📅 Mark Your Calendar!

Holidays, observances, and a few just‑for‑fun days to look forward to this quarter.

January

• January 1 – New Year’s Day (Thursday)
• January 6 – Epiphany (Tuesday)
• January 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday)
• January 24 – National Compliment Day
• January 29 – National Puzzle Day
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February

• February 2 – Groundhog Day (Monday)
• February 12 – Lincoln’s Birthday (Wednesday)
• February 14 – Valentine’s Day (Saturday)
• February 16 – Presidents’ Day (third Monday)
• February 17 – Mardi Gras (Tuesday)
• February 18 – Ash Wednesday
• February 20 – National Love Your Pet Day
• February 29 – Leap Day (special fun observance!)
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March

• March 8 – Daylight Saving Time begins (Sunday; clocks “spring forward”)
• March 14 – Pi Day (Saturday)
• March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day (Tuesday)
• March 20 – First Day of Spring / Vernal Equinox (Thursday)
• March 29 – Palm Sunday
• March 31 – César Chávez Day (Monday)

PAI Office Closures

• January 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday)
   

🌟 Meet Gertie Farnum, Farmer and PAI Employee 🌟

Let’s Talk Tech: What’s New and What’s Coming 

We’ve got some exciting (and important!) technology updates coming your way. Over the next few months, we’ll be rolling out a few system upgrades designed to help us work together more easily, stay connected, and keep our tools up to date.

Some of these changes are must dos, while others are smart upgrades that help us work faster and stay competitive. 

Hello, Microsoft 365 👋 

We’re moving to Microsoft 365 (M365)—which means better collaboration and access to tools many of us already know and love. One of the biggest perks? Microsoft Teams, where you’ll be able to chat, meet, and share files all in one place.

This upgrade makes it easier to work together in real time, keep everything organized, and say goodbye to multiple versions of the same document floating around. More teamwork, less hassle. 

New Office Phones 📞 

We’re also upgrading our office phone system. This is a required update, but a good one! The new system will offer improved reliability and modern features so calls are clearer and communication is smoother. 

We’ll walk you through what’s changing and make sure everyone is comfortable using the new phones before they go live. 

A New Admin Platform (and Possible Portals!) 

Another change coming soon is a new administrative platform, which may include new portal solutions. While part of this update is necessary, it also gives us a chance to streamline processes and cut down on manual work. 

Bottom line: fewer workarounds, more efficiency. 

What’s in It for Me? 

✅ Here’s how these updates help you day to day: 

• Easier collaboration with Teams and shared files in M365
• Less time spent searching for documents and information
• More reliable communication with upgraded phone systems
• Streamlined processes through improved admin tools
• Better tools that support flexible work—now and in the future 

Why It Matters 

These upgrades are all about supporting you—making day to day tasks easier, improving collaboration, and setting us up for long term success. The required updates keep us current and secure, while the efficiency upgrades help us stay competitive and future ready. 

We’ll continue to share details, timelines, and training info as each update approaches. Thanks for your flexibility and enthusiasm as we roll out these improvements—we’re excited about what’s ahead! 

🎬 Blockbuster Season Preview: Must-See Movie Trailers for Q1 2026!

🎥 Want to Watch the Trailers?

👉 Check out all official trailers here: https://www.imdb.com/trailers/

January 2026

✅ January 9 – The Electric State
Genre: 🎬 Action / Sci-Fi
Stars: Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt
Description: A young girl and her robot travel through a post-apocalyptic America in this Russo Brothers sci-fi epic.

✅ January 16 – The Gorge
Genre: ❤️ Romance / 🔍 Thriller
Stars: Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy
Description: A high-stakes romantic thriller set against a backdrop of danger and betrayal.

✅ January 23 – The Wild Robot
Genre: 🐾 Family / 🎨 Animation
Stars: Lupita Nyong’o (voice), Pedro Pascal (voice)
Description: A heartwarming animated tale about a robot stranded in the wilderness who learns to survive and connect.

✅ January 30 – The Amateur
Genre: 🔍 Thriller / 🎬 Action
Stars: Rami Malek
Description: A CIA cryptographer seeks revenge after his wife is killed in a terrorist attack.

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February 2026

✅ February 6 – Red One
Genre: 🎬 Action / 😂 Comedy
Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans
Description: A holiday-themed action comedy with a twist of adventure and humor.

✅ February 13 – Madame Web
Genre: 🦸♀️ Superhero / 🔍 Thriller
Stars: Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney
Description: A Marvel spinoff exploring the mysterious clairvoyant linked to the Spider-Man universe.

✅ February 20 – The Bride
Genre: 👻 Horror / 🎭 Drama
Stars: Scarlett Johansson
Description: A gothic horror remake inspired by the classic Bride of Frankenstein story.

