Event Calendar

In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States.

This is one holiday that is easy to celebrate. Cheer Up the Lonely Day was established to spread awareness about the damaging effects of loneliness and asks for people to give some of their time to bring happiness and cheer into the lives of those who may be lonely. Unfortunately, whether it is being alone or feeling alone; loneliness is an inevitable part of life. For some people, it can be temporary, and for others it may be a daily struggle; affecting all ages, and people from all walks of life. If you know someone who is lonely or going through a difficult time, this was created as a day to reach out to them and try to cheer them up. Your small act of kindness can make a big difference to them. According to L.J. Pesek, Cheer Up the Lonely Day was created by her father, Francis Pesek from Detroit, Michigan. She said her father "was a quiet, kind, wonderful man who had a heart of gold. He got the idea as a way of promoting kindness toward others who were lonely or forgotten as shut-ins or in nursing homes with no relatives or friends to look in on them." Francis Pesek chose this July 11th, because it was his own birthday.

Chocoholics unite—it’s National Milk Chocolate Day! Milk chocolate is made of cocoa solids - cocoa paste and cocoa butter - mixed with dry or condensed milk and sugar, and is one of the most common types of chocolates available around the world. It is believed that milk chocolate was first created as a drink in Germany during the mid-19th century. The first milk chocolate in the form of a bar that we all recognize today was created by Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter in collaboration with Henri Nestlé, the founder of the chocolate company Nestlé. Did you know that chocolate actually has mood-enhancing benefits? Due to a stimulant called theobromine and a compound called anandamide that it contains—chocolate can make you happy! Now that sounds like an extra reason to celebrate! So today, enjoy it your favorite way--Happy Milk Chocolate Day!