Among other events May celebrates Reading is Fun Week, sponsored by Reading is Fundamental to highlight the joy of reading and remind everyone that reading can be and is fun. Read a book today.

Monthly Events

ALS Awareness Month. Commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, eventually leading to death. For information on fighting this disease, go to the ALS Association website. Unable to find an official web site, just type ALS Awareness Month for information

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This month honors the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans. May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad by Chinese immigrants on May 10, 1869. For more information visit http://asianpacificheritage.gov/

Jewish American Heritage Month. This annual recognition of Jewish American achievements and celebration of Jewish American contributions to the United States was signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2006. For more information, visit www.jewishamericanheritagemonth.us

National Mental Health Month. Established in 1949 to raise awareness for the treatment for mental illnesses, to promote health and wellness in homes, communities, and schools, and to dispel misunderstandings about the nature of the disease. For more information, visit http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/may

National Youth Traffic Safety Month. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)data, eight out of the 10 deadliest days for youth on our nation’s highways fall from May through August. Every May, young people nationwide engage in peer-to-peer education efforts to save lives and prevent injuries. Go to the National Organization for Youth Safety (NOYS) website for more information. Visit http://www.noys.org/national_youth_traffic_safety_month.aspx

Older Americans Month. This year's theme Older Americans: Connecting the Community pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities, and highlights how technology is helping older Americans live longer, healthier, and more engaged lives. For more information visit http://www.olderamericansmonth.org/ and http://www.agingcarefl.org/whatsnew/olderAmericans

Weekly Events

Drinking Water Week, May 1-7. We often take water for granted—until we’re thirsty and it’s not available. For more than 30 years, the American Water Works Association and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week—a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together to recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives. For more information visit http://www.awwa.org/government/content.cfm?itemnumber=44766&navitemnumber=3863&showLogin=N

National Nurses Week, May 6-12. Often described as both an art and a science, the nursing profession embraces dedicated people with varied interests, strengths, and passions. National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6, also known as National Nurses Day, through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. For mor information visit
http://www.nursingworld.org/NationalNursesWeek

Reading is Fun Week, May 8-14. Sponsored by Reading is Fundamental to highlight the joy of reading and remind everyone that reading is fun and can be enjoyed every day. Visit theR eading is Fundamental site http://www.rif.org/

National Safe Boating Week, May 22-28. As the boating season kicks in, focus on keeping your family and friends safe whenever you’re on the water.For more information visit http://www.cdc.gov/Features/BoatingSafety/

Daily Events

May Day, May 1. Traditional celebration of springtime. Do something to celebrate the new season.

Star Wars Day, May 4. Unofficial celebration of the Star Wars movies, based on a bad pun: “May the fourth be with you.” Oooh nooo!

Cinco de Mayo, May 5. Celebration of the day Mexican troops defeated invading French forces in 1862.

Mother’s Day, May 8. The second Sunday of May, honoring all mothers.

Armed Forces Day, May 21. Pay tribute to the men and women who volunteer their lives for the security of the nation.

Memorial Day, May 30. A day to honor the men and women who have died in battle, and to pray for peace in the future.