Friday, Feb. 01, 2008

Leap into February

Lyn Pry

Actually, for being the shortest month of the year – even with an extra day every four years – the month of February manages to claim quite a variety of specials.

For instance, Feb. 1 is the American Heart Association’s 5th Annual National Wear Red Day. The Go Red For Women program was started to raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women, by wearing red. For those who may need a material reward for wearing red, Macy’s, a national sponsor of Go Red For Women, is offering a special National Wear Red Day promotion. On Friday, Feb. 1, a savings pass will be offered to customers wearing the signature heart-health color—red. Visit your nearest Macy’s for information on its promotion.

For more information about Go Red For Women – including heart-healthy recipes, exercise programs and the Go Red Heart Checkup test, visit: www.goredforwomen.org.

Of course, the whole month of February is American Heart Month. If you want to know anything about the human heart, you can find it at www.americanheart.org. By the way, did you know that Dallas is the national headquarters for the American Heart Association?

Of course, the emotional attributes of the human heart may not be covered by the AHA, so that’s why Valentine’s Day is on Feb. 14. Locally, the Highland Village Parks & Rec Department is sponsoring its annual Father and Daughter Valentine’s Dance at Celebrations on Friday, Feb. 8, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Contact the Parks and Recreation department at 972-317-7430.

Just to make sure that kids don’t get too many cavities from all that Valentine candy, February is also National Children’s Dental Health Month.

February is also National Weddings Month, National Cherry Month, Boy Scouts of America anniversary, and African American History Month. Locally, Macedonian Ministries will hold a celebration honoring black youth on Feb. 17 at 3 p.m. at 702 S. Mills St. in Lewisville. The Westside Baptist Church in Lewisville will feature a concert by two pianists playing music by African American composers on Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. at 900 W. Belaire Blvd.

For sports fans, February highlights include: the 42nd Super Bowl on Feb. 3, but without Brett, I couldn’t care less; the Pro Bowl in Hawaii on Feb. 10, but I read that Brett might’ve been replaced by Garcia – if so, I won’t care, except for the Cowboys who play (yes, I’m a bit conflicted – I’m a Cowboys fan unless they play Green Bay); and, the running of the 50th Daytona 500, with the past 24 Daytona 500 Champions coming to the The World Center of Racing to help celebrate on Sunday, Feb. 17.

All in all, February has packed lots into its 29 days.