption experience. She knew she was a mother but didn't feel recognized as such, either by those around her or by her daughter's parents. Remembering the feelings she'd experienced at her daughter's birth - feelings of triumph and euphoria - she used these to help heal. Birth Mother's Day acknowledges and recognizes every birth mother who ever loved a child lost to adoption. For birth mothers, this observance can be a time to affirm joys and acknowledge the sorrow, grief, and pain that are a part of many experiences. It can also be a time to break the silence and release years of anguish, worry, shame, or guilt. The purpose of Marsh's Birth Mother's Day ceremony is insight, affirmation, growth, and wisdom. Whether you recognize your own, others, or all birthmothers on Mother's Day or Birth Mother's Day, there are many different ways to do so. Way's to Celebrate Attend a Ceremony. Support groups, adoption agencies, and other local groups may organize Birth Mother's Day ceremonies. Check local listings and the Adopting.org Community Calendar to see if one is planned in your area. You also have the option of planning a ceremony of your own. Mary Jean Wolch-Marsh has written a comprehensive Birth Mother's Day Planner available through insight: http://www.adopting.org/uni/frame.php

Africa

May

Black Mothers Bailout Week: May 3-9

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Created in 2017, Black Mothers Bailout is a nationwide campaign to bail out as many mothers awaiting trial and in jail because they cannot afford bail so they can spend Mother's Day with their children. Thousands of mothers sit in jail simply because they cannot afford to pay bail while awaiting trial. The impact on families and communities is extreme. Jobs and incomes are lost, homes are lost, families are divided, and the women haven't been convicted of anything, only arrested. Because it can take months to go to trial, many of these women also risk losing their children. This event seeks to raise awareness of the National Bail Fund, encourage donations and buy the freedom of these women.

Africa

May

Blessing of the Bikes: May 3

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Motorcycles are a popular form of transportation worldwide and come with their romantic ideals. Each year since 1969, thousands of bikers gather at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, New Jersey, to receive a blessing for the upcoming summer season. Granted by the Bishop, it places a prayer of safety on the bikes, riders, and their friends. The Blessing of the Bikes is a Mass and ceremony held on the first Sunday in May.

Africa

May

Blood Pressure Month, Ntl.: May

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May is High Blood Pressure Education Month. One in three American adults has high blood pressure, also called hypertension, and that's 67 million people who have to work to check their blood pressure daily. Unfortunately, more than half of people with high blood pressure do not have their condition under control. Blood pressure is normal when systolic pressure (the higher number) is less than 120 mmHg, and diastolic pressure (the lower number) is less than 80 mmHg. People at risk for high blood pressure, often called prehypertension, have systolic pressure between 120 and 139 mmHg or diastolic between 80 and 89 mmHg. High blood pressure means systolic pressure is 140 mmHg or higher or diastolic is 90 mmHg or higher. Talk with your healthcare team about your personal blood pressure goal.

Africa

May

Blue Moon—Full: May 31

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May's Blue Moon, the second full moon of the Month. A full moon occurs when the moon is illuminated by the sun and on the opposite side of the earth. Its ecliptic longitude is 180 degrees. For centuries, people have applied names to full moons to track the seasons and as a point of reference. The names listed below come from Native American and Colonial American traditions passed down through generations. Here are the common names for full moons in each month in the Northern Hemisphere (the Southern Hemisphere doesn't do this tradition): January: Wolf Moon—Named after the howling of wolves during the cold winter nights. February: Snow Moon—Named for the typically heavy snowfall. March: Worm Moon—As the ground thaws, earthworms emerge, attracting birds. April: Seed Moon—Time to plant for the fall harvest. May: Flower Moon—Named for the abundance of flowers in May. June: Strawberry Moon— due to the short harvesting season for strawberries in the northeastern United States. July: Buck Moon—when new antlers grow on male deer (bucks). August: Sturgeon Moon—when sturgeon fish are abundant in North America's Great Lakes. September: Harvest Moon—time to harvest crops. October: Hunter's Moon—game is at its fattest, allowing hunters to stock up for the winter months. November: Beaver Moon—when beavers build their winter dams. December: Cold Moon—long, dark, and cold nights. Full moon names vary between cultures, regions, and traditions; several full moons have alternative names. The above are the most common. A blue moon occurs when two full moons are in a single month, and February is the only month in the year that occasionally does not have a full moon. A blood moon describes a total lunar eclipse.

Africa

May

Blueberry Cheesecake Day: May 26

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Cheesecake is one of the oldest desserts in human history, eaten since ancient times in Greece. The desert originated on the Greek Island of Samos a little over 4,000 years ago. The dessert was so prized athletes ate it before performances during the original Olympics in 776 BC! It also served as a wedding cake throughout the Greek and Roman empires. The first cheesecake recipe in print also comes from the Greeks in 230 AD and included wheat flour and kernels, honey, and pressed cheese. The first known recipe, however, was by Roman politician Marcus Cato sometime in the century leading up to the birth of Christ. Of course, once the Romans got a hold of the original recipe, they augmented it, adding eggs and cheeses. As the recipe traveled to Europe over the coming centuries, each country put its spin on this basic dessert. Cutting it into slivers for serving and topping with fruit was the contribution of the chefs of King Henry the VIII of England in the 16th century. In 1545 cheesecake saw its first appearance in a cookbook. But, the cooks were not done with the dessert. Enter the United States in the 19th century and the invention of cream cheese in 1875. Cream cheese became the base ingredient for what we now call New York Style Cheesecake, which includes more egg yolks and cream cheese. The same man who invented the Reuben sandwich, Arnold Reuben, is credited with creating the New York-style cheesecake. There are several different versions of cheesecake. Blueberry cheesecake came about through experimentation, and blueberry and strawberry cheesecake are two of the most popular versions on the planet. What is the best way to celebrate Blueberry Cheesecake Day? Have a slice for yourself, and enjoy!

Africa

May

Bonza Bottler Day, Intl: May 5

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When the number of the month matches the number of the day, that's Bonza Bottler Day. It is a play on numbers. There are twelve Bonza Bottler Days a year. This event began in 1985. Bonza is Australian for "Super." Bottler is slang for "something excellent."

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