July Issue

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All Month of July

National Ice Cream Month

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. This Year, National Ice Cream Day is on Sunday, July 17, 2022. 

On Average, Americans consume about 22 pounds of ice cream and related frozen desserts each year. As the summer reaches peak temperatures in July, we celebrate National Ice Cream Month as a way to cool off and enjoy the nation’s favorite frozen treat with friends and family. Ice cream has historically been a key feature of American communities.

Ice cream companies help support the U.S. economy, contributing more than $13 billion directly to the national economy and supporting nearly 29,000 direct jobs! That's some pretty sweet news!

Source: https://www.idfa.org/july-is-national-ice-cream-month

All Month of July

National Grilling Month

The National Grilling Month in July ushers in fun times by the grill. Grilling, which is food being cooked using dry heat, goes way back in history, all the way to the caveman era.

Backyard grilling became popular only recently. Until the 1940s, people would only grill when they were in the great outdoors or at picnics in a park. Backyard grilling only became popular after WW2 when many people’s socio-economic conditions improved and the middle class rose. People started grilling in their backyards.

The National Grilling Month is an invitation to eat delicious foods made on the grill. Yes, it’s already hot, and we are telling you to stand near a source of heat to prepare food. But if you can’t beat it, you can strive to make it better, and food makes any situation better! Invite your family and friends for a day out. Plan fun games and play some music as you fire up the grill.

Source:https://www.americanhumane.org/initiative/adopt-a-cat-month/

July 4, 2022

Independence Day

AAVSB Holiday - Day Off

The Fourth of July has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. The Fourth of July 2022 is on Monday, July 4, 2022.

The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4 of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. Ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies. The Pennsylvania Evening Post reported: “at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.” That same night, the Sons of Liberty set off fireworks over Boston Common.

The Best Firework Displays In Your State

If you don't already have one, check out what some say are the best firework displays in your state!

Just A Reminder:

Fireworks and your pets probably don't mix very well

Source: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th

July 7, 2022

7-11 Day

Free Slurpee Day

If you’re in need a sweet, cold treat look no further! Every year on July 11^th, 7-Eleven gives away free Slurpees to every customer that comes in between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. While Slurpees have been around since the 1950’s, 7-Eleven began this tradition back in 2002.  With over 300 flavors throughout their various locations, there’s a type of Slurpee for every palette. The holiday began as a celebration of the company’s 75^th birthday and now on it’s 95^th birthday, it continues to serve free Slurpees to its customers nationwide. Mark your calendars and get yours while supplies last!

Source: https://nationaltoday.com/national-free-slurpee-day/

July 9, 2022

Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” signifies the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim, known as Abraham in Christianity and Judaism, to sacrifice his son, Ismail as ordered by Allah. It is one of Islam’s most important holidays.

Usually lasting 3 - 4 days, and celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide, the holiday begins on the 10th day of the Muslim calendar lunar month of Dhul-Hijja, at the time of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

Considered the holiest of the two Eids, the other being Eid al-Fitr, or “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” that commemorates the end of Ramadan, it is one of two major Muslim holidays celebrated across the globe each year.

The Story of Eid al-Adha

In the Quran, Ibrahim has a dream in which Allah commands him to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as a sign of obedience to God. In the writing, Shaytaan, or Satan attempts to confuse Ibrahim and tempt him to not go through with the act, but Ibrahim drives him away.

However, as Ibrahim is about to kill Ismail, Allah stops him, sending the Angel Jibreel, or Gabriel, with a ram to sacrifice instead. The commemoration of the Adha, which is Arabic for sacrifice, takes place on the final day of the Hajj pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam.

How Eid al-Adha Is Celebrated

Because Ibrahim was allowed to sacrifice a ram instead of his son, Eid al-Adha is traditionally celebrated on its first day, by those with means to do so, with the symbolic sacrifice of a lamb, goat, cow, camel or other animal that is then divided into threes to be shared equally among family, friends and the needy.

Muslim worshippers typically perform a communal prayer, or ṣalāt, at dawn on the first day of the festival, attend Mosque, donate to charities and visit with family and friends, also exchanging gifts.

Source: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/eid-al-adha

July 11, 2022

World Population Day

World Population Day, which seeks to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues, was established by the then-Governing Council of the United Nations Development Program in 1989, an outgrowth of the interest generated by the Day of Five Billion, which was observed on 11 July 1987.

By resolution 45/216 of December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly decided to continue observing World Population Day to enhance awareness of population issues, including their relations to the environment and development.

The Day was first marked on 11 July 1990 in more than 90 countries. Since then, several of UNFPA country offices and other organizations and institutions commemorate World Population Day, in partnership with governments and civil society.

Source: https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-population-day

July 26, 2022

National Disability Independence Day

National Disability Independence Day on July 26th commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26th, 1990.

The ADA provides protection from employment discrimination as well as better access to goods, services, and communications for people with disabilities.

The day not only celebrates the anniversary of the ADA but it also serves several other purposes:

• First, the law first broke down barriers individuals with disabilities faced every day.
• It also marked a timeline of change that soon developed.
• Over time, common barriers such as narrow doors and small bathroom stalls became accessible to wheelchairs.
• Other examples include braille signs and crosswalks for the vision impaired. The changes improved mobility and safety.
• Beyond structural changes, the act motivated designers to enhanced technology. Often, physical limitations restrict a person’s ability to access legal or health information. New assistive technologies make it possible to obtain the necessary information.

Source: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-disability-independence-day-july-26/

July 30, 2022

National Friendship Day

The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.

The resolution places emphasis on involving young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity.

To mark the International Day of Friendship the UN encourages governments, international organizations, and civil society groups to hold events, activities and initiatives that contribute to the efforts of the international community towards promoting a dialogue among civilizations, solidarity, mutual understanding, and reconciliation.

The International Day of Friendship is an initiative that follows on the proposal made by UNESCO defining the Culture of Peace as a set of values, attitudes and behaviors that reject violence and endeavor to prevent conflicts by addressing their root causes with a view to solving problems. It was then adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1997.

Source: https://www.un.org/en/observances/friendship-day

Thank you,

Your DEI committee with the AAVSB

deicommittee@aavsb.org

Adri

Aurelia

Elliott

Erin

Jonathan

Lindsey

Bill's Luna and Tanzee