All - Leep Calendar

The island nation of Nauru gained its independence on January 31, 1968, from the trusteeship of Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. National Day in Nauru is a celebration of this anniversary.

Africa

Jan

Parkash Utsav (S): January 31

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Parkash Utsav is the Sikh celebration of Guru Har Rai Sahib's birthday on January 31 annually since 2003.

Africa

Jan

Social Security Check Day (1940): January 31

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Social Security Check Day marks the anniversary of the first Social Security check issued in the United States on January 31, 1940, to Ida May Fuller for $22.54. Its number, 00-000-001, reflected this. Miss Fuller had filed her retirement claim on November 4 of the previous year, having worked under Social Security for almost three years. Social Security continues as a vital part of the United States' retirement program for senior citizens and a safety net for the disabled.

Africa

Jan

Zebra Day, Intl.: January 31

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International Zebra Day celebrates Zebras. Zebras are the striped equids of Africa and are one of the most beloved animals on the planet. There are three primary categories: mountain, plains, or maneless, and 11 subspecies. Every Zebra's stripe pattern is unique to it. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/how-many-types-of-zebras-are-there.html. Image (C) LD Lewis; Nairobi National Park, 2015

Africa

Jan

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show (US-NY): January 31-February 3

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Founded in 1877, Westminster Kennel Club held its first dog show at Gilmore's Garden (now Madison Square Garden) in New York City. Present were 1,201 dogs. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is considered the most prestigious of all canine shows, with the two-day event televised worldwide. Check your local television listings for air times. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Jan

Skating Month, Ntl.: January -February

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National Skating Month in the United States includes on-ice and off-ice activities. It is an opportunity to learn to ice skate, exercise, and spend quality time with your favorite people.

Africa

Jan

Adopt a Rescued Bird Month: January

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If you live in West Los Angeles, you may have seen the flock of green parrots. Conventional wisdom is a few birds escaped from a pet store fire sometime in the 1980s, and now they number in the 100s. It’s quite a sight the first time you see them. Parrots are not native to North America, but exotic birds are popular pets. Sometimes they get lost, their owners pass, or they are surrendered where they end up in shelters and need to find new homes. Adopt a Rescue Bird Month highlights that animal rescue helps all animals, including birds. If your dream is to own a bird, before you purchase from a pet store, check with your local shelter and bird rescue. You might be able to give a bird its forever home.

Africa

Jan

Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month (CA): January

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Each year Alzheimer’s Canada hosts National Alzheimer’s month. Nearly one million Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias today, a number expected to increase to 1.4 million in the next 15 years. Three out of four Canadians know someone with dementia. Women represent 72 percent of Canadians living with Alzheimer’s. Two or more family members provide care for every person with the disease. Women account for 70 percent of family caregivers. In 2011 alone, caregivers spent 444 million unpaid hours providing care. That’s the equivalent of $11 billion in lost income or 230,000 full-time jobs. Dementia costs the Canadian economy $33 billion annually, and by 2040, that figure will skyrocket to $293 billion annually. Age is the most significant risk factor for dementia; after age 65, the risk doubles every five years. Dementia also occurs in people in their 50s, 40s, and even 30s. Dementia is progressive and varies significantly from person to person. From the initial onset, it can take eight to 10 years – or even longer, before death. Dementia is fatal. Its causes are not fully known, and there is still no cure or effective treatment to prevent or reverse the disease. Dementia is a collective term to describe brain disorders whose symptoms include: A decline in memory, reasoning, and communication skills. Gradual loss of ability to carry out day-to-day activities. Changes in personality and behavior. Dementia can be present in the brain for up to 25 years before symptoms appear. There are many ways to get involved with the campaign at www.alzheimer.ca/stillhere:

Africa

Jan

Bath Safety Month, Ntl.: January

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NATIONAL BATH AND SAFETY MONTH PREVENTING BATHROOM INJURIES Each January, National Bath Safety Month serves as a public reminder that one of the most dangerous rooms in the home is also one of the most overlooked regarding safety: the bathroom. The month-long observance aims to raise awareness about the high rate of slips, falls, burns, and other injuries that occur in bathrooms—especially among children and older adults. National Bath Safety Month likely began as a retail promotion. January, traditionally, is the month for "white sales" featuring bedroom and bathroom products. Despite the absence of a distinct originator, the initiative has been widely championed and promoted by child safety advocacy groups, medical institutions, and government agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Pediatric and geriatric care professionals have also played a key role in promoting the month as part of broader injury prevention campaigns. The effort emerged from growing concerns over bathroom-related injuries. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 235,000 people over the age of 15 visit emergency rooms each year due to injuries that happen in the bathroom. Nearly 80% of these restroom injuries begin as slips and falls, with the tub or shower area posing the most significant hazard. National Bath Safety Month encourages homeowners and caregivers to take proactive measures—like installing grab bars, placing non-slip mats in bathtubs and showers, lowering hot water heater settings to prevent burns, and using childproof latches on toilet lids. For parents, the month also serves as a vital reminder that drowning can occur in as little as an inch of water, making constant supervision essential during bath time. Retailers and safety equipment manufacturers often support the campaign by offering discounts on bath safety products, while hospitals and clinics may run outreach programs to educate communities about risk reduction. While it doesn't come with parades or pageantry, National Bath Safety Month plays a crucial role in injury prevention—quietly saving lives through awareness, education, and simple precautions in one of the most common spaces in every home.

