Events

How is Valentine’s Day Celebrated Around The World?

Published

3 years ago

February 14, 2024

Each year, February 14th brings Valentine’s Day—a day of celebrating friendships, partners, and love in all its forms. In the United States, the holiday is mainly celebrated by going to restaurants, exchanging presents, and buying flowers and candy. Each Valentine’s Day, Americans spend billions of dollars signifying how important it is to show loved ones how much they mean. But what about Valentine’s Day traditions in other parts of the world?

Japan – In Japan, Valentine’s Day is primarily a day for women to give chocolates to the men in their lives. The practice, known as giri-choco, is often directed toward male coworkers or friends rather than romantic partners. A month later, on White Day—each March 14th—men return the favor by giving gifts, typically white chocolate, to the women who gave them chocolates on Valentine’s Day.

Italy – In Italy, Valentine’s Day—known as La Festa Degli Innamorati—is a romantic holiday and is celebrated similarly to how it is in the United States. Couples exchange gifts and go on romantic dates. But, in Italy, there is also a tradition of giving baci perugina, or Perugina chocolates, which come with romantic phrases printed on the wrappers.

Brazil – Valentine’s Day is known as Dia dos Namorados (Lover’s Day) in Brazil, and couples exchange gifts and go on romantic dates. However, in Brazil, Saint Anthony is also known as the “Saint of Love” and is celebrated on June 13th. It is traditional for couples to exchange gifts and go to church on this day.

Overall, while Valentine’s Day is a holiday of romance and love, different countries have their own traditions. Some countries focus on romantic love, while others include friends and family.

No matter when, where, or how you celebrate Valentine’s Day, we wish you and your loved ones a day full of love.

Events

Rockland County Wendy’s to Honor Foster and Adoptive Families November 18

Published

2 days ago

November 9, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Rockland County is once again partnering with local Wendy’s restaurants to recognize National Adoption Month and raise awareness about the need for foster families.

For the 15th consecutive year, the Rockland County Department of Social Services (RCDSS) Children’s Services Unit will join Wendy’s locations in Nanuet and West Haverstraw on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, for an event honoring foster and adoptive families throughout the county.

As part of the celebration, the two participating Wendy’s restaurants will provide free meals to Rockland County foster and adoptive families in recognition of the legacy of Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted as an infant.

Thomas became a longtime advocate for adoption and founded the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in 1992, based on his belief that every child deserves a safe, loving and permanent home.

The local restaurants are operated by Wenesco Restaurants, whose owners, Kevin Woodside and Phillip Anastos, are continuing Thomas’ legacy by supporting foster care and adoption initiatives in the community.

99 Rockland County Children Have Found Forever Homes

The annual partnership has helped bring attention to the importance of foster family recruitment and adoption throughout Rockland County.

According to county officials, 99 children have found their forever homes over the past 15 years with the assistance and support of community partners like Wendy’s.

“We are grateful to Wendy’s for partnering with us for the 15th consecutive year to raise awareness of the need for caring and loving foster homes and to recognize the tireless efforts and compassion of our adoptive and foster care parents,” said Patrick A. Frawley, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Social Services.

County Executive Ed Day also encouraged residents who have considered fostering a child to learn more about the opportunity.

“Fostering a child is a truly special opportunity to change a young person’s life,” Day said. He encouraged anyone considering becoming a foster parent to explore the process and discover the difference they could make in a child’s life.

Residents Invited to Learn About Becoming Foster Parents

In addition to honoring existing foster and adoptive families, the November 18 event will give residents an opportunity to speak with representatives and learn more about becoming a foster parent or navigating the adoption process.

Anyone interested in learning more is invited to stop by either participating Wendy’s location between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18.

Participating locations:

Wendy’s Nanuet: 90 Route 59, Nanuet, NY
Wendy’s West Haverstraw: 125 Route 9W, West Haverstraw, NY

Residents interested in becoming foster parents can also find additional information through the Rockland County Department of Social Services at FosterRockland.com.

The annual event serves as a reminder that every child deserves a safe and loving home, and that becoming a foster parent can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.

Events

Lowe’s Offering Free Holiday Engine Workshop for Kids November 14

Published

3 days ago

November 8, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Kids Club Holiday Engine Workshop Announcement

Families looking for a fun and creative activity for their children this November can take advantage of a free holiday-themed workshop through Lowe’s Kids Club.

Lowe’s is inviting young builders to get creative during its Holiday Engine Workshop, scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10 a.m.

The free workshop gives children an opportunity to participate in a hands-on building activity while celebrating the holiday season.

Part of the Lowe’s Kids Club program, these workshops are designed to encourage creativity, introduce children to basic building skills and provide families with an opportunity to enjoy a fun activity together.

The Holiday Engine Workshop is free to participate in, but advance registration is required. Parents or guardians must have a child’s Kids Club profile and complete registration to participate.

Space and participation may be subject to availability, and Lowe’s notes that workshops are subject to terms and conditions and may change.

For families interested in signing up, additional information and registration details are available at Lowes.com/KidsClub.

With the holiday season approaching, this is another opportunity for young builders to roll up their sleeves, get creative and enjoy a little hands-on holiday fun!