National Pretzel Day (April 26)

Washington, D.C. - April 25, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Auntie Anne's®, the world's largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise, is celebrating National Pretzel Day on April 26 by giving away 25,000 free pretzels to frontline workers. In addition to nominating a frontline worker to receive a pretzel-pick-me-up, fans can claim their own National Pretzel Day offer when they download the Pretzel Perks app.

Pretzel fans can nominate their friends and family members who are frontline employees beginning Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26 at AuntieAnnes.com/Nominate. Auntie Anne's will randomly select 25,000* of these frontline workers to receive a free Original or Cinnamon Sugar pretzel offer, as a way to show appreciation to all those keeping us safe and healthy during this time.

Additionally, all Pretzel Perks app users will receive an offer for a free Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel with the purchase of any pretzel item, valid beginning Friday, April 24. To receive this exclusive National Pretzel Day offer, pretzel lovers should download and sign up for the Pretzel Perks app by Sunday, April 26. The offer has an extended expiration to allow fans plenty of time to redeem it.

"At Auntie Anne's, National Pretzel Day is our favorite day of the year," said Heather Neary, president of Auntie Anne's. "We wanted to take this opportunity to share a little pretzel love not only with our fans, but also with all the frontline workers doing their best to keep us safe and healthy. From healthcare professionals and first responders, to restaurant employees and warehouse workers, we wanted to recognize their hard work and say thank you."

To find an Auntie Anne's location, visit auntieannes.com/locations. Auntie Anne's hand-rolled soft pretzels come freshly baked in a variety of flavors including Original, Cinnamon Sugar, Sweet Almond, Sour Cream & Onion, Roasted Garlic & Parmesan, and Pepperoni. For guests on-the-go, Auntie Anne's offers portable Pretzel Nuggets, Pretzel Dogs, and Mini Pretzel Dogs. With seven dipping sauces and a variety of drinks to accompany each pretzel, Auntie Anne's is bound to hit the spot any time, any day.

Earth Day (April 22, 2020)

A message from U.S. Representative Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL, 20th)

“Today, we observe the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Since we marked the first Earth Day, so many activists have fought dearly to honor our responsibility to protect our planet. Much work remains and our incremental progress has been just that—incremental and gradual—despite the increasingly clear signs and devastation of environmental degradation. Too many communities remain exposed to harmful chemicals, and the climate crisis is causing rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and more extreme and devastating weather events. The link between the importance of clean air, clean water, and public health is more clear now than ever before. Indeed, many of the factors polluting our air and driving climate change, such as carbon emissions, also worsen the risk of respiratory diseases, like the COVID-19 pandemic our nation is currently battling.

“House Democrats have taken action to deliver science-based leadership, which comes in stark contrast to the Trump Administration’s regulatory rollbacks and inaction. Last year, House Democrats passed H.R.9, the Climate Action Now Act, to reaffirm the Global Paris Climate Agreement after the Trump Administration’s misguided announcement to withdraw the United States from this agreement.

“Climate change is a global crisis that requires a global response. Being a Floridian means cherishing our land, water, and community. Today, we celebrate our environment and reaffirm our shared responsibility to act now to preserve our planet for our children and future generations.”

International Mine Awareness Day (April 4)

by United Nations

New York, NY - April 2, 2020 - (The Stuff Gazette) -- Decades ago, millions of landmines were buried in countries across the world. From Cambodia to Mozambique, in Angola and Afghanistan, thousands of lives were lost, with others altered forever because of one unlucky step. The outcry by civil society in the early 1990s drove the multilateral system to take a stand against the use of anti-personnel mines, leading to the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction — known as the Mine Ban Convention — and other crucial frameworks. Today, many countries have declared themselves mine free, with others well on the way.

Now, the world is facing a daunting pandemic. The dangers posed by COVID-19 are forcing every country, and every person, to take steps that would have seemed unimaginable mere weeks ago. It is for this reason that this year’s observance of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action has been scaled back. The football tournaments, due to take place on land cleared of explosive ordnance, have been cancelled. The events aimed at bringing together the mine action community will take place virtually, if at all.

Yet, even amid an unprecedented crisis, we cannot let this day go unnoticed, nor can we allow the rights of persons with disabilities to go unacknowledged. Mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices threaten some of the most vulnerable people in society — women traveling to markets, farmers herding cattle, humanitarian workers trying to reach those most in need.

