Happy holidays to all!

This time of year everyone can celebrate the hope, joy and peace reflected in all the holidays of the season.

First comes Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days and nights. The movable feast starts on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev, which coincides with late November-late December on the secular calendar. This year Hanukkah begins the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, and ends the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 28.

In Hebrew, the word "hanukkah" means “dedication” commemorating the re-dedication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks in 165 BCE. Jewish troops were determined to purify the Temple by burning ritual oil in the Temple’s menorah for eight days. But to their dismay, they discovered that there was only one day's worth of oil left in the Temple. They lit the menorah anyway and to their surprise the small amount of oil lasted the full eight days.

This is the miracle of the Hanukkah oil that is celebrated every year when Jews light a special menorah known as a hanukkiyah for eight days. One candle is lit on the first night of Hanukkah, two on the second, and so on, until eight candles are lit.

The winter solstice also is this week for us here. After the winter solstice, the days will get longer and we will celebrate the light. In 2011, the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere will occur at 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 22. Officially the first day of winter, the winter solstice occurs when the North Pole is tilted 23.5 degrees away from the sun. This is the longest night of the year, meaning that despite the cold winter, the days get progressively longer after the winter solstice until the summer solstice in 2012.

And guess who lives at the North Pole. Santa Claus, also known as St. Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, and simply "Santa," is a figure with legendary, mythical, historical and folkloric aspects who, in many western cultures, is said to bring gifts to the homes of the good children during the late evening and overnight hours of Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. The modern figure was derived from the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas, which, in turn, may have part of its basis in hagiographical tales concerning the historical figure of gift-giver St. Nicholas.

Santa Claus generally is depicted as a plump, jolly, white-bearded man wearing a red coat with white collar and cuffs, white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots. This image became popular in the United States and Canada in the 19th century due to the significant influence of Clement Clarke Moore's 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" and of caricaturist and political cartoonist Thomas Nast. This image has been maintained and reinforced through song, radio, television, children's books and films.

According to a tradition which can be traced to the 1820s, Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, with a large number of magical elves, and nine (originally eight, plus Rudolph) flying reindeer. Since the 20th century, in an idea popularized by the 1934 song "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," Santa Claus has been believed to make a list of children throughout the world, categorizing them according to their behavior ("naughty" or "nice") and to deliver presents, including toys and candy, to all of the good boys and girls in the world, and sometimes coal to the naughty children, on the single night of Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. He accomplishes this feat with the aid of the elves who make the toys in the workshop and the reindeer who pull his sleigh.

Christmas, the second-greatest feast day in the Christian calendar (after Easter Sunday), celebrates the Nativity, or birth, of Jesus Christ. Christmas Day always is on Dec. 25, this year on Sunday. Celebrations include church services with holiday music recalling the virgin birth of God's Son in a lowly stable some 2,000 years ago, promising peace on earth and good will to all mankind.

Then comes Kwanzaa, a week-long holiday honoring African culture and traditions. It falls between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1 each year. Maulana Karenga, an African-American leader, proposed this observance and it was first celebrated between December 1966 and January 1967.

Kwanzaa honors the culture and traditions of people of African origin. The week of celebrations ends with a feast and the exchange of gifts. During the celebrations, candles are lit and libations are poured. A libation is the name given to a ritual pouring of a drink as an offering to a god. During Kwanzaa, a wooden unity cup is used to pour the libations. Ceremonies often include performance of music and drumming, a reflection on the Pan-African colors of red, green and black and a discussion of some aspect of African history.

Finally, Saturday, Dec. 31, is New Year's Eve, the last day of 2011, followed by Jan. 1, New Year's Day, the first day of 2012. Happy New Year!

Check out the winter season in Recorder Community Newspapers and their 60+ blogs online right here at newjerseyhills.com. Any individual or group representative who would like to join our bloggers may e-mail me at panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out about this simple, free, 21st century communication tool. Young people, high school age and older, are especially welcome. All you need is an e-mail and Internet connection device.

