March is the third month of the year which brings with it the promise of gardening and warm(er) sunny days, as Earth turns its frostbitten cheek to winter and springs forth from the vernal equinox!
In the health world, March is National Nutrition Month. This annual campaign was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.
March includes many well-known holidays, such as Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day, but also some more unique celebrations, as well. You’re in luck – below is a list of 10 things to add to your March 2022 activity calendars for your residents!
March 2: Celebrate National Banana Cream Pie Day
Everyone loves a good food-related holiday, and March is certainly no exception. The month starts with National Pancake Day and National Peanut Butter Day, followed by National Banana Cream Pie Day!
It’s believed that cream-based pies date as far back as medieval times. But the first written recipes for a cream pie made with bananas come from the late 19th century. In the 1950s, these pies became the favorite dessert of many American soldiers. These pies were essentially thin pastries, full of thick and creamy banana custard.
Since then, the pie’s popularity has spread worldwide, resulting in many different versions and modifications. The British version of this is the Banoffee pie, which is made using bananas and toffee. Another favorite is a vegan, gluten-free version (recipe below) that has all the same great taste as the classic,
Click HERE for a vegan + gluten-free banana cream pie recipe from Minimalist Baker!
March 5: Weekend Watch Party – Russia’s Hidden Paradises
Russia is the largest country in the world! While their history is dominated by invasions, monarchies, and sovietism, it is considered one of the 5 great powers of the world. Russia has been cited as home to over 30% of the world’s natural resources, which contribute greatly to their large economy. But the vast natural environment isn’t only good for its resources – it is also a beautifully scenic place!
The exclave of the Curonian Spit forms the westernmost tip of Russia with the oldest ornithological research station in the world. In the far east on Kamchatka, Lake Kuril offers a paradise for the world’s largest brown bears. High in the north on Yamal live the reindeer herds of the Nenets. Climate change and gas production are rapidly changing their icy world.
Join our community for a watch party, followed by a live discussion.
Click HERE to sign up for our Weekend Watch Party of Russia’s Hidden Paradises!
March 11: Fitness Fun
In this weekly rotating class, you never know what you’re gonna get! There might be a different instructor. There might be a different style of exercise. But no matter the class, your residents are sure to have fun each and every week!
Click HERE to sign up for our Fitness Fun class!
March 11: Live Virtual Tour – Plaza de Mayo, “Heart & Soul of Buenos Aires”
This is where everything started back in 1536… Not one, but two British Invasions! Ex-British soldiers become local and fight for our independence! An Irish captain becomes a national hero and Patriotic Privateer!
In this live tour with local tour guide, Tomas, we will see many of the symbolical buildings in the nation around Plaza (Square) de Mayo. See Casa Rosada or the “Pink House” which serves as the Presidential Palace and old site of the City Fortress, Evita, and more! Marvel at the Buenos Aires Cathedral, the first and last home of the actual Pope Francis. Go inside “El Cabildo” The Colonial City Hall where their Independence starts.
Click HERE to sign up for our Live Virtual Tour of Buenos Aires!
March 14: National Learn About Butterflies Day
This unique day is to celebrate and learn about one of the most beautiful and colorful creatures in the world — butterflies! Butterflies are important creatures because they help to pollinate flowers. But, more than that, they are pleasing to the eyes, and we love seeing them around us.
Your residents will love learning facts about butterflies while making beautiful crafts! Butterflies can be made out of so many different things – folded paper, toilet paper tubes, painted paper plates, coffee filters and clothes pins – the options really are endless!
And don’t forget the themed snacks! A fun snack idea is a healthy edible butterfly – think ants-on-a-log (celery, peanut butter, raisins) with the addition of pretzel wings. You could even serve up butterfly pea flower tea, which has a blue tint but turns pink when lemon is added.
Click HERE for 30 facts about butterflies from The Fact Site!
March 17: Corned Beef & Cabbage Day
March 17 also happens to be St. Patrick’s Day. Coincidence? I think not! The corned beef and cabbage combination was created decades ago by Irish immigrants. The dish was created to fit the budget of Irish Americans who could not afford their homeland’s favorite pork and potatoes.
It is certainly a labor of love because of the time it takes to create this dish, but the list of ingredients is quite short, the prep is pretty easy, and your residents are sure to enjoy it. Whip up this hearty one-pot dish to enjoy with a creamy horseradish sauce. Or give it a little twist by making a corned beef and cabbage casserole to serve with soda bread.
Click HERE to see a favorite corned beef & cabbage recipe, or click HERE to see a corned beef ‘n’ cabbage casserole recipe, both by Taste of Home!
March 20: Celebrate World Storytelling Day
This day acknowledges the art form of storytelling and encourages diversity among different cultures and races. Whether the story has words, pictures, signs, or expressions, all forms of storytelling are appreciated on this day.
The theme of World Storytelling Day 2022 is “Lost and Found”. It was inspired by all that we lost in the past years and the hope of stories inspiring us to find it back again.
Invite your residents and staff to share stories, related to the theme or not. Other options could be to read to your residents from a good book, invite a guest speaker in to tell their story, or even make it a movie night (yes, movies count as storytelling, too)!
Click HERE to learn more about World Storytelling Day from International Storyteller!
March 24: Enhancing Immunity through Breath & Movement
In this class, we focus on specific breath work and movements drawn from Naam Yoga which help get your blood flowing and energize and strengthen your vital organs. This class oxygenates the bloodstream, increases & strengthens the heart & lungs, and enhances your body’s ability to fight disease.
Naam Yoga incorporates the use of movement, breathwork, hand positions, and sound in a systematic way designed to relieve chronic and emotional pain, manage stress, and bring balance to the body, mind, and spirit. This class is for all abilities.
Click HERE to sign up for our Enhancing Immunity through Breath & Movement class!
March 26: Weekend Watch Party – Paul Explores Jerusalem’s Most Famous Bakes | Paul Hollywood’s City Bakes
Paul finds a route through the history and cultures of Jerusalem by spending time with bakers who create incredible flavors for their communities. Inspired, Paul creates Jerusalem bagel bread, and almond and pomegranate loaf cake.
Click HERE to sign up for our Weekend Watch Party of Jerusalem’s Most Famous Bakes!
March 30: Live Virtual Tour – A Walk Through Magical Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo, Japan
Cherry blossoms are called Sakura in Japanese and they hold a special place in all Japanese people’s hearts. They have a very short bloom time, making their viewing even more special.
On this tour with Eriko, we will explore one of the local’s favorite spots for cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo and learn about the symbolism of the flower viewing tradition. Let’s admire and walk through a pink tunnel of sakura and celebrate the arrival of spring together.
Click HERE to sign up for our Live Virtual Tour of the cherry blossoms in Tokyo!
Your residents are sure to feel lucky when they see all the things you have planned for them in March! Comment below and let us know which fun ideas you’re adding to your calendar!
