HapiFriDay Friends! 👋

Today, we're celebrating the 50th anniversary of Secretariat's historic Kentucky Derby win in 1973. With jockey Ron Turcotte in the saddle, this legendary racehorse set an incredible record of 1 minute, 59 seconds, and 40 milliseconds – a record that still stands today. It took another 30 years before Monarchos finally broke the 2-minute barrier in 2007.

Secretariat's blazing speed and unmatched performance on the racetrack made him a true icon in the world of horse racing. His legendary status continues to inspire generations of equestrian enthusiasts and racehorse breeders, proving that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a little bit of luck.

Alright, let’s dive into some positive news stories from around the world! 👇

Quote of the Day 🗣

A Mother's Love and the Inspiring Response from the Community ❤️

In an effort to help her 24-year-old son with Down syndrome find friends, Donna Herter posted on Facebook offering to pay someone to spend time playing video games with him. Herter, who lives near Rochester, Minnesota, noticed her son Christian Bowers struggling with loneliness and depression. The post received over 5,000 comments, leading Herter to interview and select seven local men to visit Christian on a rotating schedule once a week.

These new friendships have significantly improved Christian's quality of life, as he now goes to bed with a smile on his face and talks excitedly about his new friends. Social relationships are crucial for mental health, and the National Down Syndrome Society emphasizes the importance of planning for socialization opportunities for adults with Down syndrome after they leave school. The heartwarming response to Herter's post demonstrates the power of community support in making a difference in the lives of individuals with special needs.

A healthy life starts with what you eat. Clean Plates can help you with that! 🥬

Clean Plates is a FREE newsletter sharing delicious recipes, shopping guides, and expert advice with over 500,000 readers! Here’s their 3-part motto:

1.  Healthy eating is personal... Just because your mother-in-law is #teampaleo, does not mean it's right for you. Clean Plates will help you figure out what is.

2. But some things are universal. “Eat more sugar,” said no one ever. Everyone can benefit from eating more whole foods and less junk food. Clean Plates will help you figure out how (it'll be fun, we swear!).

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Did we mention they were endorsed by Oprah?

*Please support our sponsors! They help us keep The Hapiday Newsletter free! ❤️

HapiFriDay News Roundup 👏

🌹 Stop and smell the roses

A new study has identified a key enzyme called farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) synthase, which is crucial for creating a rose's fresh and floral scent. Commercial gardeners have bred roses to have different colors, be more insect-resistant, and have a longer vase life, but these visually appealing flowers often lose their strong aromatic fragrances. The findings could help restore the sweet aroma in roses that have lost their iconic smell over time.

🙏 Helping thousands of children

Paige McDaniel, the leader of Community Partners of Dallas (CPD), is retiring after 21 years of service, during which the organization grew substantially and increased the number of children served by 400%. CPD supports Child Protective Services caseworkers and provides for the urgent needs of abused and neglected children, aiming to ensure their safety and restore their dignity and hope.

🏆 First Asian woman nominated for a Tony

Composer Helen Park became the first Asian woman to be nominated for a Tony Award in the best original score category for her work in the Broadway musical "KPOP," alongside co-composer Max Vernon. Despite its cancellation just two weeks after opening, "KPOP" received multiple nominations and highlighted the need for greater inclusivity and representation of diverse stories and cultures in the theater industry.

🛣 Keep your eye on the road

Automakers are gradually moving away from large, complex touch screens in car dashboard designs due to consumer backlash, making driving safer by reducing distractions. Brands like Porsche, Volkswagen, Nissan, and Hyundai are returning to buttons and knobs or maintaining their commitment to physical controls, which allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road while operating infotainment systems.

👩‍🎓 Overcoming adversity in amazing ways

Jasmine Mazard-Larry overcame homelessness and personal challenges to graduate as valedictorian of her high school class with an 8.07 GPA. In addition to her academic achievements, she took part in extracurricular activities and served as a role model for her younger brother, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Hapi Hits 😊

🥊 Boxing pup. This bulldog dresses up as the cutest boxer you’ll ever see in the ring.

🦉 Staring contest: Cat and owl get into a staring contest through the window

🛁 Puppy’s first bath: Little pup is scared of the water and hugs his owner’s arm while taking his first bath

🐈 Mischievous kitty. This cat retraces its steps in the snow, making us question, “What’s he up to?”

HapiReview of the Day 🎉

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