Moreover, the achievements of the mine action community show that, in working together, we can reach milestones once seen as impossible — a timely message for our efforts today to suppress transmission of the pandemic.

Let us remember the people living under the shadow of explosive ordnance, from Syria to Mali and elsewhere. As many people around the world work safely from home, they will remain exposed and vulnerable. And, when the world emerges from today’s crisis, they will continue to need our support.

Pet Care Month (April)

We are celebrating Pet Care Month here at the Stuff Gazette!

Fair Housing Month (April)

by: Joyce Beatty (D-OH, 3rd)

Washington, D.C. - April 24, 2019 - (The Stuff Gazette) -- Fifty-one years ago, on April 11, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in the housing sector based on race, ethnicity, sex, age, disability, and family status. In recognition of the landmark piece of legislation, each April our country commemorates Fair Housing Month. To mark the occasion, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement:

“Thanks to the Fair Housing Act, Americans have the right to live where they choose, regardless of race, gender, religion, disability, and family status. But the dream of equal housing opportunity is far from fulfilled; still today, it is legal to refuse housing based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and institutional racism continues to make it very difficult for people of color to access affordable, quality housing. I will not rest until every hardworking family in Central Ohio and beyond can access housing that best meets their needs.”

As Chair of the House Financial Services Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee as well as a member of the Housing, Community Development, and Insurance Subcommittee, Beatty is working hard to guarantee all Americans—no matter what they look like, where they’re from, or who they love—have equal access to safe, secure housing. To that effect, she recently participated in an April 2nd Financial Services hearing entitled, “The Fair Housing Act: Reviewing Efforts to Eliminate Discrimination and Promote Opportunity in Housing” to examine the successes of the Fair Housing Act and persistent challenges that too many potential homeowners and renters still face today.

To learn more about fair housing laws, including your rights when seeking housing and as a tenant or homeowner, visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity website.

World Meningitis Day (April 24)

by: Senator Gary Peters (D-MI)

Washington, D.C. - April 24, 2019 - (The Stuff Gazette) -- U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Representative Elissa Slotkin (MI-08) are working to raise awareness for meningitis B prevention and treatment. April 24 is World Meningitis Day, and Peters, Stabenow and Slotkin recently led the introduction of a bicameral resolution to recognize the importance of confronting meningitis B. Although this disease kills or disables over 170,000 patients across the globe annually, few in the U.S. have received meningitis B vaccines due to a lack of public awareness.

“In 2019, no parent should have to experience the pain of losing a child to a vaccine-preventable disease,” said Senator Peters. “This resolution highlights the need to expand awareness of both the dangers of meningitis B and the vaccinations that prevent it, and I look forward to supporting further efforts in Congress to help more families protect their children’s health.”

“When a parent sends their child off to college, the last thing they are thinking about is that their child could become seriously ill,” said Senator Stabenow. “This resolution helps ensure that parents know the risk for Meningitis B and know that it’s preventable.”

“We know that infants, adolescents, and young adults are among those with the greatest risk for meningococcal disease – which is both potentially deadly and highly preventable with a vaccine,” said Representative Slotkin. “We must work harder to confront this deadly disease and support community efforts to ensure as many young people as possible are protected.”

“I am so appreciative of Senator Peters, Senator Stabenow and Representative Slotkin for introducing the 2019 Meningitis B Awareness Day Resolution,” said Alicia Stillman of West Bloomfield, Director of the Emily Stillman Foundation, Co-Director of the Meningitis B Action Project, and loving mother to Emily, who went to Kalamazoo College. “Meningitis B is a very serious disease that killed my 19 year old daughter Emily during her second year of college in 2013. Six years later, we now have vaccines available to prevent this disease, but sadly many people are still unaware of this. I am hopeful that this resolution will help us educate all adolescents and their parents for the need for this very important Meningitis B vaccine in addition to the MenACWY vaccine they already get at ages 11 and 16. I am hopeful that this resolution will help us educate Colleges and Universities for the need to protect their student bodies with this additional vaccine. Finally, I am hopeful that the members of the medical community will see the Congressional commitment as encouragement to engage and protect every patient at every opportunity by increasing the vaccination rates against this disease.”

