Sadly, Hallmark cards gets a bum rap whenever someone resents the existence of a holiday that is perceived to exist primarily for commercial purposes. Over the years I’ve heard grumbling because of the existence of Valentine’s Day, Sweetest Day and the like. They dislike feeling obligated to remember their significant other on such occasions. Some stand by their convictions while others cave to peer pressure or the fear of spousal retribution.

Although Hallmark does benefit from holidays they still have to be creative, market and have a product suitable for the holiday and in most cases they did not invent the holiday of which they are accused. Why does Hallmark get the blame and not small towns when they sign proclamations to promote awareness of an event which is most always a fundraising event? What about the school organizations that hold fundraisers intended to raise money for their club’s activities? Then, too, there are individuals who organize fundraisers for friends in need of financial assistance, churches collecting for various fund drives and holidays, restaurants, bars and consumer stores offer holiday/event related specials. After all, it’s all done in an attempt to earn consumer dollars.

Just last week was Administrative Professional’s Day, which is observed annually during the last full week in April. The day exists to recognize the work of secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, etc. Successful business people are only as good as the team and people they surround themselves with, hence the creation of Administrative Professionals’ Day. Typically administrative professionals are given cards, flowers, chocolates and lunches to thank the people who work hard behind the scenes and are deserving of gratitude and praise. Although the holiday is not national it is observed in most of the US. The history of this holiday goes back to World War II when there was a shortage of skilled administrative personnel, but, according to my research, the holiday was not celebrated until 1952.

This Saturday is Cinco de Mayo, an annual celebration held on May 5. Some people believe it is Mexico’s Independence Day, which is incorrect. The date is observed to commemorate the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Ironically Cinco de Mayo is actually more celebrated in the United States than in Mexico with around 70 million pounds of avocados are eaten in the US on May 5, and we won’t even begin to mention the amount of tequila consumed.

Sunday is National Nurses Day, which is celebrated yearly and is the first day of Nurses Week which ends on May 12. Nurse’s day was first observed in October 1954 but was moved to May 6 in 1982. The holiday was established to raise awareness of the importance of nursing professionals, their hard work and dedication. May 12 is the birthday of Florence Nightingale, an English nurse known as the founder of professional nursing.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Friday and Saturday beginning at 7:30 p.m. there is karaoke in the Versailles Vet’s Club downstairs. Saturday there will be a taco bar and festive drinks to help celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Saturday from 9-11 a.m. Trinity Lutheran Church invites those interested to join in the fellowship and labor of making sleeping mats for the homeless.

Tuesday is the Ohio primary election.

Wednesday from 7:15-8:30 p.m. in the VHS band room (use door 10) there will be a musical session for those interested in being a part of the newly forming Community Band.

May 11 is Monte Carlo Night at the Greenville VFW on Ohio Street from 6-9:30 p.m. with a $10 cover charge. Proceeds go to The Darke County Cancer Association.

Happy birthday to Julie Magoto, Beverly Baltes, Harry Bruns, Brian Henry, Randy Magoto, Taylor Armstrong, Jacob Armstrong, Kayla Clark, Mike Hayes, Ethan Rhoades Kensie Rhoades, Kevin Flory, Maxwell Curtis, Jan Collins, Kate Brewer, Tracy Nagel, Kristina Treon, Claire Holzapfel, Haylee Lewis, Paige Holzapfel, Andrew Holfinger, Trevor Dirksen, Polly Grow, Rick Berger, Matthew Gibbons, Jason Keihl, John Hilgefort, Emily Harman, Kathy Heitkamp, Rebecca Liette, Ginny Moorman, Rebecca Pohl, Rosie Koverman and Ed Ruhe on their recent or approaching birthday, as well as, anniversary wishes to Joelle and Judson Delancey (6), Nikki and Jason Roll (9), Mary and Tim Koons (18), Karen and Cory May, Susan and John Mangen (18), Rhonda and Bryan Albers (29), Jackie and Rick Voisard (32), Colleen and Dan Hayes (40), Deb and Ted Baker (40), Jeanne and Brad Miller (45), Sharon and Gary Kunk (46), Kathy and George Subler (54) and Jean and Paul Shimp (62).

Congratulations to Prom Queen Cassie Peters, daughter of Sandy and Shawn Peters, and Prom King Kurtis Rutschilling, son of Paula and Mike Rutschilling.

Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges and especially for Mr. Kuhbander, Karen Hilgefort, Wava Paulus, Larry Brown, Tracey Sowards, Hazel Nickol, Donnie Butsch, Scarlet Unrast, Tami Russell, Jenni Meyer, Donna Apple, Marcia Davidson, Alice Luthman, Richard Coffield, Michelle Sherman, John and Miriam Harman, Dave Magoto, Patricia Borchers, Bob Miller, Iona Gariety, Loretta Bey, Steve Bey, Aiden Myers, Margaret Hoehne, Connie Hoehne, Betty Brown, Lisa Zumberger, Lois Knapke, Claire Owens, Angie Keiser, Jerry Paulus, Janice Berger, Janet Folkerth, Beverly Brown, Cyril Frantz, Denny Subler, Jack Borgerding, Alvira Marchal, Jane and Louie Huber, Earl Gigandet, Pooch Barga, Chris Apple, Ruth Wirrig, Wilma Heiby, Linda Wilson, Carl DeMange, Mary Seman, Marge Prakel, Mary Batty, Norma Magoto, Betty Kremer, Denny Grilliot, Virginia Smith, Anabelle Subler, Lois Youngker, Barb Goubeaux, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard Samantha Smith and those not mentioned by name who are recuperating, hospitalized, homebound and/or in need of our prayers.

Please join me in extending heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of infant Krystina Leighann Reardon (5 months), Carol Barhorst (58), Martha Kuether (67), Jeanne Potter (77) and Ruth Haft (80). Also remembering the lives of Ray Francis, Mary Dues, Jeff Mescher, Susan Brewer, Brent Corn, Betty Bigham, Tim Sloan, Bill Harman, Lucille Lee, Pauline Schmiesing, Phillip Grillot, Edith Brandt, Margaret Streib, Michael Dapore, Roger Mangen, Joan Barga, Gene and Betty Meyer, Ruth Oliver, Phyllis Albritton, Ruth Gaier, John McGreevy, Glen Shappie, Lucille Coffield, Norma Rinderle, John Todd and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their passing nears.

Nurse’s Week quotes:

“Save one life, and you’re a hero. Save a hundred lives, and you’re a nurse.“ ~Unknown

“The trained nurse has become one of the great blessings of humanity, taking a place beside the physician and the priest.” ~William Osler

Administrative Professional’s quotes:

“No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another.”~Unknown

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” ~Voltaire

Cinco de Mayo quote:

“Just like everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s day, everyone drinks tequila on Cinco de Mayo.” ~S. Amelia