All - Leep Calendar

Alcoholics Anonymous' Founder's Day marks the anniversary of the creation of the self-help group on June 10, 1935, by Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Smith. Alcoholics Anonymous is based on the premise that fellow alcoholics can heal together. It was in 1939 that the textbook Alcoholics Anonymous was published, which included the twelve steps of recovery.

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Jun

Almond Buttercrunch Day: June 29

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National Almond Buttercrunch Day commemorates almond buttercrunch, created in 1923. This candy was made popular during World War II when it was shipped to soldiers overseas. Brown & Haley, a candy company, developed the recipe and packaging. Known as Almond Roca because of its almonds and the fact that it looked like rocks, almond buttercrunch is made with butter, sugar, salt, and almonds mixed and melted to form the “rocks” and stored in tin cans.

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Jun

ALS Awareness Month (CA): June

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June is ALS month in Canada. ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is neurodegenerative and fatal. The disease affects the nerve cells (motor neurons) that control a person’s muscles. As neurons deteriorate, the brain loses the ability to start and control voluntary muscle movement, which is why people with ALS often lose the ability to speak: The disease slowly paralyzes its victims, eventually taking away the ability to breathe. ALS was first discovered in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. It would be another 70 years before most people heard of the disease. In 1939 Lou Gehrig ended his career due to it. The blue cornflower represents optimistic hope for the future and is the official symbol for ALS/MND.

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Jun

Alzheimer's Disease and Brain Awareness Month, Ntl.: June

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Worldwide, 47 million people are living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Join the Alzheimer's Association in going purple and raising awareness this June. The more people know about Alzheimer's, the more action we inspire. Alzheimer's is a progressive neurological disorder affecting memory, thinking, and behavior and the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases. Though the disease primarily affects older adults, early-onset Alzheimer's can also occur in people younger than 65. The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease remains unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Researchers have identified specific brain abnormalities associated with Alzheimer's disease, including: Amyloid plaques—clumps of protein fragments called beta-amyloid that accumulate between nerve cells in the brain, a primary marker of Alzheimer's disease. Neurofibrillary tangles—twisted strands of a protein called tau that build up inside nerve cells, which are believed to disrupt the normal functioning of nerve cells and contribute to the death of brain cells. Loss of connections between nerve cells (synapses)—resulting in impaired communication between brain cells, leading to memory loss and other cognitive difficulties. Inflammation—in the brain may play a role in Alzheimer's disease, although the relationship between inflammation and the condition is not yet fully understood. Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease usually develop slowly and worsen over time, ultimately interfering with daily activities and self-care. Early symptoms may include: Memory lapses. Difficulty recalling recent events or conversations. Trouble planning or solving problems. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include confusion, disorientation, mood and behavior changes, and difficulty speaking, swallowing, and walking. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected. These treatments may include medications to help with memory loss, depression, sleep disturbances, and other behavioral symptoms. Non-drug therapies, such as cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and social engagement, can also help manage the disease. Research into Alzheimer's disease is ongoing, with scientists working to understand the underlying causes better and develop new treatments, including therapies that target amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Early detection and intervention may also help slow the progression of the disease, emphasizing the importance of increased awareness and research efforts.

Africa

Jun

American Bald Eagle Day (1782): June 20

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The American Bald Eagle became part of the official symbol of the United States on June 20, 1782. The design was collaborative, with input from multiple individuals and committees. In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee consisting of Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson to create a design for the Great Seal. They each proposed ideas and consulted with artists without success. In 1782, a new committee was formed, including Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, and William Barton, an artist and heraldry expert. Thomson incorporated elements from the previous proposals and worked closely with Barton to finalize the design. On June 20, 1782, the design for the Great Seal was approved by the Continental Congress. While no individual is credited with the ultimate design, the final artwork resulted from Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Thomson, and Barton's contributions. Today it is one of the most recognized seals in history. In celebration, Americans are encouraged to sponsor a bald eagle and help rehabilitate its natural habitat. President Ronald Reagan decreed American Bald Eagle Day on January 28, 1982.

