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Celebrating the American Educator
The third week in November is American Education Week. This week celebrates public education and individuals who ensure that every child receives a quality education. America wouldn’t be where it is today without the people that make a difference in our children’s lives day in and day out. Keep reading to learn about the history and importance of this observance. We’ll also suggest ways that the community can honor and support the needs of public schools. One thing that every teacher needs in their classroom: a durable, reliable tool that is a Maglite flashlight. “Read. Educate. Inspire.” In 1919, the National Education Association and the American Legion sought to raise awareness and generate support for public education. In 1921, an NEA representative from Iowa called for the American Education Week for the purpose of informing the public of the accomplishments and needs of public schools so that those needs could be met. In 1922, the Office of Education became a cosponsor, and then in 1938 the PTA became a cosponsor as well. Today there are over 13 cosponsors in support of American Education Week and it’s cause. This year, the theme of American Education Week is “Read. Educate. Inspire.” Each day of the week will spotlight esteemed individuals that play a pivotal role in building and supporting the public school system. Monday is “Kickoff Day” to celebrate the week as a whole. Tuesday is “Parents Day,” where schools across the nation invite parents to the classroom to experience their children’s education first-hand. “Parents Day” is all about the importance of consistent parent involvement, whether it be by checking homework, getting to know the student’s teacher, or simply discussing the school day. Wednesday is “Education Support Professionals Day,” which recognizes the entire school staff that helps keep the school running. Thursday is “Educator for a Day.” On this day, individuals from the community are guided by a staff member through teaching a class, performing supervision duties, serving lunch, etc. The purpose of this day is to bring understanding to public officials about staffing, materials, and facilities needs. Friday is “Substitute Educators Day,” which is intended to increase appreciation and respect for substitute teachers who bring quality education to schoolchildren in the absence of their regular teachers. Help Raise Awareness To support American Education week, try speaking to your local school staff to see if they will be hosting any events. For example, schools might hold bake sales, have a jog-a-thon, or even collect donations. If the schools in your community aren’t hosting an event themselves, consider partnering with the PTA or another organization to help raise awareness about this important week and meet the needs of your children’s educators. Thank You! Show your appreciation for child’s school teacher, staff member, or substitute teacher by getting them the gift of iconic performance and style: a Maglite flashlight. The Complete Home Bundle comes with three incredibly useful flashlights that are perfect for the classroom or school office. The full-size ML300L 4D LED Flashlight can last up to 18 days, and is a great asset for emergencies. The Mini Maglite Pro LED Flashlight is small enough to fit in a purse or desk and can help in many daily classroom situations. The Solitaire LED Keychain Flashlight is handy and perfect for when a cell phone isn’t charged or easily accessible. Thank you to all the parents, educators, and staff members out there making a difference in the lives of today’s youth!
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Veterans Day and Military Family Appreciation Month
Veterans Day is a day when we honor and give thanks to those that have served our country in war or peace. It's also Military Family Appreciation Month, which is an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices and contributions families make that often go unnoticed. Donate, Volunteer, and Remember On Veterans Day, there are many ways to commemorate the occasion and participate in the local community. Keep an eye out for businesses that are partnering with an organization to raise donations for veterans. For example, some restaurants will donate 20% of their sales or collect gift card donations. If you’re looking to get more involved, Veterans Health Facilities are always in need of volunteers. Whether you’d like to work directly with the veterans or work behind the scenes, the veterans and the team of healthcare providers assigned to each veteran are grateful for your time and effort. You can also join the Volunteer Transportation Network, which helps provide transportation for veterans that are seeking services from a VA or authorized facility. Another great way to honor veterans is to set up a fallen soldier table (also called a remembrance table or missing man table). The table is traditionally set up at military dining ceremonies and service balls, however some schools, restaurants, and other establishments will set up a table in honor of Veterans Day. Consider educating your community by passing out flyers to local businesses, churches, or schools just in case they would like to participate. A fallen soldier table typically has the following elements: A round table: symbolizes everlasting concern for the missing man. The table should be near the entrance or in a visible location to represent dignity and honor. A white tablecloth: symbolizes the purity of the motive to answer the call of duty A single red rose in a vase: represents the blood that may have been shed A slice of lemon: represents his bitter fate A salt shaker: represents the tears of family and loved ones An inverted glass: a reminder that he cannot join in the meal An empty chair: shows that he is not there A frame on the table that explains what it represents is a nice touch as well, so that passersby can understand the meaning behind it. The fallen soldier table is an unexpected and touching way to remember those that have defended our freedom. Acknowledge and Appreciate It’s important to remember that there is often a family that has endured hardships in order for their family member to serve in the military. For example, kids have to change schools and make new friends, parents uproot their homes and move far away from friend and family support, and spouses take care of their children by themselves for months at a time. We can show our appreciation for these families by offering to babysit, performing household tasks like mowing the lawn, or simply writing a thank you note. Letting military families know that they are appreciated can go a long way in easing the stress of sacrifice. Give the Gift of Maglite! Show military families and veterans that you care this month with a Maglite Flaglite. The limited edition Maglite 3D Full Size LED Flashlight and the Mini Maglite Pocket Size LED Flashlight combine an American flag-inspired design with superior performance. The Flaglite makes a stylish, patriotic gift and is a great tool to help keep the family safe year round.
