Random Acts of Kindness Week February 14-20!
"Random Acts of Kindness Week® is almost here. When we choose kindness, our brains light up with oxytocin, dopamine, and connection; reminding us that kindness is not just good for the world, it is good for us. Join us and
February We Celebrate Black History Month
"2026 marks a century of national commemorations of Black history. Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, George Cleveland Hall, William B. Hartgrove, Jesse E. Moorland, Alexander L. Jackson, and James E. Stamps institutionalized the teaching, study, dissemination, and commemoration of Black history
Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"Established in 1968 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (“The King Center”) has been a global destination, resource center and community institution for over a quarter century.The King Center is a
Celebrating Three Kings Day
"The Tradition of Three Kings Day Each January 5th, kids join their parents to cut fresh grass and set it in a shoebox under their beds, under the Christmas tree (just like the cookies for Santa Claus), or in a place
January is National Mentoring Month
"Mentoring relationships are a core component of healthy human development, offering support at key moments in our lives, teaching us skills and expanding our opportunities, and filling gaps in each person’s network of support as we strive for our goals
Happy New Year!!!
New Year's Eve Song - Auld Lang Syne The traditional song for ringing in the New Year in almost every English speaking country in the world is Auld Lang Syne. This New Year Song is generally credited to Robert Burns, but
Happy Kwanzaa!
Kwanzaa is a weeklong holiday celebration of African American culture held annually from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast. This is not a religious holiday but a cultural celebration based on African harvest festival traditions and is a way to celebrate African heritage
Merry Christmas!
Why do we celebrate Christmas Day every year on December 25? Here’s a brief history of this all-important Christian festival. Plus, learn the meaning beyond the rituals and symbols of the season. There is so much comfort in these traditions. When Is
Winter Solstice: the Shortest Day of the Year
When is the first day of winter? In 2025, the winter solstice date is Sunday, December 21. So, what is the winter solstice, and why does it happen? Learn all about the shortest day of the year—and tell us what winter means to you! When Is
The Celebration of Chanukah- The Festival of Light
"Chanukah — the Festival of Light — tells the story of the revolt led by a small band of Jews, the Maccabees, to free themselves from their Greek rulers. Against all odds, the Jews defeated the Greeks and were able
December 10th is International Human Rights Day
2025 Theme – Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials In this period of turbulence and unpredictability, where many feel a growing sense of insecurity, disaffection and alienation, the theme of Human Rights Day is to reaffirm the values of human rights and
The Buddhist Celebration of Bodhi Day
What is Bodhi Day? Celebrated annually on December 8, Bodhi Day (pronounced Bow-dee) commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, which is also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali. According to tradition, Siddhartha had recently forsaken years of extreme ascetic practices and resolved to
December 1st is World AIDS Day
Each year, on 1 December, the world commemorates World AIDS Day. People around the world unite to show support for people living with HIV and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. Each World AIDS Day focuses on a
December is HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
December is HIV/AIDS Awareness Month – a time to raise awareness and reflect on the impact that this epidemic has had on our communities and on the world. The United States has made enormous strides in HIV treatment, care and prevention since
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thankful for Family in All Its Forms "Family isn’t just about blood; it’s about the people who bring meaning, support, and joy to our lives. This Thanksgiving, I’m reflecting on the family I was born into, the one I built, and
How Will You Contribute to World Kindness Day?
What Is World Kindness Day? World Kindness Day is a global observance dedicated to promoting goodwill, empathy, and acts of kindness. Celebrated annually on November 13, the day serves as a reminder to prioritize compassion in our lives. It encourages individuals and
Thank You for Your Service, Veterans.
In Flanders Fields The poem by John McCrae In Flanders' fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place: and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago We
November is National Family Caregivers Month
"Each November, we pause to recognize and honor the 63+ million family caregivers across the United States who devote their time, energy, and love to supporting a family member or friend with health needs. Caregiver Action Network is the nationally recognized
Native American Heritage Month
"This month and throughout the year, First Nations celebrates how Native communities continue to grow and thrive, guided by deep-rooted knowledge, cultural values, and a commitment to future generations. Native peoples across the country work every day to preserve identity,
November is Diabetes Awareness Month
"The 2025 theme for World Diabetes Day is "Diabetes and well-being," with a specific focus on "Diabetes and the workplace." The campaign, which runs for two years, aims to improve knowledge and create supportive environments for people with diabetes at work,
Resources for When Times are Tight
We here at the Collective know that this year has been very challenging for many families in our state. And with the holidays coming we wanted to offer you resources that may help your budget as well as your spirit. For
Mental Illness Awareness Week, “Building Community: Supporting Mental Well-being Together,”
Mental health affects everyone. While one in five U.S. adults experiences a mental health condition annually, the impact extends to the friends, family, coworkers, and others who support them. Mental health is something we all experience, manage, and need support
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Local Spotlight on Interval House
In 1976, domestic violence was a growing issue in Connecticut. Because no dedicated services were available to victims, women were calling rape crisis hotlines for support. Domestic violence was considered a “family problem” and adequate protective laws were not yet
A Heartfelt Thank you to Outgoing OEC Commissioner Beth Bye
Governor Lamont could not have said it better when he spoke about our outgoing OEC Commissioner, Beth Bye: “Beth Bye is one of the most caring, compassionate, and energetic people that I know, and her passion for the development and wellness
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
No matter who you are or where you live, breast cancer may touch your life. It’s necessary to understand the warning signs of breast cancer, your risk of breast cancer and what’s normal for you so you can take action
Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 ~ October 15
Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Each September, NAMI recognizes Suicide Prevention Month as a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time. Our goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families
Remembering World Humanitarian Day
"On 19 August, we mark World Humanitarian Day — a time to honor those who step into crises to help others, and to stand with the millions of people whose lives hang in the balance. This year the message is clear:
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. This annual observance is designed to remind everyone that staying up to date on vaccinations is an important way to protect not only their health but the health of everyone around them. Vaccines are a
August is Back to School Month!
First Day of Kindergarten: What I Wish I Knew as a Mom Published by The Every Mom @theeverymom.com written by KATHY SISSON "The conflicting emotions I feel during the first day of school always surprise me. While I’m excited to get into a