The theme for International Women’s Day this year is “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality,” because 37 percent of women don’t use the internet and 259 million fewer woman have access to the internet than men. If women aren’t able to access the Internet, they’re unable to develop digital skills, which diminishes their opportunities to pursue STEM careers. Read more →

As always, there’s a lot to consider oncMartin Luther King Jr. Day. I’m so glad that King Day was finally established. After a 15-year battle, legislation was signed in 1983 creating a federal holiday marking King’s birthday. The federal holiday was first observed in 1986, making 2023 the 37th anniversary of the King federal holiday. Read more →

Christmas is a great time of year. There’s so much joy to share for the yearly celebration with family and friends. Americans plan to spend $832.84 per person on gifts and other holiday items this year, according to a survey conducted for the National Retail Federation. That’s a 6 to 8 percent increase over last year. Read more →

The purpose of Memorial Day to honor those who have died in service to their country. In addition to somber remembrances, ceremonies, and parades, 59 percent of Americans plan to barbecue over Memorial Day weekend, while 15 percent will take a trip. Memorial Day sales also are popular. Read more →

The first Mother’s Day celebrations were organized by Anna Jarvis on May 10, 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia, and Philadelphia. Jarvis became the leader for the Mother’s Day movement as the annual celebration became popular across the nation. Read more →

When I was a kid, we used to make paper baskets, put flowers in them, hang them on door knobs, ring the bell, and then run. One time, I remember taking part in a maypole dance. It was really fun. Throughout the world, many countries celebrate May 1, May Day, as International Labor Day. Read more →

What are your plans for the Fourth? A barbecue with family and friends? A hike? A movie? A parade? Fireworks? Here’s what Americans are up on Independence Day this year: Read more →

When I was growing up, we used to make May Day baskets out of construction paper and hang them on peoples’ door knobs. Growing up in Central Washington, we often had lilacs blooming, so we’d put those in our May Day baskets along with tulips, irises, and other flowers from my mom’s gardens. Read more →

Best wishes to you on Easter Sunday. May your heart be filled with love and joy today. I’m thankful today for my family, my community, and my health. In these challenging pandemic times, it’s difficult to know what’s next. Read more →

Attending gatherings to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day increases your risk of getting and spreading covid-19. The safest way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year is to gather virtually, with people who live with you, or outside and at least 6 feet apart from others. Read more →