History in Bloom, Celebrations Ahead, and A Taste of Spring
March arrives like a breath of fresh air — bridging winter’s chill with the promise of longer days, colorful blossoms, brighter skies, and new beginnings. From pivotal historical moments to iconic birthdays and celestial shifts, this month is packed with meaning.
This Month in History
- March 1, 1872 – Yellowstone National Park becomes America’s first national park.
- March 4, 1933 – Franklin D. Roosevelt declares, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself” during his inauguration speech.
- March 10, 1876 – Alexander Graham Bell makes the first successful telephone call.
- March 15, 44 B.C. – Julius Caesar is assassinated on the Ides of March.
- March 31, 1889 – Eiffel Tower officially opens in Paris. (It was originally ridiculed by critics and French citizens as too modern and too tall. Now it is arguably the most iconic symbol of Paris).
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Important Dates In March (2026)
- March 1 – The month of March is Women’s History Month
- March 8 – International Women’s Day
- March 8 – U.S. Daylight Saving Time Begins (Clocks “spring forward” one hour at 2 a.m.)
- March 14 – Pi Day (3.14)
- March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
- March 19 – Spring Equinox (First Day of Spring)
- March 21 – Kids Arts Festival of Tennessee – From 10am – 2pm. (at Bicentennial Park in Franklin, TN – 400 5th Ave North) (Details Here)
- March 28 – Whiskey and Wags: Whiskey Tasting at Two Rivers Mansion (click here for more info)
- April 1 – April 9 – Passover (a major Jewish spring festival which commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, lasting seven or eight days from the 15th day of Nisan)
- April 5 – Easter Sunday
Note: While Passover and Easter fall in early April this year, preparations and spring celebrations often begin throughout March.
The History of St. Patrick’s Day
Saint Patrick’s Day began as a religious feast day in the early 17th century honoring Saint Patrick, the 5th-century missionary credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Traditionally observed on March 17, the anniversary of his death, the day was once marked by church services and modest celebrations. Over time—especially as Irish immigrants spread their culture around the world—it evolved into a global celebration of Irish heritage, featuring parades, music, dancing, and the wearing of green, with major festivities in cities like Dublin, Chicago, and New York City.
PLA Media Clients In The News
In this Women’s History Month, we celebrate Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel as she is the first female author to win the Tennessee History Book Award twice, having won the award in 2022 for her book Title IX, Pat Summitt, and Tennessee Trailblazers: 50 Years, 50 Stories in addition to the just-awarded Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story.
- Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story by Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel and Dr. Don Cusic was honored by the Tennessee Historical Society and Tennessee Historical Commission with the Tennessee History Book Award for 2025. The award is given annually to the best history book about Tennessee.
- The Friends of Two Rivers hosted Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel and Dr. Don Cusic for a bustling discussion with excerpts from Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story, accompanied by live music from Paul Carrol Binkley & friends, and a special appearance by Minnie Pearl herself (as played by Jenny Littleton) with a special performance of the “News From Grinder’s Switch”!
- As Founder and Executive Director of Nashville Sites, Pethel was also featured in Styleblueprint.com.
- Nashville Sites’ latest audio tour, produced in partnership with Centennial Park Conservatory, celebrates art, activism and collective memory of Nashville’s iconic Centennial Park.
ALSO IN THE NEWS:
Wes McClelland‘s new single “What I Know Now” is now on country radio and available at DSPs.
Jim Messina is currently bringing his hit-packed show to venues across the country.
Nu-Blu‘s Daniel and Carolyn Routh are back at home focusing on their hometown hardware store, Sawyer’s Hardware and Supply in Siler, NC.
Applaudable Perspectives: Did You Know We Have A Podcast?
Applaudable Perspectives is the dynamic podcast helmed by Pamela Lewis, Founder and CEO of PLA Media, where every conversation is a masterclass in inspiration and impact. Pamela has built the show into a vibrant platform that brings together an eclectic roster of voices — artists, authors, influencers, philanthropists, and community leaders — each offering a window into their world and the forces driving them forward.
This year, Pamela is doubling down on that momentum, curating even more compelling guests whose stories spark conversation and ignite possibility. Listen on your favorite podcast platform!
Know someone who would be a great guest on the podcast? Connect with us to send suggestions!
Whatcha Reading?
PLA Media is proud to represent authors Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel and Dr. Don Cusic and their book Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story. Dr. Pethel is also the author of Title IX, Pat Summitt, and Tennessee’s Trailblazers: 50 Years, 50 Stories, Dr. Cusic recently released Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar, a biography of the iconic guitarist, producer, and music executive.
In addition to these titles, our fearless leader Pamela Lewis has authored two books, Benjamin Franklin: America’s First Rockstar and Ben Franklin Visits Franklin for a Day. Both books are part of her philanthropic efforts in the City of Franklin, which unveiled a “Ben on the Bench” statue in January to kick off the city’s America250 celebration. The statue was also donated to the city by Pamela Lewis.
