Many of you know that I am prone to trivia. At MEA Board meetings, I often start my Executive Director’s report with a variety of trivia questions or fun facts about Maine or Maine-related topics. I must admit however that I am running out of Maine-related ideas. (Did you know that the doughnut hole was invented here?) Not to be stymied in my pursuit of fun facts, I decided to turn my focus on spring which seems appropriate given the time of year. Spring is synonymous with hope and new beginnings and makes everything seem a little brighter.
So, here goes nothing…
When was the first day of spring?
March 20th was the first day of spring for 2023, which is the vernal equinox. Vernal translates to “new” while equinox is derived from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night). The vernal equinox is when the length of day and night become equal – give or take a few minutes.
Is spring fever real?
Not by scientific standards. I could find no real proof in my research to verify the science of spring fever. Webster’s dictionary defines it as “a lazy or restless feeling often associated with the onset of spring.” Educators who interact with students may disagree with this scientific analysis.
Can you balance an egg on its end on the vernal equinox?
Sadly, no. While this is a popular myth, all information I found debunked this myth. While it is possible to balance an egg on its end, it has nothing to do with the time of year or the position of the sun and moon.
Who was the first person to propose daylight savings?
Ben Franklin proposed daylight savings time in 1784. It was not fully implemented until the end of the World War II. There is currently a bill pending in Congress to make this permanent.
What season is consistently cited as the favorite in polls?
Not spring. Fall has consistently polled as American’s favorite season. Spring and summer follow almost equally with winter lagging far behind.
What country holds the record for the making the largest chocolate egg in the world?
Italy. In 2011. The egg measured a little over 34 feet tall and over 64 feet at its widest point. It weighed almost 16,000 pounds. Those of us who say that there can never be enough chocolate may think again.
Who authored the poem, “Daffodils”? (The English teacher in me lives on…)
Williams Wordsworth authored the poem in 1804.
“When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.”
How many tulips bloom in the Netherlands each spring?
Over seven million. The Netherlands is also referred to as the Land of Tulips because it has the perfect combination of sandy-clay soil and has a maritime climate. I am always surprised when I see tulips at the grocery store in Maine in the winter!
Why is spring important to MEA and local associations?
Two reasons.
- Early Enrollment. While any time of year is a member recruitment opportunity, spring kicks off the early enrollment period for MEA and local membership! Early enrollment is a program that allows potential members to join MEA (and NEA and their local association) beginning on April 1st. Early enrollees get many (almost all) of the benefits of membership without paying any dues until the next membership year which begins in September. It is like getting five bonus months of MEA supports and resources. If you have a colleague who has been on the fence about joining MEA, now is the time to recruit them into the union. The stronger our numbers, the stronger our power and influence. Sign-up forms and more information can be found on the MEA website.
- Legislative Action. The legislature is in session and ramping up its work. MEA is collaborating with supportive legislators to propose numerous bills to raise the compensation ALL educators receive, to strengthen pensions, and to provide additional supports and protections in work locations. While we advocate on your behalf, it is so much more powerful when legislators hear from all of you who are on the frontlines of public education every day. MEA is sponsoring two Voices for Education Days – April 18th and April 20th at the statehouse in Augusta. Please consider joining us to make your voice heard.
As the days continue to lengthen and sunshine fills more hours of the day, I wish you a safe and healthy spring filled with hope, May flowers, and fun.
All my best,
Rachelle