Day of Infamy

(December 7, 2011) Today is the 70th anniversary of Japan's surprise bombing of U.S. forces in Pearl Harbor which jolted the United States out of isolationism and into World War II. More than 2,400 Americans were killed and more than 1,100 were wounded. The attack sank four U.S. Navy battleships and damaged four more. It also damaged or sank three cruisers, three destroyers, one mine layer and damaged 188 aircraft.

The nation was changed forever on the morning of Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in a speech to Congress, described that day of the bombing of Pearl Harbor as "a date which will live in infamy."

The day after the attack, the United States declared war on Japan and entered World War II fighting with the Allies including France and England against the Axis powers including Germany. Americans came together in their common cause.

Today, Pearl Harbor survivors and other World War II veterans remember their service and sacrifice.

Check Recorder Community Newspapers for details in the news and the blogs online at newjerseyhills.com. Any individual or group representative interested in joining the 60+ bloggers may call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers for more information on this 21st century communication tool.

Happy Thanksgiving!

(November 23, 2011) "Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go," but not this year. Tomorrow Grandma and Grandpa are going over the river and through the woods to their oldest daughter's house. And they're bringing with them the roasted turkey with stuffing and gravy for the holiday feast. It will be quite a treat to enjoy the family fun at someone else's home this Thanksgiving Day.

We are thankful this year for so much from a new grandson to resolved health issues. It will be good to relax and ponder them all on Thanksgiving Day.

Enjoy your holiday bird, family and friends and a blessed day.

On a business note, we at Recorder Community Newspapers as well as our thousands of local readers are especially thankful for all the faithful bloggers sharing themselves and their groups at our newpapers' website - newjerseyhills.com. They bring a unique perspective to the site.

Any community individual or group representative interested in joining the growing group of 60+ bloggers is welcome to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com. Blogging is free. The process is simple. All you need is an e-mail address and Internet connection.

11-11-11

(November 11, 2011) Today is Veterans Day, the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918. The document was signed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Veterans Day is a federal legal holiday honoring America's veterans with ceremonies and speeches in many communities. Canadians observe Remembrance Day today to honor their war veterans.

Today also is a date curiosity: 11-11-11. There will be one more in our lifetime, next year: 12-12-12.

Check Recorder Community Newspapers for details in the news and the blogs online at newjerseyhills.com. Any individual or group representative interested in joining the 60+ bloggers may call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers for more information on this 21st century communication tool.

Election Day today

(November 8, 2011) Today, the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, is Election Day. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the various districts. Registered voters will choose members of the N.J. General Assembly, county and local officials. They also will vote on local questions as well as a state constitutional amendment allowing wagering on sports events at Atlantic City casinos and at horse racetracks.

This Election Day has been overshadowed by the widespread power outages due to the freak nor'easter that hit the Northeast on Oct. 29. Although the heavy snow melted quickly, its aftermath of fallen trees on power lines caused major problems. Schools and shops were closed, traffic disrupted for days. No electricity out in the country means no water, no heat, no phone, no lights, etc. Tree and utility workers from as far away as Alabama have been working long hours with local crews to repair the damage. Now that most folks in this area have their electric and phone service restored, they are busy with the cleanup of tree limbs and other debris, plus household chores like backed-up laundry.

But regardless, today we focus on our civic right to choose our leaders and rules. So VOTE. Details of local elections can be found in Recorder Community Newspapers right here online at newjerseyhills.com. Also some bloggers share political commentary. After the election, results will be posted here as well.

Anyone interested in joining the growing group of 60+ Recorder bloggers can contact me at (908) 832-7420 or panderson@recordernewspapers.com.

Time to fall back

(November 4, 2011) This weekend this part of the world returns to Eastern Standard Time. Specifically at 2 a.m. Sunday, the first one in November, daylight-saving time ends, according to federal law, except for those areas that exempt themselves. So before retiring Saturday be sure to set your clocks one hour BACK.

That will give you the hour you lost on the second Sunday in March when the clocks spring forward for daylight-saving time.

Happy Halloween

(October 31, 2011) Today is Halloween when costumed ghosts and goblins celebrate the frost on the pumpkin and enjoy "trick or treat" in their neighborhoods. This year the festivities may stay inside, even at home, because of this weekend's freak snowstorm. Many activities planned for Saturday and Sunday were canceled because of the weather and subsequent power, cable and telephone outages. Also, most area schools are closed today.