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Tips for Budgeting This Holiday Season
The holidays are just around the corner! This month is the perfect time to get ahead of the curve by planning out your shopping list and your budget. With friends, family, and coworkers to get gifts for, it’s important to consider where and when to shop, and what types of things your loved ones might like. To avoid breaking the bank this season, we’ve compiled some tips for you to be able to check off every name on your shopping list without breaking the bank. Put Your Budget in Perspective Each year, the holidays usually sneak up on us and we have to rush to get gifts for everyone without any rhyme or reason. This often leads to poorly thought out gifts and spending more money than we should. So how can we get ahead this year? First things first: the list. To get an idea of how much gift-giving is going to cost you this year, start by making a list of everyone you would ideally like to get a gift for. Then, separate the list into different categories. For example: best friends and family, friends and supervisors, coworkers and acquaintances. Set a budget per person for each category and see what the total cost would be. For example, let’s say you have 10 people in each category. Your budget for best friends and family is $50 per person, friends and family $25 per person, and coworkers and acquaintances $10 per person. The total comes out to $500 + $250 + $100 = $850. Then, divide your total budget by the number of weeks you have to finish shopping: $850 divided by about 7 weeks until Christmas = $121 per week. It adds up fast! Seeing the names and numbers on paper can really bring into perspective how much you’re spending. Get the Most Out of Your Budget Once you have an idea of who you’re shopping for, how much you can spend on each person, and how much you can spend each week leading up to the holidays, shopping is a lot less stressful. To get the most out of your gift-giving experience, consider taking advantage of discount stores and sales. During Thanksgiving weekend, there are usually Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals and sales in shopping malls. With a little patience, you can find designer clothes, the latest electronics, and plenty of other goodies without having to pay full retail price. This way, you get the most bang for your buck and your loved ones are none-the-wiser (besides, it’s the thought that counts, right?). Add a special touch to your gift with a personalized message. Taking the time to write out a heartfelt card is unexpected these days. You’re likely to pleasantly surprise your friends and family by letting them know how much they mean to you. Quality Over Quantity Another tip: quality over quantity. Instead of getting your significant other five stocking stuffers that they’re likely to stick in a drawer and forget about until next year, use your budget wisely to pick out one special gift that they’ll truly enjoy. Maglite makes a practical, useful, and affordable gift for anyone on your list. It offers legendary performance with an iconic design that everyone is sure to love. Check out the popular Complete Home Bundle, Complete Professional Bundle or the City Life Kit. Happy shopping!
