Saturday, February 15, 2020

February 15 - National Singles Awareness Day


Happy National Singles Awareness Day! On February 15th, today reminds us that there’s nothing wrong with being single. In fact, the day after Valentine’s Day points out all the ways that singledom benefits our communities and more. 

There are several benefits to being unattached. Singles can come and go as they please with no regard to a partner’s schedule, wants or needs. Career opportunity?  A single doesn’t need to consult a spouse before accepting an offer.  

It’s also easier for a single to keep up healthy habits. There isn’t anyone to sabotage their efforts to work out and eat healthily. Singles also tend to be more self-reliant and involved in their communities. 

Singles come in all ages as well Whether they’re single by choice or happenstance, recently single or pursuing singledom for the long haul, they tend to lead independent lives. However, that doesn’t mean they are alone. Singles may be raising a child or grandchild. They may be caring for a parent or sibling. 

Despite the images of a spinster, a partying bachelor, a single’s lifestyle can take on quite a different look. They may take on many roles from a professional to a community leader, caregiver, and volunteer. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Take a closer look at the single people in your life. They may not need a matchmaker, just someone who doesn’t see them as a fifth wheel. Singles, participate in local events. Use #SinglesAwarenessDay to post on social media. 

HISTORY 

The research from National Day Calendar® has found that National Singles Awareness Day has been around since 1999. In a blog post dated February 11, 2005, Mississippi State University student, Dustin Barnes lays claim to the creation of the day.  

According to his article, Barnes and his high school friends invented it “back in the day.” The earliest record that National Day Calendar® could find of the day in print is 1999.  

Another celebration has been taking place in the United Kingdom for some time. Some of the articles we found references to the celebration in that country while others make no reference at all.  

Whether the observance was created in the United States or crossed the pond and grew from there, National Day Calendar® can’t be sure. 
  
Related Observances 

#SinglesAwarenessDay 
@nichecinema 

February 15 - National Wisconsin Day


Happy National Wisconsin Day! Today we observe the 30th state to join the union back on May 29, 1848. 

This midwestern U.S. state with coastlines on two Great Lakes (Michigan and Superior) and an interior of forests and farms. 

Milwaukee, the largest city, is known for the Milwaukee Public Museum, with its numerous re-created international villages, and the Harley-Davidson Museum, displaying classic motorcycles. Several beer companies are based in Milwaukee, and many offer brewery tours. 
  
Rich in copper, lead, forest and fertile farmland, Wisconsin became the 30th state. In 1634, French explorer Jean Nicolet was the first European to reach Wisconsin while seeking a Northwest passage to China. 

A mining boom, not fur trading, led to the nickname regarding a certain bucktoothed rodent. 

According to oral history, the miners burrowed into the hillsides much like badgers for shelter instead of setting up more permanent homesteads. 

The first wave of settlers to the area also began the uprooting of the Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Chippewa and other indigenous people. 

Early in Wisconsin’s settlement, dairy production began to take root. By the turn of the century, the state became known for its dairy farms and synonymous with cheese. This later led the state to also be nicknamed America's Dairyland. 

Mining, dairies, and breweries grew one after the other. An influx of German immigrants in the 1850s brought a new brand of dreamers. Brewers cropped up across Wisconsin satisfying the thirst of the state.  

As with brewers in other regions of the country, the 18th Amendment of 1919 prohibiting alcohol drowned out much of the competition leaving only a handful after the legislation was repealed in 1933. 

From Lake Michigan to Superior and numerous river and lakes in between, Wisconsin offers ample opportunity for water recreation and sport. 

There are also year-round trails perfect for summer hiking or substantial snow for winter activities. 

For a complete list of Wisconsin State and National Parks and historic sites, please visit the websites below:


Ice Age National Scenic Trail – Madison 
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway – Saint Croix Falls 
Big Foot Beach State Park – Lake Geneva 
High Cliff State Park – Sherwood 
Natural Bridge State Park – North Freedom 
Whitefish Dunes State Park – Sturgeon Bay 
Peshtigo State Forest – Crivitz 
Friendship State Trail – Hilbert 
Stonefield – Cassville 
Ripley’s Believe It or Not – Wisconsin Dells 
Yerkes Observatory – Williams Bay
Jelly Belly Center – Pleasant Prairie  
  
Be sure to check out a few of the featured sites around the state below as well.

MUSEUMS

Circus World Museum – Baraboo 
Madeline Island Museum – La Pointe 
National Railroad Museum – Green Bay 
Door County Maritime Museum – Sturgeon Bay 
Milwaukee Art Museum – Milwaukee

HOW TO OBSERVE 

“Discover a taste of Wisconsin. Join National Day Calendar® as they explore the state's history, people, and culture. Uncover and Travel Wisconsin with all her hidden treasures and amazing landscapes!” 

Use #NationalWisconsinDay to share on social media.

Hidden Treasures

Mustard Museum – Middleton 
Shaker’s Cigar Bar – Milwaukee 
Chatty Belle – Neillsville 
  
We also observe these famous figures born in Wisconsin of whom are still recognized today for their past accomplishments, heroics, talents, ingenuity and innovations: Frank Lloyd Wright, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Arthur Davidson, William S. Harley, Georgia O'Keefe, Thornton Wilder, Earl Louis "Curly" Lambeau, Mildred Harnack, Orson Welles, Les Paul, Gaylord Nelson and Joyce E. Hill [Westerman]. 
  
Visit the link below to see those of notable birth who were not mentioned on the list above.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_from_Wisconsin  
  
Here's to The Badger State! 
  
#NationalWisconsinDay 
@packers 
@harleydavidson
@Ripleys 
@JellyBellyUSA
@nichecinema