22Jan
February is a month brimming with opportunities to celebrate loved ones, history, and cultural traditions. From the romantic fervor of Valentine’s Day to the fascinating folklore of Groundhog Day, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This month, we encourage you to celebrate love, embrace Black History Month, honor our leaders, and embrace winter traditions like Groundhog Day. So, gather your loved ones, grab a cozy blanket, and explore the rich tapestry of February celebrations.
Valentine's Day
From proposals and weddings to intimate gatherings, our nationwide clubs have been the backdrop for countless romantic moments. While grand Valentine’s Day plans may not be on the cards for everyone this year, you can still create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
Here are a few ideas to celebrate with Carefree Boat Club:
A private “candlelit” dinner with a view: Enjoy a romantic meal on board a Carefree Boat Club boat, illuminated by the soft glow of solar or battery operated candles.
A romantic sunset cruise with a bottle of wine and cheese: Toast to your love as the sun dips below the horizon.
A stargazing session with a blanket and snacks: Cuddle up under the stars and enjoy the celestial show.
A picnic lunch on a secluded island or cove: Escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful meal in nature.
A kayaking or paddle boarding excursion together: Explore hidden coves and enjoy the serenity of the water.
A personalized stargazing tour with a knowledgeable guide: Learn about the constellations and create a lasting memory together.
With Carefree Boat Club, the possibilities for romantic adventures are endless.
President's Day
Looking for fun ways to educate your kids about our presidential history? We’ve provided a list of creative ideas for games and projects that bring to life our past presidents.
Educational Games
“President Bingo”: Create bingo cards with facts about different presidents (birthplace, number of terms, famous quotes).
“Presidential Jeopardy”: Design a game board with categories like “Early Presidents,” “Civil War Presidents,” “Modern Presidents,” and “Presidential Facts.”
“Two Truths and a Lie”: Have kids research a president and create statements about them, with two being true and one being false.
Crafts & Projects
Presidential Portraits: Have kids create portraits of their favorite presidents using paint, crayons, or even clay.
Presidential Puppet Show: Kids can create puppets of different presidents and put on a short play or skit about their lives and accomplishments.
“I Want to Be President” Speech: Encourage kids to write and deliver a short speech about why they would like to be president and what they would do if elected.
A Few More Fun Activities
Visit a Presidential Library or Museum (virtually or in person): Many presidential libraries offer online resources and virtual tours.
Read books about presidents: There are many children’s books available that tell the stories of different presidents in an engaging way.
Watch documentaries about presidents: Many documentaries are available online or on television that can teach kids about the lives and accomplishments of different presidents.
Celebrating Black History Month: The Inspiring Story of Olivia Hooker
“It’s not about you or me; it’s about what we can give to this world.” – Olivia Hooker
This Black History Month, we honor the legacy of Olivia Hooker, a trailblazer who broke barriers and inspired generations. She was the first African American woman to join the United States Coast Guard, a testament to her bravery, inspiration, and unwavering tenacity.
Born in 1915 in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Hooker’s life was marked by resilience. She and her family survived the devastating Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, an event that profoundly shaped her understanding of racial injustice.
Despite facing discrimination, Hooker pursued her goals with unwavering determination. While attending college, she advocated for the inclusion of African American women in the U.S. Navy. Initially rejected due to her race, she challenged the decision and ultimately joined the Coast Guard in 1945, becoming one of the first five African American women to serve in the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve (SPARS).
Hooker’s contributions extended far beyond her military service. She earned a master’s degree in psychology and dedicated her career to serving children with learning disabilities and developmental delays. As a renowned psychologist, she made significant contributions to her field and inspired countless others.
Even in her later years, Hooker continued to serve. At the age of 95, she joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to service and her unwavering spirit.
Olivia Hooker’s life serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, breaking barriers, and making a positive impact on the world. Her legacy continues to inspire us to strive for a more just and equitable society.
Throughout her remarkable career, Olivia Hooker received numerous accolades for her service to our country and her pioneering work in child psychology. These honors are a testament to her dedication and the profound impact she had on the world.
Dr. Hooker lived a long and vibrant life, passing away peacefully at the age of 103.
Click the links below to learn more about this extraordinary figure in American history.
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/114535/olivia-hooker-spars-story
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivia_Hooker
https://www.history.uscg.mil/Research/THE-LONG-BLUE-LINE/Article/2925552/the-long-blue-line-75-years-agoservice-trailblazer-and-frc-namesake-olivia-hook/
Groundhog Day
Curious about where Groundhog Day originates? Click Here For Fun Facts
Groundhog Day is steeped in a blend of folklore, tradition, and a bit of good old-fashioned fun. Here are some fun facts about Groundhog Day.
History
Ancient Roots: Groundhog Day has roots in ancient Celtic and Christian traditions.
Imbolc: A Celtic festival marking the beginning of spring, celebrated around February 1st.
Candlemas: A Christian holiday observed on February 2nd, where candles blessed on this day were believed to provide light and protection throughout the winter.
German Influence: German immigrants brought the tradition of “Badger Day” to Pennsylvania. If a badger saw its shadow on this day, it signaled a long winter. Punxsutawney Phil: The first official Groundhog Day celebration was held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, in 1887, featuring the now-famous Punxsutawney Phil.
Superstitions
Shadow and Winter: The core superstition is that if the groundhog sees its shadow on February 2nd, six more weeks of winter will follow.
No Shadow, Early Spring: If no shadow is seen, it’s believed to predict an early arrival of spring.
Other Superstitions: Some believe that avoiding certain activities on Groundhog Day can bring bad luck.
Fun Facts
Punxsutawney Phil’s Longevity: Legend has it that Punxsutawney Phil is immortal, drinking a special elixir that extends his life.
Phil’s Accuracy: While entertaining, Phil’s predictions are not scientifically accurate.
The Groundhog Club: The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, a group of men in top hats and tuxedos, oversees Phil’s annual emergence and interprets his “pronouncement.”
Groundhog Day Celebrations: Groundhog Day is celebrated with festivals, parades, and other events in many communities across the United States.
"Gavin was very friendly and helpful in getting us on our way for a lovely evening on the lake!"
Eric & Linda Hofmann
Members Since April 2021