March is American Red Cross Month

March is Red Cross Month, a time to remind everyone of the work of the American Red Cross in communities across the country and around the globe – and how we depend on public support to help people in need.

As Susan Allen noted on Facebook:

In the wake of the devastating tornados that swept through and Midwest, its poignant that today starts Red Cross month. The Red Cross is on the ground in tornado damaged areas today and they respond to all manner of emergencies across the US and the world throughout the year. Consider finding your local Red Cross and volunteering.

Governor Bob McDonnell issued this proclamation:

American Red Cross Month

WHEREAS, American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, and for the past 130 years the organization has been a worldwide leader in preventing and alleviating human suffering; and

WHEREAS, with more than half a million volunteers and about 35,000 employees, the American Red Cross helps mobilize communities in times of disaster, and through nearly 700 locally supported chapters, the American Red Cross is able to help approximately 15 million people gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities, and the world; and

WHEREAS, the resources and volunteers of the Red Cross were called upon again and again as a relentless series of disasters claimed lives and destroyed communities from Japan to our Commonwealth in 2011, and it is important to recognize the efforts to provide relief this past year to Virginians in the wake of such events as an earthquake, dozens of tornadoes, a hurricane and a tropical storm; and

WHEREAS, American Red Cross supplies almost half of the nation’s blood, teaches lifesaving skills, provides international humanitarian aid, and supports military members and their families, and it is important to recognize that millions of Americans donate their time, money and blood to help their neighbors down the street, across the country and around the world through the American Red Cross;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize March 2012 as AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH in ourCOMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

March is Virginia Wine and Dine Month

From the Virginia Tourism Corporation:

Love by the Glass, Virginia Wine and Dine Month, highlights Virginia wines and great culinary dishes together at more than 300 particpating restaurants and wine shops across the state.

 

Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following proclamation:

 

Love by the Glass: Virginia Wine & Dine Month

WHEREAS, more than one and one-half million people visit Virginia wineries annually and during VIRGINIA WINE & DINE MONTH, guests can enjoy drinking Virginia wines at restaurants and purchasing them at local wine shops around the commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Virginia’s burgeoning wine industry has been ranked as one of the “Ten Best Wine Travel Destinations” in the world by Wine Enthusiast Magazine for 2012; and

WHEREAS, in Fiscal Year 2011, Virginia’s wineries sold more than 462,000 cases of wine, or more than 5.5 million bottles, totaling almost $90 million in retail sales; and

WHEREAS, Virginia is the home of Thomas Jefferson, America’s first epicurean and wine aficionado; and

WHEREAS, Virginia wineries realized Jefferson’s vision and today produce major varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Manseng and Norton; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia wine industry has grown from six wineries in 1979 to more than 200 wineries today and now ranks fifth in the country in the number of wineries; and

WHEREAS, Virginia ranks 7th nationally in grape production, harvesting 7,000 tons of wine grapes with a total crop value of $11.2 million;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell do hereby recognize March 2012 as VIRIGNIA WINE & DINE MONTH in theCOMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.