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Halloween Safety and Fall Festivities
This month, fall is in full swing with colorful leaves on the trees, a chill in the air, and bags of candy by the truckload. It’s also Halloween Safety Month! There’s nothing more important to parents than their children’s safety, especially on a dark night with distracting decorations and distracted drivers. Below you’ll find some trick-or-treating tips to help keep you and your little ones safe. This week there’s also sure to be a fall festival at your local school or church. We’ve compiled some game booth and silent raffle ideas so you can focus on enjoying the fun! Safety First, Candy Second When you take a few precautions for your child’s safety this Halloween, the night will be a little less scary and a little more spooky! Firstly, carving pumpkins is a fun Halloween tradition, but it can also be dangerous. Consider having younger children decorate with markers or paint instead of carving. If they insist on a carved pumpkin, have them draw on the pumpkin first and then have an adult carve. The little one can get involved by scooping out the seeds. Then, light your pumpkin with a Maglite ML25LT LED C-CELL flashlight in candle mode instead of a burning candle to avoid any risk of a fire hazard. The second thing to think about is your child’s costume. Make sure that the costume is flame resistant, does not obstruct their vision, and is short enough to prevent tripping. You can also add reflective tape to the back or bottom of the costume, or even on the trick-or-treat bag. Be aware of your child’s costume accessories as well. For example, if they need a sword, try making one out of foam board or cardboard so that it’s not too sharp. That way it can’t harm your child or others if they happen to trip and fall or get a little too excited. Lastly, be prepared for the trick-or-treating chaos. Always accompany younger children through the neighborhood. If they’re older, make sure you discuss the route they plan to take and agree on what time to come home. Remain on well-lit streets, only approach houses with their porch light on, and never enter the house or car of a stranger. Make sure you and each trick-or-treater have a flashlight so that you are visible to drivers and can easily see sidewalks and crosswalks. You’ll be safe and stylish with a Maglite Halloween Safety/Fun Pack Bundle. It comes with 3 Classic Solitaire flashlights, the Maglite ML25LT LED C-Cell flashlight, and a white lite wand. Fall Festival Fun Fall festivals are a fun staple of fall and a great time to get involved with the community. If you are in charge of a game booth, here are some easy (and cost-effective) ideas to keep the kiddos entertained: Ball in Basket: Get a pallet or plywood from a grocery store or local business. Find various sizes of baskets and toy balls from the dollar store. Screw the baskets to the pallet in 4 rows, and lean the pallet up against a wall. Keep two baskets handy to store the balls for the players. Have the players try to toss the balls into the basket. Score three baskets and win a prize. Ring Toss: Start with a piece of plywood. Drill holes into the plywood at about a 45 degree angle in a 6x6 square grid pattern. Insert large lollipops into the holes. Get plastic rings, glow stick necklaces, or frisbees without a center. When a player successfully tosses a ring around a lollipop, they can claim it as their prize. Penny Toss: All you need for this game is some poster board and pennies. Use three different colors of large poster board and cut them in concentric circles in a bullseye pattern. Set it up flat on a table and have the players toss pennies onto it. When they land a penny in the center circle (bullseye!), they win a prize. Need to donate a basket for the silent auction? Try asking local businesses and restaurants for gift card donations. The marketing manager or general manager often has a budget set aside for serving the community. You can also find hidden gems at discount stores to create your basket. A “spa” basket might include bath bombs, face masks, lotion, and candles. A “work” basket could have notebooks, pens, pencils, a coffee tumbler, and a cute tchotchke for the desk. No basket is complete without a Solitaire LED Key Chain flashlight. It’s a handy, helpful tool that fits perfectly on any key ring, backpack, or purse. Add some tissue paper and ribbon, and you’ve got a basket people are sure to bid on. Enjoy the Moment Whether you’re out trick-or-treating or at a fall festival, we hope that you have a great last week of October. Remember to enjoy the moment with your friends and family, and embrace your #maglife adventure.
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National Boss Day
Finding a new job is sometimes easier said than done. You have to research potential employers, practice interview skills, and make a lasting impression. This week we have some pointers to help you to find, land, and keep the job. Also, be sure to earn some brownie points with your boss on October 16th -- It’s National Boss’s Day! Getting your boss a gift is an unexpected way to show them that you appreciate all they do. Research, Resume, and Resilience The first step to finding a new job is researching potential employers. Start by using an established job-search website. Narrow down your search by industry and region. Once you find a position that interests you, look up the company’s website or any reviews that might be posted about the business. Getting to know the company’s history, philanthropy, and reputation might help you choose which job will be the best fit. You can also use the company’s information in the interview to show that you have made an effort to get to know them. Make sure you have a genuine and professional cover letter to accompany your resume (don’t just copy and paste a cover letter from a web-search template). Your resume should be thorough but concise, easy to read, and shouldn’t