While meningitis B has been found to claim the lives of approximately ten to twenty percent of patients within the first forty-eight hours of initial symptoms, most Americans are currently ill-informed regarding the life-threatening danger this disease poses, especially for children and teenagers. This bicameral resolution aims to rectify this issue by underscoring the seriousness of this disease and highlighting the work undertaken by various organizations to equip parents and young adults with the proper questions to ask their healthcare provider.

Earth Day (April 22, 2019)

Today's News from the Lawmakers

Presidential Message on Earth Day, 2019
by: President Donald Trump
April 15, 2019
Earth Day is a celebration of the abundant beauty and life-sustaining bounty of our natural environment. On this day, we reaffirm our responsibility to protect God’s wondrous creation for future generations.

From the Appalachian Mountains to the golden shores of California, America is blessed with some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth. As Americans, we all share an immense pride in these God-given treasures and a tremendous appreciation for our abundance of natural resources.

Environmental protection and economic prosperity go hand in hand. A strong market economy is essential to protecting our critical natural resources and fostering a legacy of conservation. My Administration is committed to being effective stewards of our environment while encouraging opportunities for American workers and their families.

At the same time that our Nation is experiencing historic economic and job growth, our air and water quality ranks among the highest in the world. Under my Administration, we are improving the quality of life for communities across America by strengthening the security and reliability of our drinking water and accelerating spending on water infrastructure. Additionally, we have expanded support for conservation of land, water, and wildlife, and we are reforming land management policies to improve the health of our forests and other Federal lands.

As we observe Earth Day, I hope all Americans will reflect with gratitude on the glorious blessings and awe-inspiring majesty of our planet.

National Infant Immunization Week (April 24-May 4)

National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and to celebrate the achievements of immunization programs and their partners in promoting healthy communities.

In 2019, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of NIIW. Since 1994, hundreds of communities across the United States have joined to celebrate the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our children, communities, and public health.

NIIW 2019 is April 27-May 4, 2019.

For more information click HERE

Passover (April 19, 2019)

Exodus 12:25-27
And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service. And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.

Numbers 9:1-3
And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying, Let the children of Israel also keep the passover at his appointed season. In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it.

Velázquez Offers Passover Greetings
by: Andy Biggs (R-AZ, 5th)
April 19, 2019
“To all my friends and neighbors observing Passover, I want to wish a Zeesen Pesach and a joyous celebration with family and friends.

“Commemorating the story from the Torah of the Exodus from Egypt, Passover is full of ritualistic customs. Through its traditions such as special readings told at every Seder around the world, Passover exemplifies the spirit of community and family coming together. Not only is it when we pay tribute to the history of the Jewish people, but it is also a time to care for one another.

“This year, I hope Passover will spark meaningful conversations and an opportunity to connect our shared stories of liberation with people struggling for freedom around the world today. Chag Pesach kasher vesame’ach, wishing a kosher and joyous Passover- to our Jewish neighbors at home and abroad!”

Read more...

Sjögren’s Awareness Month (April)

by: Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation

Washington, D.C. - April 18, 2019 - (The Stuff Gazette) -- April is Sjögren’s Awareness Month and with an estimated four million Americans suffering from Sjögren’s, both men and women of different ages and ethnicities, it is one of the most prevalent but still lesser known autoimmune diseases. Sjögren’s is also not a “cookie cutter” disease and affects patients differently. This can lead to a misunderstanding about the seriousness of the disease and be extremely isolating for those living with it.

Using our new 2019 theme, Conquering the Complexities of Sjögren's, we are going to expand our #ThisIsSjögrens campaign to help others visualize the vast impact of the disease by posting a new patient story every day in April. While the daily posts will each give one small glimpse into living with Sjögren’s, by the end of April, we hope these 30 posts will shine a light on Sjögren’s and ensure a greater understanding of this complex disease.

We encourage you to use Sjögren’s Awareness Month as a way to talk about the disease. Every day is an opportunity to start a conversation about living with Sjögren’s and how it affects you. The more others understand, the more support you can find. Click here to learn more.

Financial Literacy Month (April) - Update

by: Senator Tim Scott (R-SC)

Washington, D.C. - April 17, 2019 - (The Stuff Gazette) -- U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Doug Jones (D-AL), co-chairs of the financial literacy caucus, introduced a resolution declaring April as Financial Literacy Month in effort to highlight the importance of learning and maintaining healthy financial habits. According to a 2017 report by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), approximately 25 percent of households in the United States are unbanked or underbanked and have limited or no access to savings, lending, and other basic financial services. Financial literacy empowers individuals to make wise financial decisions and reduces the difficulty of making decisions in an increasingly complex economy.

