Heritage Heights Abilene

05/01/2026

04/20/2026

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION DAY
Volunteer Recognition Day is the annual celebration of those who selflessly benefit the lives of others. By providing a helping hand to those in need, humans and animals alike, we are all naturally working towards making the world a better place.


Every single one of us has been benefited from the work of a volunteer and Volunteer Recognition Day acknowledges the beauty of this phenomenon. Every direction we turn, we can do something outside of our daily list of requirements. As you go about your day, honor and thank those who go to the extra mile.

High profile celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Bono have made a name beyond the stage for their work with various foundations. Although most of us are not millionaires, their work goes to show that anyone can get their hands dirty, step out of their comfort zone and lend a hand to those in need.

A lot of times volunteering comes down finding a cause that moves you. For some people, taking care of animals influences them, whereas the human condition calls to others requiring they meet the needs of a few or many in their community or far and wide. With so many opportunities to offer love and support to those who won’t take it for granted, it’s hard not to want to get involved!

HOW TO OBSERVE VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION DAY
Take a moment to thank a volunteer in your life.

Evaluate your current schedule and see where you can fit in time for volunteering. Pick a cause you’re passionate about! Whether it’s donating your money or often even more importantly, your time, there’s always something to be done. Don't forget, your skills are valuable to organizations, too. Many volunteer organizations provide services to people who would otherwise go without if it weren't for volunteers. So think of your specific skill set and consider who it might benefit if times are tough.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

tax services to those who've fallen on hard times

wig styling for someone undergoing chemo

dental services for those who cannot afford dental insurance

yard care for elderly or disabled

sew quilts, weighted blankets, post-mastectomy drain bulb covers, and many other projects to support those in need

04/17/2026

NATIONAL CHEESEBALL DAY
April 17th kicks off National Cheeseball Day and recognizes a party food that can sometimes be the centerpiece of a spread. You can choose from two ways to celebrate, too! Or plan your party and serve both!


Acheese spread comes in the shape of a ball served with crackers, most often around Christmas in the U.S. This cheeseball is commonly made with softened cream cheese and other ingredients.
Cheese puffs are a puffed corn snack coated with a mixture of cheese or cheese-flavored powders. Cheese puffs are manufactured by extruding heated corn dough through a die that forms the particular shape, most likely a ball shape.
No matter which one you celebrate, both make for terrific snacking.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CHEESEBALL DAY
Pick your favorite type of cheese ball and get snacking.
Share your favorite with someone.
Make up your favorite cheeseball recipe or snack on the cheese puff variety. The choice is yours!
If you're looking for a recipe, we've found one for you to try, too. Easy Bacon Cheese Ball Recipe
Be sure to share your favorite recipes. There're so many to choose from.
Celebrate the day by making a cheeseball for friends and family. They even make for fantastic leftovers.
Remember to share a picture of your cheeseball on Social Media using .
NATIONAL CHEESE BALL DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this splendid food holiday.

Cheeseball FAQ
Q. How do I prevent crackers from breaking when scooping from the cheeseball?
A. A cheese knife should be used to carve a bit of the cheeseball away and spread it on the cracker. Also, allow the cheeseball to come to room temperature before serving.

Q. Can I freeze any leftover cheeseballs?
A. Yes. To avoid causing the cheese to dry out, first wrap it well with freezer wrap. Then chill in the refrigerator for several hours. Store in an air-tight freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to a month.

04/06/2026

NATIONAL CARAMEL POPCORN DAY
Each year on April 6th, National Caramel Popcorn Day conjures up memories of fairs, sporting events, and fun snacking.


In January, we celebrated National Popcorn Day. Now, we add delicious caramel popcorn to the calendar, one of America's favorite snacks. For many people, this chewy or crunchy caramel popcorn treat is an all-time favorite.

Combining popcorn and molasses began in the early 1800s. However, caramel was prevalent as well, and with the production of Cracker Jack, the popularity was ever-increasing. Invented by Frederick Rueckheim, the popcorn merchant dabbled with creating a new snack. An immigrant from Germany to Chicago, he enlisted his brother, Louis, to help. After adding molasses and nuts, their snack was ready for an introduction to the masses.

Like many famous foods, Cracker Jack gained popularity on the stage at the 1893 World's Fair. Other foods to grab the public's attention at similar expositions include cotton candy and the ice cream cone. While they weren't invented there, nor did they make their debut, they sure did capture the imagination and make a lasting impression there.

However, in 1908, something happened to connect Cracker Jack and baseball permanently in the American psyche, while also launching the business into high gear. A young entertainer by the name of Jack Norworth penned a catchy tune referencing Cracker Jack and the American pastime. The song "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" not only caused sales of the snack food to soar but the fans of the game continue to sing the song at every game.

There are many commercial brands and forms of caramel corn available in grocery stores, cinemas, and convenience stores. There are also specialty brands available in stores, gift catalogs, and online.