take up more than one page. There are some creative and unique resume templates out there, but be sure to match your resume style to the style of the company. For example, a graphic design company might like to see geometric shapes, colors, bar charts, and clip art. However, an accounting firm would probably prefer to see a traditional resume. After you’ve sent in your cover letter and resume, follow up with a phone call. If possible, get the contact information of the specific person that is hiring. Following up your resume with a polite phone call shows initiative that might give you an edge over other applicants. Be prepared to answer some basic questions regarding your interest in the job and your work experience. If the company is nearby, you might also consider stopping in for a face-to-face visit with the hiring manager. A face-to-face visit will show the employer that you are dedicated and ambitious. It also gives them a chance to see how you present yourself and make a first impression. Make sure to be dressed for success and interview-ready when you stop in. Most importantly: the interview. Once you’ve landed an interview, confirm the day, date, time, and name of the person you’ll be interviewing with. Go over the company’s information again, review your resume, get a good night’s sleep, and eat a hearty breakfast. Dress professionally and portray a clean, tidy appearance. Show up at least 15 minutes early in case you have trouble finding parking or the location of the office space. When talking with the hiring manager, be yourself! Over-rehearsed interview answers are easy to spot and awkward. Most of the time the interviewer wants to see your personality come through, regardless of your experience. It’s also a great idea to have two or three company-specific questions prepared for the interviewer. You are interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you. Smile, offer a firm handshake, and say thank you. If the interviewer doesn’t contact you when they say they will, follow up with a phone call. Being prepared, genuine, and resilient will make a great impression on the employer that is right for you. Of course, once you get the job, you’ll have to continue displaying positive qualities and pursuing excellence each day. Boss’s Day Often times bosses, managers, supervisors, etc. do work behind the scenes that goes unnoticed. They maintain relationships with clients, analyze and develop best practices, and overall ensure that the operation keeps running smoothly. Show your boss on October 16th that their dedication is appreciated with their very own Maglite -- the gift that keeps on giving! The Mini Maglite Pro LED Pocket/Purse Flashlight makes a great, classy addition to any boss’s desk or briefcase.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although cancer is a topic that we usually don’t like to talk about, most of us know at least one person that has had some form of it. Keep reading to learn the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and how to support those that are either going through treatment or are currently in recovery. Signs and Symptoms A monthly breast self-exam is an important part of your healthcare routine. However, sometimes breast cancer doesn’t have any noticeable symptoms. If you’re over 40, get a mammogram annually to catch lumps or abnormalities that aren’t obvious. According to the American Cancer Society, any of the following changes in your breasts could be a symptom of breast cancer: swelling, skin irritation, dimpling, inverted nipples, pain, redness, scaliness, discharge, thickening, and lumps. These symptoms don’t necessarily mean cancer, but if you notice any changes in your breasts be sure to make an appointment with your doctor for an evaluation as soon as possible. Be Present but Non-Intrusive Breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. With an increase in breast cancer awareness and funding for research, survival rates are steadily increasing. Still, receiving a diagnosis can be devastating. Besides considering the survival rate, women (and men) have to think about how their bodies will change and how it will affect their daily activities and personal and professional relationships -- among countless other things. As family members, friends, and coworkers of those affected by breast cancer, we should do our best to learn how to be understanding through this difficult time. We’ve compiled some pointers on how to be supportive below, but realize that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Be available to listen without feeling the need to give advice. Talking about emotions can be hard, so try to be comforting. Sometimes just having a conversation can help them sort through their thoughts and make decisions. It might also help to be light-hearted to help them keep their spirits up and feeling normal. Like the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. Offer to help with specific tasks like washing the dishes, going grocery shopping, or walking the dog. If you accompany them at their next doctor appointment, take notes and remind them of any questions they may have had. This process can be overwhelming, so the little things go a long way. Be present but non-intrusive. Everyday is different when going through treatment, so extend an open-ended invitation. They may not feel like eating or seeing anyone some days, so bringing over food or showing up unexpectedly can add unnecessary stress. Call and leave a voicemail or send a text message to let them know that you’re available whenever they are feeling up to it. Support the NBCF Maglite is a proud partner of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). The NBCF’s mission is to save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer through education and by providing mammograms for those in need. Maglite donates partial proceeds from the sales of five limited edition flashlights to the NBCF. Get one for yourself or as a gift!