The resolution was cosponsored by Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Gary Peters (D-MI), David Perdue (R-GA), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jon Tester (D-MT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Todd Young (R-IN).

“We live in an America where there is a deep divide between many of our working class who live in distressed communities and the rest of the country,” said Senator Scott. “Financial literacy is one of the bridges to closing these gaps and encouraging economic prosperity in our communities. I am excited that I’ve been able to pass legislation that creates real tangible results for the American people.”

"We need to encourage and support Americans in developing the knowledge and skills to be informed consumers and sound managers of their own financial lives, beginning at an early age and continuing through adulthood and retirement. From managing a household budget to making major purchases, paying for college, starting a business, and laying the groundwork for a secure retirement, basic financial literacy is essential to success. Unfortunately, too many Americans lack the information and experience needed to make informed financial decisions, and that’s something that can have implications for their children, local communities, and generations to come. Raising awareness about the resources available to improve financial literacy is the first step on the path to a financially secure future,” said Senator Reed.

“In our increasingly complex economy, financial literacy is more crucial than ever. From taking out loans for a college education to starting a business, it’s critical that Americans have the tools necessary to make smart financial decisions. It’s appropriate that the Senate recognized the importance of financial literacy by passing this resolution today,” said Senator Doug Jones, co-chair of the Financial Literacy Caucus.

“Maintaining and establishing healthy and effective financial habits is an issue that affects countless people not only in Indiana but across the country. As I travel across the state, Hoosiers consistently raise financial security as an area of concern” said Senator Young. “By designating April as Financial Literacy Month, I hope to highlight the necessary skills and available tools to make informed and effective decisions with financial resources.”

“Personal financial education helps prepare individuals to manage their money, credit and debt, and it serves as a cornerstone of consumer protection,” said Senator Crapo. “Financial Literacy Month highlights the many different resources available to help Americans contemplate ways to increase financial soundness and boost the quality of life for our families.”

“Financial literacy, just like standard literacy, is fundamental to successfully navigating our world,” Senator Enzi said. “Financial education is all about having the information to plan for your future and the tools to understand the risks and rewards. The more financially literate people are, the better off our country will be.”

“As a business owner, I know financial literacy is essential to empowering Americans to make the best decisions for themselves and their families,” said Senator Mike Braun. “It’s essential that Americans have the financial education needed to confidently maintain a household budget, manage credit cards, or start their own business.”

“Increasing financial literacy will empower Arkansans and all Americans to make smart financial decisions, which will mean positive benefits for individuals, families and our economy,” said Senator Boozman. “Too many of us simply do not know how to maintain healthy financial habits, and I am hopeful that through promotion of Financial Literacy Month we can stem that tide. I’m proud to support this resolution and will continue to work to raise awareness about the importance of informed financial decision-making.”

“Economics and finance can have a significant impact when it comes to making everyday decisions,” Senator Capito said. “Whether it’s taking out student loans, buying a car, raising a family, or saving up for retirement, financial literacy is so important when it comes to helping individuals build a strong foundation for a successful future. I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution to raise financial literacy awareness and—hopefully—help more Americans lead a successful and financially stable life.”

“It is essential that people have the financial literacy skills that they need to make important financial decisions – like how to pay for college, when they should buy a home, and how to save for retirement,” said Senator Hassan. “Designating April as ‘Financial Literacy Month’ will bring awareness to the importance of a fundamental, but unfortunately, undervalued skillset that will help Granite Staters and Americans make smart financial decisions.”

“Lack of experience or knowledge on financial decisions can prevent Montanans from confidently making good decisions about their finances,” Tester said. “I am happy to designate April as Financial Literacy Month to help folks more confidently make major purchases, invest in their educations, start a business, or save money.”

“Learning healthy habits is crucial for long-term financial security,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Financial Literacy Month is about giving families the tools and knowledge needed to take control of their financial futures.”

“A lack of basic financial knowledge can have disastrous consequences for an individual’s personal success,” Wicker said. “This resolution supports efforts to empower Americans to make informed decisions about their financial future.”

“At a time when predatory practices aimed at scamming Michiganders have become increasingly sophisticated, improving financial literacy is all the more critical,” said Senator Peters. “Expanding financial literacy opportunities will put more individuals and families on a better path to buy a car, own a home or pay off student debt.”

