Honoring the Everyday Woman
March is nationally known for Women’s History month. Women’s History Month is a time to remember contributions of everyday women, not only the famous ones. These women are our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, coworkers, and friends.
Woman’s History Month is a chance to acknowledge that all women deserve to be celebrated for their contributions, big and small. Whether a woman changed the course of history with ground-breaking discovery, or was a hardworking, dedicated employee who always flew under the radar, she matters and deserves recognition. Let us honor all women, all month long by celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
For over a century, International Women’s Day – held on March 8 each year – has marked a day of celebration and advocacy for women’s rights and equality around the world.
International Women’s Day has been celebrated worldwide to commemorate women, their struggles, and their achievements. This is a great way to celebrate with family and friends, include women-owned businesses, host a film screening movie night with your mother, sisters or your daughters, donate to a charity, and acknowledge the awesome women in your life.
“I am a woman phenomenally, phenomenal woman that is your grandmother,
that is your mother, that is your sister, that is you and that is me.”
— MAYA ANGELOU
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month
Every March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness month, a time for sufferers, family members, and supporters to share information, sympathy, and camaraderie, drawing attention to this disease of the central nervous system. If you’re not familiar, MS happens when one’s immune system attacks the nerve cells and renders them unable to properly transmit information, causing balance issues, weakened vision, fatigue, and other unpredictable symptoms. Approximately 2.5 million people worldwide suffer from multiple sclerosis. The cause is unknown, and there is no definitive cure as of this writing. However, there are many effective treatments, so those afflicted with MS should not lose hope. This month is all about raising awareness, educating wider society, fundraising, and getting behind those scientists that seek to advance our understanding of MS.
How to observe MS Awareness Month:
HOW TO OBSERVE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AWARENESS MONTH:
- Walk MS – These events bring passionate people together to change the world for those affected by MS. Walks are held in major cities and smaller ones; there is sure to be one near you.
- Get educated – Learn more about current advocacy opportunities. Also, look into
making a donation, perhaps forming a corporate partnership. - Participate in MS Awareness Week – Wear the orange ribbon and explore the
resources available on the National MS Society website. - Post on your social feeds using the hashtag, #ThisIsMS.
Read Across America
March 2 is Dr. Seuss’ birthday and “Read Across America Day.” National Read Across America Day was established in 1998 from the National Education Association to get children excited about reading. It was tied into the day of one of the beloved authors, Dr. Seuss.
On March 1, I was honored to participate in the Read Across America event at Bells Elementary school. I was fortunate enough to read to Ms. Hermley and Ms. Catalano’s classrooms at Bells Elementary. The students were excited to have me read to them and they were very good listeners. I was asked a few questions about local government, a few funny ones and questions about insects and animals that will or could be instinct.
Also this week joining the fun were Councilmen Peter DelBorewllo III, Donald Brown Jr. and Jack Yerkes. This event is a fun way to encourage our children to read more on a daily basis. Advancement in technology is beneficial for so many reasons; however, this sometimes deters children from choosing to read a book instead of playing a video game. This initiative to designate one day for children to read more is a wonderful idea.
I would like to thank Mrs. Melroy and Bells school for inviting Council and I and for making Read Across America Week an enjoyable and memorable occasion for all. I always look forward to events within the Washington Township schools.
Joann Gattinelli, Mayor of Washington Township
[email protected]
