This period of the year (April 22- May 1) encompasses three significant celebrations.

First in time is Earth Day- Friday, April 22

  Earth Day was first held on April 22, 1970. I remember the day well because as a sophomore in high school, 5 of us pulled a Volkswagen beetle tied off with a large rope approximately ¼ mile down the 2 lane road leading to the high school at the time school was to begin (thereby significantly slowing traffic).

The Dean was not impressed.

  Earth Day was established to have a collective demonstration of support for environmental protection. Earth Day 1970 achieved a rare political alignment among Republicans, Democrats, rich, poor, workers and business, farmers and urban dwellers for support of preserving our natural environment. Since the first Earth Day, Congress has passed the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. The Earth Day organization reminds us that Business, government, citizens; everyone is accounted for and accountable for environmental preservation.  Our club is picking up trash along Delaware Ave. on Saturday as part of the Minnesota Clean Highway program. What else can we be doing?

Secondly, Administrative Professionals Day-Wednesday, April 27

   Administrative Professionals Day is a day and time to recognize the professionals who keep an office running smoothly every day. These support staff are valuable personnel in the functioning of business and government. This date was originally National Secretaries Day. This date has its origins in 1942 upon the founding of the National Secretaries Assoc. This organization was founded to recognize the significant contributions of secretaries during WWII in the economy and war effort and to support their professional development and attract workers to the field.

  We (the West St. Paul/Mendota Heights Rotary Club) selected this date for our Rotary Roses sale. Susan Hommes (again) stepped up and marshalled the Roses order and delivery arrangements. Thank you Susan!

Third, May Day – Sunday, May 1

    May Day! Not wanting to break my string of discussing ancient celebrations, I mention May Day. Its origins trace to the Roman festival of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, held from April 27-April 3, circa 300 B.C. The Northern Europeans adapted this festival to celebrate the first day of summer (or the end of the really cold winter). Northern Europeans celebrated in a variety of ways. One practice was to have “fire jumping” by young men over bonfires in the gatherings. The more appealing practice was to walk around a colorful maypole with girls with flowers in their hair while musicians played instruments. I’m in.

  May Day for some of us, now involves cleaning out the garage, transitioning to summer and making to-do lists for summer projects. I am still in favor of summer after this winter. President-elect Don promises better weather during his tenure.