“This resolution brings attention to the need for Americans to be more familiar with their personal finances. High school students in Mississippi and around the country would benefit from strong financial literacy programs that also help adults better understand taxes, mortgages, retirement savings and the importance of their financial choices,” Hyde-Smith said.

“Both of my parents were schoolteachers, and I’ve been involved in numerous literacy programs throughout my career,” said Senator David Perdue. “Financial literacy programs, like those taught in Georgia’s high schools, help open doors to brighter futures, and are proven to result in higher credit scores and lower default rates. By recognizing April as ‘Financial Literacy Month,’ we are encouraging others to adopt strong standards for financial literacy and raise awareness to the importance of a personal financial education.”


Below are highlights from the senator’s previous legislation:

Protecting Children From Identity Theft Act: This law aims to stop illegal SSN activity by directing the Social Security Administration (SSA) to accept electronic signatures as consumer consent for financial institutions trying to verify customer ID and root out synthetic ID fraud.

Credit Score Competition Act: The law directs the Federal Housing Finance Agency to create a process by which new credit scoring models can be validated and approved for use by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (GSEs) when they purchase mortgages.

Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2018: This bill helps millions of credit-worthy Americans develop a positive credit history by allowing the credit bureaus to consider non-traditional lines of credit.

Alcohol Responsibility Month (April)

by: Kathleen Rice (D-NY, 4th)

Washington, D.C. - April 16, 2019 - (The Stuff Gazette) -- U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice has introduced H.Res. 305, which designates April as “Alcohol Responsibility Month” and expresses the U.S. House of Representatives’ commitment to support efforts to prevent drunk driving and underage drinking. The resolution is endorsed by the National Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org). Original cosponsors of Rep. Rice’s resolution include Reps. Carolyn Maloney (NY-12), Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), and Donald Payne Jr (NJ-10).

The full text of H.Res. 305 is available here.

In Spring 2015, Rep. Rice received MADD’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her nationally-recognized efforts to combat drunk driving as the district attorney of Nassau County, NY. Dubbed “the state’s toughest DWI prosecutor” by the New York Daily News, Rice secured Long Island’s first DWI-related murder convictions and helped enact state-wide changes in New York’s DWI laws. In 2008, CBS’s 60 Minutes profiled Rice’s work to reduce drunk driving, helping to spur renewed attention to the role of local law enforcement in DWI prevention, prosecution and education.

“Preventing drunk driving requires active collaboration at every level, from law enforcement officials to lawmakers and industry leaders to mothers and fathers, teachers and community activists,” said U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice. “That collaboration is what has allowed us to make so much progress reducing drunk driving fatalities over the past 30 years, and it’s crucial that we continue to work together to keep that progress going and to keep saving lives. This expresses our commitment to be fully engaged in that effort, to promote alcohol responsibility and do all that we can to put an end to drunk driving.”

“MADD and Rep. Rice have worked together for years to help fight drunk driving which continues to be the number one cause of death on the roadways,” said MADD National President Helen Witty. “MADD commends Rep. Rice’s leadership on this issue.”

“Parents are the leading influence on a teen’s decision to drink, or not to drink, alcohol. Alcohol Responsibility Month is a perfect time for parents and caregivers in New York and across the nation to talk to kids about the dangers of underage drinking,” said Chris R. Swonger, president and CEO, Responsibility.org. “We all have a role to play to keep our kids safe and alcohol-free.”

Holy Week (April 14-20)

It is Holy Week. CNN posted some facts about Holy Week we thought you might find interesting.

Click HERE to check it out!

Financial Literacy Month (April)

Orlando to host 2019 National LifeSmarts Championship event April 13-16
by: National Consumers League
April 13, 2019
In celebration of Financial Literacy Month in April, the National Consumers League (NCL) has announced the 40 champion teams that have earned a spot at the 2019 National LifeSmarts Championship, which will take place starting tomorrow in Orlando, Florida. The event will kick off Saturday, April 13, at the B Resort and Spa in the Disney Springs Resort Area.

LifeSmarts (LifeSmarts.org), a national consumer literacy scholarship competition, is celebrating its 25th anniversary season this year and is hosted by NCL, the nation’s oldest consumer watchdog organization. The 2019 National LifeSmarts Champion team will be crowned on Tuesday, April 16.