Africa

Jun

Animal Rights Awareness Week, Ntl.: June 16-22

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Created in 1999 by In Defense of Animals, Animal Rights Awareness Week focuses on the basic needs and humane treatment of all wild or domesticated animals. Whether used for research, transport, food, or trade, animals deserve dignity and humanity. This week is about educating the public on instances where this is not happening and advocating an end.

Africa

Jun

Animal Rights Day, Ntl.: June 1

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Created in 2011 by the non-profit Our Planet, National Animal Rights Day (NARD) is a worldwide effort focused on raising awareness of the rights of all living beings, whether legged, scaled, winged, or a combination thereof. The ultimate goal of this event is to shift humanity to a 100% vegan lifestyle, including no clothing made from animals, only plant-based food, and the end of animals in entertainment.

Africa

Jun

Anne and Samantha Day: June 20*

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Anne and Samantha Day occurs on the summer and winter solstice to honor the work of two teenage women who died too young. Its purpose is to create a postage stamp to commemorate their actions promoting world peace and understanding. It also encourages girls and young women to make their voices heard and take action. Anne is for Anne Frank, the author of The Diary of Anne Frank. Anne died in a Nazi concentration camp less than two months before WWII ended in Europe. She was just sixteen years old. Her diary is one of the most widely read books in the world. Samantha is for Samantha Smith, who is known as the world's youngest ambassador. Passionate about peace, she wrote a letter to the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Yuri Andropov, in November 1982, congratulating him on his new job and with a desire to promote peace during the Cold War. After a couple of letters, Smith received an answer from the Soviet leader with an invitation to visit. She wrote the book describing the trip, Journey to the Soviet Union. Samantha died on August 25, 1985, in a domestic plane crash in Maine at age 13.

Africa

Jun

Antifascist Struggle Day (HR)(1941): June 22

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Most of us are familiar with WWII and the rise of fascism in Italy and Germany, most notably, but not exclusively. Throughout Europe, people rose against fascism. In modern-day Croatia, that task fell to the First Sisak Partisan Detachment, which formed on June 22, 1941. Antifascist Day in Croatia celebrates their bravery and contribution to ending fascism and fighting against the invading armies and is a national holiday.

Africa

Jun

Aphasia Awareness Month, Ntl.: June

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Aphasia Awareness Month is Sponsored by the National Aphasia Association each June to raise public awareness and understanding of aphasia and support persons with aphasia and their caregivers. Aphasia is a neurological disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate in terms of understanding and producing language. It is most often caused by damage to the brain regions responsible for language processing, most commonly the left hemisphere. This damage can result from a stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, or degenerative neurological conditions like dementia. Aphasia can manifest in various ways, depending on the location and extent of the brain damage. Common forms of aphasia include: Broca's aphasia: Also known as non-fluent or expressive aphasia, this form is characterized by difficulty speaking and forming complete sentences. People with Broca's aphasia often have grammar problems and may speak in short, halting phrases. They typically understand the language better than they can produce it. Wernicke's aphasia: Also known as fluent or receptive aphasia, this form is characterized by difficulty understanding language. People with Wernicke's aphasia may produce articulate speech, but their sentences may be nonsensical or contain invented words. They often need help understanding spoken and written language. Global aphasia: This is the most severe form of aphasia, involving extensive damage to the language-processing areas of the brain. People with global aphasia have significant impairments in both speaking and understanding language. Anomic aphasia: This form primarily affects a person's ability to find the correct words when speaking or writing. People with anomic aphasia can often speak fluently and understand language, but they may struggle to name objects or express specific ideas. Primary progressive aphasia: This is a rare form of aphasia that results from neurodegenerative diseases. It typically starts with mild language difficulties that worsen over time, eventually affecting other cognitive functions. Treatment for aphasia often involves speech and language therapy, which aims to help people improve their language skills and develop alternative communication methods. The effectiveness of treatment depends on various factors, such as the severity and cause of aphasia, the person's age, and their motivation to improve. In some cases, people with aphasia can regain most of their language abilities, while others may experience significant communication difficulties.