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National Boyfriend Day
They give you their jacket when you’re cold. They get rid of spiders and other creepy crawlies. They hold your purse when you go to the fitting room. Ladies, October 3rd is National Boyfriend Day! Whether he’s a bookworm or an adrenaline junkie, we’ll help you plan the perfect #maglife adventure for you and your man. Not-Your-Usual Date Night Show your beau how much he means to you this National Boyfriend Day by thinking of something to do that’s not your usual dinner-and-a-movie date night. Coffee houses and restaurants often have weekly performances where you two can get a drink and dessert, listen to some live music, and enjoy each other’s company with quiet conversation. There are also many Paint Night locations around town, where an artist guides you through painting your own masterpiece while you sip on a drink. You could also take a stroll through your local art museum, attend a sporting event, or have a picnic in the park. If your boyfriend enjoys a little more thrill, escape rooms are a fun way to get the adrenaline pumping and learn how to work together in a situation you’d (probably) never be in otherwise. You could take him skydiving, deep-sea fishing, go-kart racing, or bike riding. Pick an activity that you know he would like. Usually boyfriends cater to the desires of the girlfriend, so this is your opportunity to reciprocate. Whatever activity you choose, make sure to plan in advance. Since October 3rd is a Thursday and you both most likely have to work, you may want to plan your excursion for the weekend. Events are likely to be sold-out and reservations booked if you wait until the last minute. Get Him Something Special Boyfriends can sometimes be the hardest person to shop for, no matter how long you’ve been together. If you want to get your boyfriend a gift to commemorate National Boyfriend Day, consider getting him something he can enjoy with you -- like concert or movie tickets, tickets to a baseball game, or a gift card to a restaurant. Some boyfriends will appreciate a little help in the wardrobe department with a new button-up shirt, a new wallet or belt, or a fresh pair of shoes. You can also make your man a sentimental gift like a homemade card with a heartfelt message, a customized playlist, or a framed photo of the two of you together. Maglite flashlights make a great practical gift, with flashlights for everyday use, emergency and outdoor use, and professional use. The ML300L 4D LED Flashlight can run up to 18 days on eco mode and has a beam throw of 5 football fields. This flashlight makes the perfect companion to your boyfriend’s car or toolbox. The Mag-Tac LED CR123 Flashlight is a remarkable, rugged tactical flashlight with three modes, a detachable pocket clip, and three classy colors. This flashlight is for the boyfriend that loves the #maglife adventure and needs a durable lighting tool. Maglite flashlights makes the best unexpected gift because they have an iconic style and are built to last a lifetime.
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Wife Appreciation Day
Did you know that Wife Appreciation Day was a thing? We’re pretty sure your wife knows, so don’t get caught without a gift on September 15th. Whether she is traditional and romantic or spunky and adventurous, there are many ways to show your sweetheart just how much she means to you this weekend. Here are some suggestions for how to figure out what she might like, and some activities you can plan to make a great impression! What’s Her Love Language? If you’re not sure how to express your appreciation for your wife, start by thinking about what her love language is. The five love languages are: receiving gifts, quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, and physical touch. If her love language is receiving gifts, a personalized pendant necklace or bouquet of flowers might make her feel special. For quality time, simply finding a babysitter for a quiet dinner or taking a stroll on the beach might show her that you truly care. Words of affirmation can be shared by leaving love notes around the house, sending texts throughout the day, or doing something that might be outside your comfort zone -- like writing a poem! If your wife values acts of service, try completing some chores around the house, detailing her car, or making her breakfast in bed. Physical touch can be expressed by simply holding her hand in the car or giving her warm embraces throughout the day. Sometimes small gestures can have a big impact on whether or not your wife feels loved, heard, and appreciated. Think Outside the Heart-Shaped-Candy-Box To make your wife’s day extra special, surprise her by doing something out of the norm. Plan a weekend staycation at your wife’s favorite resort and book a couple’s spa. Some spas have packages that include chocolate covered strawberries and champagne -- yum! Get up before dawn and make your way to a nearby hike. You’ll get some exercise in and beat the heat. Maybe even pack a picnic and relax at a scenic vantage point. Road trips are always a fun way to feel like you’re going on an adventure, even if you don’t go very far. Take a drive up the coast to a restaurant she’s always wanted to try, or plan a camping trip and spend the night under the stars. The Perfect Accessory Whether you choose to appreciate your wife with a grand gesture or a simple act of kindness, don’t forget the perfect accessory -- her very own Maglite! In fact, get her our new City Life Kit. It comes with a Mini Maglite Pro LED pocket / purse flashlight and a Solitaire LED key chain flashlight - all in 9 stunning colors! The Mini Maglite Pro LED fits in her purse and it’s also a must-have for the glove compartment for roadside emergencies. The Solitaire LED Key Chain Flashlight is super convenient to have on hand instead of wasting your phone battery using it as a light. Its beam throw is half a football field and lasts for two hours on just one AAA battery. It’s pretty, petite, and powerful! Why let Wife Appreciation Day stop at one day? Let your wife know she’s appreciated all month long with an iconic Maglite and some #maglife adventures. Be sure to snap a photo of you and your honey celebrating with your Maglites and text MAGSWAG to 88333 for a chance to win a trip for two to explore southern California’s beautiful beach cities in July 2020. Check out contest details here.
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Gary Fishbone: A 9/11 Story
Watch this incredible story of Gary Fishbone, a New Jersey man who helped lead a group of people to safety, out of the World Trade Center, during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York using a Mini Maglite flashlight. Gary is the first to be honored with the Maglite Civilian Hero Award. Here is his story:
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