Read more...

ASPCA Day (April 10)

No matter the location or scale of the deployment, the ASPCA is prepared to take on animal cruelty cases when needed—from initial investigations to the final placement of rescued animals in homes.

Recently, the ASPCA shared some great news! Missouri has done away with the law that bans adoption of Pit Bulls! Read it HERE

Nobody wants to see a poor helpless animal abused. Dogs love their masters to death -- literally. We have an obligation to love them back.

My baby dog, Milo, came to me with a broken tail at only 9 weeks old. I have had him for 6 years now. I wouldn't trade him for the world! So, if you are thinking of adopting, pick one that needs a great, loving home, and then GIVE HIM ONE!

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day (April 9)

PROCLAMATION:

On National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we honor the Americans captured and imprisoned by foreign powers while carrying out their duties to defend this great Nation. Throughout our history, hundreds of thousands of American service members have been held as prisoners of war (POWs), enduring harsh treatment, unforgiving conditions, and the anguish of being separated from their families. These brave Americans are true patriots, and their inspiring legacy of selfless courage is a testament to their fierce spirit, unshakeable loyalty, and enduring resilience.

The life of World War II hero Lieutenant Louis Zamperini is a shining example of the extraordinary devotion that POWs maintain for their brothers in arms, to our country, and to the cause of freedom. After surviving an airplane crash and 47 terrifying days adrift in the Pacific Ocean, through which he witnessed the deaths of 9 of his fellow crewmembers, Lieutenant Zamperini was captured by the Japanese and placed in a prison camp. Even though he was imprisoned and subjected to daily torture for 2 painstaking years, Lieutenant Zamperini never let his oppressors destroy his identity or allegiance to America. As much as they tried, he could not be broken. Indeed, after he regained his freedom, he inspired the world with his authentic and powerful message of faith and forgiveness, shaking the hands of his ruthless camp guards while visiting them in a Japanese prison.

As a Nation, we must never forget or take for granted the traumatic ordeals of our former POWs. With honor and valor, they served to keep our country safe, and they stayed the course — despite conditions that were often harsh and agonizing.

We must also remember that freedom from captivity does not guarantee a smooth transition back into civilian life. For example, upon returning home, Lieutenant Zamperini first struggled deeply with the aftereffects of his POW experience. He was eventually able to find peace, however, through the care of his family, the support of community, and his faith. Over time, he triumphed over his suffering and became a permanent example of forgiveness and hope.

The Nation has a solemn duty to ensure that all former POWs are able to flourish upon returning home. We are grateful for the many Americans — including many former POWs — who have devoted their time, talent, and resources to fulfilling that obligation.
Today, and every day, we renew our strong and abiding commitment to America’s former POWs and honor the tremendous debt of gratitude we owe to them for their courageous service and incredible sacrifices. We also remember all those POWs who died while in captivity, selflessly giving their very lives for the sacred cause of liberty.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 9, 2019, as National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. I call upon Americans to observe this day by honoring the service and sacrifice of all our former prisoners of war and to express our Nation’s eternal gratitude for their sacrifice. I also call upon Federal, State, and local government officials and organizations to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.

DONALD J. TRUMP

National Donate Life Month (April)

by: Donate Life America

Richmond, VA - April 8, 2019 - (The Stuff Gazette) -- April is National Donate Life Month. Every year, Donate Life America leads the celebration of National Donate Life Month (NDLM) to focus national attention on organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation — to share the importance of registering your decision to be a donor, honor deceased and living donors, and celebrate the lifesaving and healing gift of transplantation.

“This April, we want to remind everyone that they can help save a life. Registering your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor takes less than a minute and gives hope to those waiting. The decision to register as a donor is the beginning of a story that may bring life and healing to more than 75 people, their families and their communities,” says David Fleming, President & CEO of Donate Life America.

National Donate Life Month (NDLM) has three national elements and feature celebrations:

National Donate Life Month – April 2019

National Donate Life Blue & Green Day – April 12, 2019

National Pediatric Transplant Week – April 22-26, 2019

National Donate Life Month Artwork
To help illustrate the message of donation, Donate Life America (DLA) creates unique artwork for each National Donate Life Month. The 2019 National Donate Life Month (NDLM) art was inspired by bicycles and the phrase, “Life is a beautiful ride.”