Africa

Jan

Be Kind to Food Servers Month: January

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NATIONAL BE KIND TO FOOD SERVERS MONTH National Be Kind to Food Servers Month encourages restaurant patrons to show appreciation and kindness to food servers, who play a vital role in ensuring pleasant dining experiences. It seeks to recognize the hard work, dedication, and challenges that food servers face. The event aims to foster empathy and promote respectful interactions between customers and service industry workers. CHALLENGES FACED BY FOOD SERVERS Food servers often encounter a range of challenges, including: —Low Wages and Tips: Many food servers rely on tips to supplement low hourly wages, which can be inconsistent and dependent on customer generosity. —Demanding Work Conditions: They work long hours, often on their feet, managing high physical and emotional stress levels. —Difficult Customers: Interactions with rude or overly demanding customers can be a significant source of stress. —Unpredictable Schedules: Irregular and late-hour shifts can impact personal and family life. —Health and Safety Risks: Exposure to hot kitchens, heavy lifting, and the potential for accidents add to the physical strain of the job. Restaurant worker Sybil Presley created the event in the late 2000s as a grassroots initiative to encourage civility and gratitude in public dining settings. The event has gained traction as a meaningful occasion through advocacy by service industry workers, unions, and hospitality organizations. Patrons can participate in several ways: —Show Gratitude: A simple "thank you" to food servers can go a long way. —Tip Generously: Offer tips that reflect appreciation for excellent service. —Practice Patience: Be understanding during busy times or when mistakes happen. —Write Positive Reviews: Highlight exceptional service experiences online or in feedback forms. —Advocate for Workers' Rights: Support policies and initiatives to improve wages and working conditions for food servers. —Offer a Treat: Some patrons bring small tokens of appreciation, such as thank-you notes or treats, to their favorite servers. —Share on Social Media: Use hashtags like #BeKindToFoodServers to spread awareness and encourage others to participate. By observing National Be Kind to Food Servers Month, individuals and communities can contribute to a more respectful and equitable environment for food service professionals.

Africa

Jan

Be on Purpose Month: January

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Be on Purpose Month is an unofficial observance without a sponsor. The objective of this month is to encourage people to make an effort with their New Year Resolution: Be purposeful and make it count.

Africa

Jan

Birth Defects Prevention Month, Ntl.: January

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National Birth Defects Prevention Network sponsors National Birth Defects Prevention Month each year. See the consortium’s website for details on this year’s focus and to download materials and study aids.

Africa

Jan

Black Diamond Month, Ntl.: January

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THE BEAUTY OF BLACK NATIONAL BLACK DIAMOND MONTH Every January since 2015, National Black Diamond Month has shone a spotlight on one of the world's most distinctive gemstones. The observance, designated by Feng Shui Modern Grand Master and jewelry designer Carole Shoshana, created this event to celebrate black or carbonado diamonds' unique beauty, durability, and mystique. Black diamonds originate in Brazil and the Central African Republic and differ markedly from their colorless counterparts. Rather than clear and brilliant, black diamonds are known for their deep, opaque appearance, created through graphite and other dark materials. These inclusions give black diamonds their signature color and contribute to their exceptional toughness. They're used in high-end jewelry and industrial applications. Carole Shoshana envisioned an observance that elevates a gemstone once overlooked by mainstream consumers. Her initiative encourages jewelry lovers to consider black diamond pieces for engagement rings, necklaces, and bracelets and inspires a broader conversation about innovation in gem cutting and design. In an industry where tradition often favors the brilliant sparkle of clear diamonds, National Black Diamond Month challenges conventional beauty standards by championing a gem as bold and enigmatic as it is rare—a true celebration of the unexpected in the world of fine jewelry.

Africa

Jan

Blood Donor Month, Ntl.: January

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Each year the American Red Cross sponsors National Blood Donor Month to restock the nation's supply of blood. You don't need a particular reason to give blood. Some of us give blood because a friend asked us, and some know that a family member or a friend might need blood some day. Others believe it is the right thing to do. Whatever your reason, the need is constant, and your donation is vital for maintaining a healthy and reliable blood supply. You'll feel good knowing you've helped change a life!

Africa

Jan

Book Blitz Month, Ntl.: January

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January is National Book Blitz Month, a national campaign designed to promote reading and facilitate the relationship between authors and the media. Libraries often support the event by recommending their favorite books. It is an excellent time for librarians, media specialists, and teachers to promote reading and introduce students to new authors.

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