Upcoming special days in February, March

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

“February is the border between winter and spring.”terri Guillemets, Years

By the time you peruse this column, dear Reader, the month will be mostly past. But to honor this special month, perhaps you didn't know that every day in February is attached to some special celebrations, holidays, festivals, and special observations. It's about more than Valentines. Remaining special days:

February 25

National Chocolate Covered Peanuts Day, National Clam Chowder Day

February 26

National Pistachio Day, For Pete's Sake Day, National Tell A Fairy Tale Day, Levi Strauss Day, National Carpe Diem Day, Open That Bottle Night Day

February 27

International Polar Bear Day, National Strawberry Day, National Kahlua Day, No Brainer Day, World NGO Day — NGO is considered one of the important days in February. This day is about recognizing and highlighting the efforts made by the NGOS of the world. NGOS or Non-governmental Organizations are prevalent in all parts of the world and take up on social causes to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate members of society.

February 28

National Chocolate Souffle Day, National Tooth Fairy Day, National Floral Design Day, National Public Sleeping Day — and these are just the last four days of this special month.

February monthly observances

Black History Month, American Heart Month, Canned Food Month, Great American Pie Month, National Bird Feeding Month, National Cherry Month, National Grapefruit Month, National Children's Dental Health Month, National Self Check Month, National Hot Breakfast Month, National Library Lover's Month, National

Snack Food Month, National Embroidery Month, National Weddings Month

Zero Discrimination Day (March 1)

Zero Discrimination Day is observed on March 1. One of the most important days in March, Zero Discrimination Day is observed worldwide to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, skin color, height, or weight, is treated with dignity. The butterfly is the motif of Zero Discrimination Day

World Civil Defense Day (March 1)

World Civil Defense Day is one of the most important days in March. Every year on March 1, World Civil Defense Day raises public awareness about the significance of civil protection. It honors the efforts, sacrifices, and successes of all services involved in disaster relief. In 1990, the International Civil Defense Organization (ICDO) decided to commemorate this day.

World Wildlife Day (March 3)

World Wildlife Day is observed on March 3 across the world. It is linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Life without Water, which focuses on marine species and raises awareness of marine wildlife's concerns and significant issues in our daily lives.

International Women's Day (March 8)

International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8 and is one of the important days in March. Celebrating this day encourages women to strive to achieve global gender parity. The purple, green, and white color scheme represents women's equality and was inspired by the Women's Social and Political Union in the United Kingdom in 1908.

National Women's History Week

In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women's History Week, and U.S. presidents have followed by proclaiming March as Women's

History Month.

The National Women's History Alliance announced the theme for 2023: Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.

The Mendocino Women's Political Coalition (MWPC) with AAUWUKIAH is sponsoring the 39th Annual Women's History Gala Celebration on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at the Saturday Afternoon Clubhouse, 107 S. Oak St., Ukiah. Doors open at noon for the Silent Auction and socializing. Program begins at 12:30 p.m.

Katarzyna Rolzinski recently wrote, “Our story-telling community women are essential in making our history visible and MWPC recognizes particular women who have been active in many forms of storytelling.”

The three Mendocino County 2023 Honorees selected to represent diverse paths as women who have devoted their time and talents to producing art and news in pursuing truth and reflecting society are: Dot Brovarney, Fort Bragg, author, historian and curator; Sarah Reith, Ukiah, author, artist and journalist; and Ellen Weed, Ukiah, actor, director and teacher.

Featured speakers will be Corine Pearce, Redwood Valley Little River Band of Pomo, and Buffie Schmidt, Sherwood Valley Rancheria, who both embody the 2023 theme as everything they do involves storytelling.

“Corine Pearce is a major force for revitalizing and celebrating the culture of her Pomo people, connecting indigenous people with each other, and bridging the gap between the Native and nonnative communities in Mendocino County and afar through her various means of storytelling,” commented Rolzinski.

Everyone is invited to attend this Women's History Gala to celebrate women, enjoy refreshments, and to be inspired by the speeches, music and poetry. Be prepared to bid in the Silent Auction, as the Annual Gala is MWPC'S only event to raise funds to support women candidates for elected office, provide candidate training, and to organize candidate nights. Ticket donation, $10 at the door. More information: mcclurelynda48@gmail.com