Today also, according to the United Nations, the world's population will hit 7 billion. Some nations are claiming to record that 7 billionth birth in their country.

Check out Recorder Community Newspapers online right here at newjerseyhills.com for details. Bloggers also are commenting here, if they have power, on current conditions. (A power generator is making it possible for me to use my computer for this blog.)

Anyone interested in joining the 60+ Recorder bloggers may call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail me at panderson@recordernewspapers.com. All you need is Internet access and e-mail for this free communication tool.

Oh, No, SNOW!

(October 30, 2011) My husband and I returned Friday night from a short trip to Washington, D.C., only to learn snow was on the way later Saturday. But when we woke up Saturday morning, snow already was falling and falling. After a quick trip to the supermarket, we settled down to recuperate from our trip when the power went out. The snow continued to nearly a foot deep, bowing the still leafy trees. Some branches broke under the heavy weight.

Oh, no, our new generator was in the shop for under-warranty repairs. But among the many phone messages was one from the generator shop saying the machine was ready for pickup. Thanks to our son-in-law with a truck, we got the generator up and running before 7 p.m.

This is the second time we have been attacked by snow in October. The last time, on Oct. 23, 2008, our township was the primary target of heavy snow which downed many trees and power lines, making roads impassable, too. We were stuck for days, which prompted us to buy a big home power generator which we used for the first time during the recent Hurricane Irene power outage. Then the generator worked but constantly spit oil.

Now, our generator is giving power to some essential services -- the well pump for water, the furnace for heat, the refrigerator, a few lights, the telephone, TV and my computer.

We tried listening to a battery-powered radio for info on the storm and no station was broadcasting what was happening. So thankfully we can check the TV news and Recorder Community Newspapers online where updates are posted daily by editors as well as bloggers.

Any individual or group representative interested in joining the 60+ bloggers communicating online at Recorder's website at newjerseyhills.com is welcome to contact me at (908) 832-7420 or panderson@recordernewspapers.com for more information on this free program. All you need is access to the Internet and an e-mail.

Leaves falling

The multicolored "autumn leaves" are falling. Before the next rainstorm brings them all down, now is a good time to enjoy the reds, golds and oranges of fall in your own backyard or out in the country.

They remind me of Johnny Mercer's popular song, sung by Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra:

The falling leaves drift by my window
The falling leaves of red and gold.
I see your lips, the summer kisses
The sunburned hands I used to hold.
Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I'll hear old winter's song.
But I miss you most of all, my darling,
When autumn leaves start to fall.

Fall also is a time for harvest festivals, apple and pumpkin picking and more. Check out Recorder Community Newspapers for details on the various autumn activities in your neighborhood. Also online right here at newjerseyhills.com are some 60 Recorder bloggers with thoughts of the time.

Anyone interested in joining this group of 21st communicators may contact me at (908) 832-7420 or panderson@recordernewspapers.com for more information on this simple, free process. All you need is an Internet connection and e-mail.

Columbus Day

Many countries in the New World and elsewhere celebrate the anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas, which occurred on Oct. 12, 1492, as an official holiday.

Columbus is deemed the discoverer of our country and his landing date has long been a holiday here. Since 1971 Columbus Day has been observed in the United States on the second Monday of October. Most government offices are closed. Parades are a big part of the celebration.

Check out Recorder Community Newspapers for other news of the weekend. You can read about it and more in the papers and here online in the blogs as well.

Anyone interested in joining our 60+ bloggers may e-mail me at panderson@recordernewspapers.com for details on this free, simple, 21st century communication tool. Individuals, especially high schoolers, and group representatives are welcome.

New beginnings

(Sept. 29, 2011) Last Friday, believe it or not, was the first day of autumn, despite the hot, muggy weather then. And today is Rosh Hashanah, literally "head of the year," the Jewish New Year.

The first of the high holy days, Rosh Hashanah is observed and celebrated on the first two days of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar (nine and eight days before Yom Kippur). It is described in the Torah as a day of sounding the shofar (ram's horn). Jews mark the days with symbolic foods and temple services including New Year's resolutions.