Bicycles serve as a symbol of progress, renewal and the moving circle of life. We each carry the potential to help make LIFE a beautiful ride for ourselves, and then for others by registering as a donor, considering living donation, being a caregiver and championing the Donate Life cause. The NDLM bicycle theme and art will be incorporated into celebrations and events across the country during April. More information and public resources are available at DonateLife.net/ndlm/.

National Donate Life Blue & Green Day
On National Donate Life Blue & Green Day, the public is encouraged to wear blue and green Donate Life colors, hold events, and partner with local restaurants, malls, media and community organizations to spread awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation. There is also a public Blue & Green Day photo contest through the Donate Life America Facebook page for everyone to show their creative blue and green spirit! More information and public resources are available at DonateLife.net/blue-green-day/

National Pediatric Transplant Week
The last week of National Donate Life Month is dedicated to kids. National Pediatric Transplant Week provides a platform to talk about the potential of ending the pediatric waiting list, to share innovative work and patient stories of transplant candidates and recipients, and to honor donor families whose children have saved and healed lives through donation. More information and public resources are available at DonateLife.net/pediatric-transplant-week.

Donate Life America (DLA) partners with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), the American Society of Transplantation (AST) and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) to celebrate and promote National Pediatric Transplant Week.

During April, Donate Life America celebrates that 58 percent of U.S. adults have registered their decision to make LIFE possible as organ, eye and tissue donors at the time of their death. DLA is also dedicated to bringing attention to the national transplant waiting list, 115,000 people are currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant. On average, 22 people die each day because the organ they need is not donated in time — almost one person dying every hour. Thousands more people are waiting for lifesaving and healing eye and tissue transplants. You can help by registering your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, and learning more about living donation.

You can register your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at RegisterMe.org or in the Medical ID tab of your iPhone Health app. To learn more about being a living donor, please visit DonateLife.net.

National Library Week (April 7-13)

When is the last time you went to the library? Don't you think you should broaden your horizons? The Public Library is the perfect way to travel when you are stuck at home!

Click HERE to buy the T-shirt!

Gold Star Spouses Day (April 5)

Today, we remember to support those who have sacrificed their husbands and wives to keep America Free.

Go HERE to learn more...

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Distracted Driving, A Leading Killer, Is Caused by More Than Texting

by: The National Road Safety Foundation

Washington, D.C. - April 5, 2019 - (The Stuff Gazette) -- April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and The National Road Safety Foundation reminds drivers that distraction remains a leading cause of fatal traffic crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 3,166 people were killed in 2017 by crashes involving a distracted driver. Texting while driving is an especially troubling trend among teens and drivers into their mid-twenties.

A survey by the AAA Foundation found 78 percent of drivers believe it's dangerous to talk or text while driving, yet nearly half admit to talking on a hand-held phone while driving and nearly 35 percent have sent a text or email. Drivers are three times more likely to crash when talking on a phone and 23 times more likely to crash when texting. Teens, who are less experienced behind the wheel, are especially at risk by distracted driving.

Texting takes a driver's eyes off the road for at least three to five seconds, which is the equivalent at highway speeds of driving blind for the length of a football field. Using a cell phone while driving, whether it's hand-held or hands-free, can impair a driver's reaction time as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent.

"Talking and texting on cell phones, while the most talked-about cause of driver distraction, is not the only thing that can distract a driver," said Michelle Anderson, Director of Operations at The National Road Safety Foundation, a non-profit group that promotes safe driving behavior. "Seemingly harmless things like tuning the radio, adjusting the GPS, eating or drinking can take a driver's mind off the road, with potentially deadly results. Even talking to other passengers can be a dangerous distraction."

Anderson added, "Part of the solution is simply becoming aware of what creates driver distraction and remembering that drivers must always keep their hands on the wheel, eyes on the road and their mind on the task of driving."

As part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, state and local police are partnering with NHTSA next week for the annual "U Drive. U Text. You Pay" campaign to enforce distracted driving laws, which are on the books now in 47 states and the District of Columbia. In most states, tickets for texting while driving are very costly and could put points on the driver's license.

The National Road Safety Foundation has brief videos about distracted driving that can be viewed or downloaded at no charge from http://www.nrsf.org/programs/distracted-driving. The site also has a free downloadable self-assessment quiz titled "Am I Distracted?" that points out common behaviors that cause distraction while driving.

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