A voracious reader herself, Pamela is currently enjoying The American Struggle: Democracy, Dissent, and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union by Jon Meacham and Cat on the Road to Findout by Yusuf / Cat Stevens. She also highly recommends Let Them by Mel Robbins, Town Lawe by Bruno Pirecki, and Finding Me by Viola Davis.
Matt Bjorke is currently reading Just Like You by Nick Hornby, Future Boy by Michael J. Fox, The Seven Basic Plots by Christopher Booker, and From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks. Also, if you are looking for something lighter, anything by David Sedaris is sure to fit the bill!
Share with us! We would love to hear from you and learn about what you’re reading! (Send your book recommendations to matt.bjorke@plamedia.com)
Celebrity Birthdays in March
March 1 – Justin Bieber (1994)
March 14 – Albert Einstein (1879)
March 26 – Diana Ross (1944)
March 27 – Mariah Carey (1969)
March 30 – Celine Dion (1968)
March 2026 Zodiac Forecast
Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20). Your season invites reflection and renewal. As the days grow longer, clarity replaces confusion.
Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19). Your solar season begins with bold momentum. Expect fresh starts and leadership opportunities.
Interesting March Facts
- March was originally the first month of the Roman calendar. It’s named after Mars, the Roman god of war.
- Daylight Saving Time gives us more evening sunlight — a true psychological boost as spring begins.
- The birth flower is the daffodil, symbolizing rebirth and hope.
Springtime Recipe #1: Lemon Herb Pasta Primavera
A bright, fresh dish to welcome the season.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta of your choice (recommendation: penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 zucchini
- 1 cup asparagus
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Zest & juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup Parmesan
- Fresh herbs (recommendations: basil, parsley, tarragon)
- Salt & pepper
Directions:
- Cook pasta.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil.
- Add vegetables until tender-crisp.
- Toss with pasta, lemon zest, juice, and Parmesan.
- Garnish with herbs and serve warm.
Springtime Recipe #2: Chicken Paprika!
A classic, easy to make recipe for the whole family!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1½ tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sour cream
Directions:
- Brown chicken, salted and peppered to taste, in oil in heavy pot.
- Remove chicken to sauté onion, place the chicken back in the pot, and remaining ingredients, except sour cream, and simmer for about an hour. The flour blends better if it is mixed with the water before adding to chicken mixture. While mixture is simmering, it should be covered with a tight lid.
- Remove lid after simmering and add sour cream.
- Allow to cook slowly or 5 minutes more.
- Serve over cooked rice.
Serves 3-4.
Cocktail Recipe of the Month: Classic Irish Coffee
A classic drink good for cool evenings and rainy days.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot, freshly brewed coffee
- 1½ oz Irish whiskey (ex: Jameson)
- 1-2 tsp brown sugar
- Lightly whipped heavy cream
Directions:
- Warm a heatproof glass with hot water, then empty it. Add hot coffee and stir in brown sugar until dissolved.
- Pour in the Irish whiskey and stir gently.
- Carefully float light whipped cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
- Serve and drink through the cream for the perfect balance of bold coffee, smooth whiskey and velvety richness.
You could also try this over ice for a modern iced twist on the classic cocktail.
Inspirational Story of the Month
AIRPORT OFFICER ADOPTS DOG ABANDONED AT THE AIRPORT
What began as a heartbreaking act of abandonment became a beautiful story of compassion and second chances.
At the Las Vegas Airport, a woman made the unthinkable choice to leave her goldendoodle behind rather than miss her flight — a decision that ultimately led to her arrest and, more importantly, to one small dog’s life being forever changed. Alone and uncertain, the little pup’s future looked bleak. But sometimes, the darkest moments set the stage for the most radiant new beginnings.
The officer who responded that day didn’t just do his job — he opened his heart. After a brief waiting period, he returned to the animal rescue shelter, paperwork in hand, ready to welcome the goldendoodle into his family. What had started as one person’s act of abandonment ended with another person’s act of love.
This little goldendoodle’s journey — from the cold floors of an airport to a warm, forever home — is a powerful reminder that compassion has the ability to transform tragedy into triumph. It is a testament to the dedicated officers and rescue workers who go above and beyond, turning moments of crisis into stories worth celebrating.
Every animal deserves to be loved. And sometimes, the universe has a way of making sure they find exactly who they’re meant to find.
Closing Thoughts
March is a month of transition — longer days, lighter meals, meaningful holidays, and fresh perspective. Whether you’re setting clocks forward, celebrating spring’s arrival, or preparing for Easter gatherings, may this season bring renewal and inspiration.