✅ February 27 – Borderlands
Genre: 🎬 Action / 😂 Comedy
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart
Description: A sci-fi action comedy based on the hit video game franchise, packed with chaos and humor.

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March 2026

✅ March 6 – How to Train Your Dragon (Live-Action)
Genre: 🐉 Fantasy / 🐾 Family
Stars: Mason Thames, Nico Parker
Description: The beloved animated saga gets a stunning live-action adaptation.

✅ March 13 – The Wolf Man
Genre: 👻 Horror / 🔍 Thriller
Stars: Ryan Gosling
Description: A chilling reimagining of the classic monster tale.

✅ March 20 – Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Genre: 🎮 Video Game / 🎬 Action
Stars: Ben Schwartz (voice), Jim Carrey
Description: Sonic returns for another high-speed adventure with new allies and foes.

✅ March 27 – Mufasa: The Lion King
Genre: 🦁 Family / 🎭 Drama
Stars: Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr.
Description: A prequel exploring the origins of the iconic Lion King character.

🎉 January 2026

Myrtle Beach Polar Plunge
•    📅 January 31, 2026
•    📍 Sands Ocean Club, 9550 Shore Drive, Myrtle Beach
•    💦 Multiple plunge times: 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30
•    🎗️ Benefits Special Olympics SC
•    🔗 Register & Info [polarplungesc.com], [so-sc.org]

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🦌 February 2026

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE)
•    📅 February 13–15, 2026
•    📍 Downtown Charleston (Charleston Place, Marion Square, Brittlebank Park, Gaillard Center, Charleston Marriott)
•    🖼️ Wildlife art exhibits, live animal demos, DockDogs, chef demos
•    🔗 SEWE Official & Tickets [sewe.com], [charlestongrit.com]

Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival
•    📅 February 23–March 1, 2026
•    📍 Multiple venues, focused around Honey Horn Plantation, Hilton Head
•    🦐 Week-long seafood tasting, chef demos, artisan vendors
•    🔗 Festival Website [eventeny.com], [fairsandfe...tivals.net]

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🏃 March 2026

Myrtle Beach Marathon & Half Marathon
•    📅 March 7, 2026
•    📍 Starts at Grissom Pkwy & 21st Ave N; finishes at Pelicans Ballpark, Myrtle Beach
•    👟 Full marathon, half marathon (Boston qualifier), plus 5K & Family Run
•    🔗 Event Info [visitmyrtlebeach.com], [trifind.com]

Charleston Wine + Food Festival
•    📅 March 4–8, 2026
•    📍 Charleston (main hub at Johnson Hagood Stadium/Culinary Village)
•    🍷 Multi-day festival: tastings, demos, Bubbles & Sweets, Opening Night, Culinary Village
•    🔗 Tickets & Schedule [thelocalpalate.com], [fairsandfe...tivals.net]

Summerville Flowertown Festival (Azalea Festival)
•    📅 March 27–29, 2026
•    📍 Historic Downtown & Azalea Park, Summerville
•    🌸 Arts & crafts, live music, kids’ zone, 200+ vendors
•    🔗 Festival Info [charlestoncvb.com], [summervillesc.gov]
 

✅ Fresh Starts & Fun Facts: Your Monthly Boost January 

❄️ Did you know January is named after Janus, the Roman god of doors and beginnings? Janus had two faces—one looking forward and one looking back—symbolizing reflection and new starts. Perfect inspiration for setting your goals this year! 

🥗 January is National Healthy Weight Awareness Month! Small changes make a big difference—like swapping soda for water or adding an extra serving of veggies to your plate. These little habits can help you feel energized and stay on track in 2026. 

📚 Did you know reading for just 6 minutes can reduce stress by 60%? Curling up with a good book isn’t just relaxing—it’s scientifically proven to calm your mind. This month, carve out a few minutes each day for a stress-busting read. 

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February 

❤️ Did you know Valentine’s Day started as a Roman festival called Lupercalia? Over centuries, it evolved into the celebration of love we know today. Whether you’re sharing chocolates or kind words, you’re part of a tradition that’s thousands of years old! 

🧠 February is American Heart Month—your brain loves heart-healthy habits too! A brisk 20-minute walk can boost circulation and mood. Invite a friend or coworker for a quick stroll—it’s good for your heart and your happiness. 

🍫 Did you know dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants? A small piece can help reduce stress and even support heart health. So go ahead—enjoy a guilt-free treat this month!

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March 

🌸 Did you know March is named after Mars, the Roman god of war? But today, it’s all about renewal and growth as spring begins. Take a moment to plan something fresh—whether it’s a new hobby or a weekend adventure. 