Africa

Jun

Apple Strudel Day, Ntl.: June 17

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If you love apple strudel, Apple Strudel Day is for you. In celebration of this sweet, strudel competitions abound with awards for the best recipe given. This sweet pastry originated in Vienna, Austria. The pastry pocket is filled with apples, sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and breadcrumbs, then baked and served warm with a sprinkling of powdered sugar.

Africa

Jun

Applesauce Cake Day: June 6

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Applesauce Cake Day commemorates this traditional cake and its historical importance. During WWI, bread and cake ingredients were rationed. Because of this, people replaced several ingredients with applesauce to make cakes sweet and moist. Applesauce Cake is also a favorite of Girl Scouts and campers. It can easily be made in a Dutch oven over an open fire.

Africa

Jun

Archives Day, Intl.: June 9

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International Archives Day celebrates the work of archivists and the importance of record keeping to culture, history, and education in preserving our cultural heritage, history, and collective memory. The day highlights the work of archivists and their efforts in collecting, preserving, and providing access to valuable documents, records, and other historical materials. International Archives Day began during the 2004 International Congress on Archives (ICA) in Vienna, Austria. The ICA, founded in 1948, is a non-governmental organization that promotes cooperation among archives and archivists worldwide. The first International Archives Day was celebrated in 2008, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the ICA. Since then, it has grown in popularity and is observed by archives and archivists globally, often involving various events, exhibitions, workshops, and conferences. These activities aim to engage the public, raise awareness about the value of archives, and highlight the challenges faced by archivists, such as digitization, preservation, and access. International Archives Day provides an opportunity to recognize archivists' contributions and showcase the vital role that archives play in preserving our history and cultural heritage for future generations.

Africa

May

Ardbeg Day (UK): May 31

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Ardbeg Day celebrates the kickoff of summer with local carnivals featuring Ardbeg Whisky in multiple countries worldwide.

Africa

Jun

Arjan Dev (S) (1606) : June 16

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Today is the anniversary of the Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib. Guru Arjan Dev Sahib (May 2, 1563-June 16, 1606) was the fifth Sikh Guru and a central figure in Sikh history. He was born in Goindval, Punjab, India, to Guru Ram Das Sahib, the fourth Sikh Guru, and Mata Bhani Ji. Guru Arjan Dev played a significant role in developing Sikhism and its institutions. Some notable contributions and events from Guru Arjan Dev Sahib's life include: Compilation of the Adi Granth: Guru Arjan Dev Sahib compiled the Adi Granth, the first edition of the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the central religious scripture of Sikhism. He collected the hymns of previous Gurus and those of several Hindu and Muslim saints and added his own compositions. The Adi Granth was completed in 1604 and installed in the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar. Construction of Harmandir Sahib: Guru Arjan Dev Sahib was instrumental in constructing the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, Punjab. This holy site is the most revered pilgrimage destination for Sikhs and symbolizes openness and inclusivity in Sikhism. Expansion of Sikhism: Under Guru Arjan Dev Sahib's leadership, Sikhism expanded rapidly. He established a network of Sikh centers called Manjis, which helped organize and spread Sikh teachings. Martyrdom: Guru Arjan Dev Sahib's growing influence and the popularity of Sikhism led to tensions with the Mughal Empire. Emperor Jahangir, fearing the rise of Sikhism, ordered Guru Arjan Dev Sahib's arrest in 1606. The Guru was severely tortured and ultimately died in custody, becoming the first martyred Sikh Guru. His martyrdom is a turning point in Sikh history. It marked the beginning of the Sikhs' struggle against Mughal oppression and the eventual emergence of the warrior tradition within Sikhism. Guru Arjan Dev Sahib's life and teachings continue to inspire Sikhs worldwide, emphasizing humility, selfless service, and devotion to God.

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