🥦 March is National Nutrition Month! Adding colorful fruits and veggies to your meals isn’t just pretty—it’s powerful. Each color brings unique nutrients to boost your health. Challenge yourself to eat the rainbow this week! 

🧘 Did you know practicing mindfulness for 10 minutes a day can lower stress and improve focus? Try a quick breathing exercise or guided meditation during your lunch break—it’s a small step with big benefits. 

🌍 Global Flavors for Q1: Celebrate Culture Through Food Start 2026 with a taste of the world! 

These dishes are tied to traditions that bring people together. Try them at home and share with family or friends.

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January–February 

🧧 Lunar New Year (Feb 17) 

This holiday is all about family, fresh starts, and good luck. People eat foods that symbolize long life and wealth—like noodles that you don’t cut and dumplings shaped like old coins. 

• Longevity Noodles – Long noodles for a long life. A Lunar New Year tradition, longevity noodles symbolize health, longevity, and new beginnings, with uncut strands representing a long and prosperous life.   https://thewoksoflife.com/long-life-noodles-yi-mein/
• Pork Dumpling Soup – Dumplings for wealth. Enjoyed during Lunar New Year, pork dumplings represent wealth and good fortune, as their shape resembles ancient coins meant to bring prosperity in the year ahead. https://rasamalaysia.com/pork-dumpling-soup-recipe/

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🎭 Carnaval (Feb–Mar) 

Carnaval is Brazil’s biggest party before Lent. Streets fill with music, dancing, and bright costumes. It’s a time to celebrate life and enjoy rich, comforting food. 

• Feijoada – A hearty bean and pork stew. A traditional Carnaval dish, feijoada reflects community, resilience, and shared celebration, often enjoyed slowly with family and friends during Brazil’s most festive season https://www.oliviascuisine.com/feijoada-recipe/
• Brigadeiros – Chocolate fudge treats. A beloved Brazilian sweet, brigadeiros symbolize joy, togetherness, and simple indulgence, making them a staple at Carnaval gatherings and celebrations..  https://www.oliviascuisine.com/traditional-brigadeiros/

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🤎 Black History Month 

February honors the achievements and history of Black Americans. It’s a time to learn, reflect, and celebrate culture—including classic soul food dishes. 

• Collard Greens – Smoky, slow-cooked greens. A staple of African American soul food, collard greens are slow‑simmered with smoky flavor and represent resilience, nourishment, and community.  https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/235931/southern-style-collard-greens/
• Sweet Potato Pie – Sweet potato pie is a beloved dessert in African American food traditions, adapted from West African yam dishes and symbolizing ingenuity, continuity, and celebration at family gatherings. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/12142/sweet-potato-pie-i/

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March 

🥞 Maslenitsa (Mar 7–13) 

This is a Russian festival that says goodbye to winter and hello to spring. People make thin pancakes called blini—round and golden like the sun. 

• Blini – Thin pancakes with sweet or savory toppings. A traditional food of Maslenitsa, blini symbolize the sun, renewal, and the return of spring, with their round, golden shape welcoming warmth and fresh beginnings. https://vikalinka.com/russian-crepes-blini/ 

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☘️ St. Patrick’s Day (Mar 17) 

What started as a religious holiday in Ireland is now a worldwide celebration of Irish culture. Think green, shamrocks, and hearty comfort food.

• Guinness Beef Stew – Rich and flavorful. A classic Irish comfort dish, Guinness beef stew reflects warmth, resilience, and hospitality, traditionally bringing people together to share a hearty meal.   https://www.recipetineats.com/irish-beef-and-guinness-stew/
• Irish Soda Bread – Rustic and easy to make. Rooted in everyday Irish cooking, soda bread symbolizes simplicity, resourcefulness, and home, made with basic ingredients and shared at family tables. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/16947/amazingly-easy-irish-soda-bread/ 

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🎉 Holi (mid-March) 

Holi is India’s “festival of colors,” welcoming spring with bright powders, music, and sweets. It’s about joy, forgiveness, and new beginnings. 

• Gujiya – Sweet pastry filled with nuts and spices. A traditional Holi sweet, gujiya symbolizes celebration, sharing, and togetherness, often prepared at home and enjoyed with family and friends after playing with colors. https://www.cookwithmanali.com/gujiya-holi-recipe/
• Thandai – A cool, spiced milk drink. Served during Holi, thandai represents refreshment, balance, and renewal, made with milk, nuts, and aromatic spices to cool the body as spring begins. https://www.cookwithmanali.com/thandai/  

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💡 Tip: Share your culinary creations using #GlobalFlavors2026. Let’s celebrate culture together—one dish at a time!