Check out this new season in Recorder Community Newspapers and their 60+ blogs online right here at newjerseyhills.com. Any individual or group representative who would like to join our bloggers may e-mail me at panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out about this simple, free, 21st century communication tool. Young people, high school age and older, are especially welcome. All you need is an e-mail and Internet connection device.

Summer's over

(September 19, 2011) Well, the furnace is on since summer seems to be over, even though the calendar says it isn't. The cold temperatures are sending the squirrels scurrying to collect nuts for the coming winter and the deer are devouring any plants they see to bulk up for the bare season ahead.

Meantime, Jack and I are layering on the sweatshirts and sweaters. I have to replace summer quilts with warmer comforters on the beds. It's also time to cook up homemade soup, maybe hearty ham barley or beef vegetable.

In any case, it's still time for blogging, especially since autumn weather brings so many great activities, from apple picking to hay rides to harvest festivals. Check out Recorder Community Newspapers for details in the news and the blogs right here online at newjerseyhills.com.

Any individual or organization representative interested in joining the 60+ bloggers here is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out more about this simple, free communication tool. Young people especially are welcome since they are the most facile with today's electronic technology.

Where was God on 9/11/01?

(September 11, 2011) I just got back from a very moving 10th anniversary commemoration of 9/11. One speaker addressed the question: Where was God on 9/11, the beautiful Tuesday morning in 2001 when some 3,000 people were killed on American soil as a result of crashes caused by Islamist terrorists who had commandeered four commercial passenger jetliners. Two slammed into the World Trade Center in New York City, one into the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., and another into a field in central Pennsylvania. His answer follows.

God was with those who comforted their colleagues as they faced certain death trapped on the upper floors of the World Trade Center above where the terrorists' intentionally crashed American Airlines planes into Towers 1 and 2.

God was with area first-responders, firemen, police, EMTs and security personnel, who raced into the burning towers to lead people there to safety, then dying when the two buildings collapsed in less than two hours.

God was with a slight Oriental man who carried a crippled woman he did not know on his back down many flights of stairs escaping from the smoke and devastation in Tower 2.

God was aboard United Flight 93 on its way from Newark to California when the 40 passengers and crew voted to take down their plane over Pennsylvania with its hijackers to prevent an attack on the nation's capital. They all perished deep in a remote field in Shanksville, population 245.

God was in Canada's Gander, Newfoundland, whose residents welcomed into their homes and facilities hundreds of travelers, dubbed "the plane people," diverted there on planes when U.S. air space was closed because of the attacks. Some of the friendships formed at that time remain to this day.

God was at St. Paul's Chapel, located across from the lower Manhattan site of the 9/11 attacks on the twin towers yet spared for a higher purpose. Opened in 1766, it is Manhattan's oldest public building in continuous use -- a place where George Washington worshiped and 9/11 recovery workers received round-the-clock care. One old woman came there and left her cane for anyone who needed it.

God was with those who came for weeks afterward to search for human remains at the demolished World Trade Center without concern for their own well-being.

Something to think about.

Would you like to communicate your thoughts about 9/11 or other current events? Recorder Community Newspapers hosts some 60 blogs here at its website for community individuals and organization leaders to share their comments and news. Anyone interested in this free service is invited to contact me at (908) 832-7420 or panderson@recordernewspapers.com and I will give you the details. All you need is an Internet connection device and an e-mail.

9-10-11

(September 10, 2011) Today is another fun mathematical date to remember: 9-10-11. Happy memories for those born today or celebrating a special milestone in their lives! It will be an easy date to remember.

Labor Day

(September 5, 2011) Today, the first Monday in September, is Labor Day, a national holiday honoring all workers. Americans traditionally consider it the last hurrah of summer and celebrate with picnics and other gatherings with family and friends.

The first Labor Day in the United States was observed on Sept. 5, 1882, by the Central Labor Union (CLU) of New York. It was proposed by Peter J. McGuire of the American Federation of Labor in May 1882.

Oregon was the first state to make it a holiday in 1887. By the time it became a federal holiday in 1894, 30 states officially celebrated Labor Day.

Following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. marshals at Chicago's Haymarket Square during the Pullman Strike in 1894, President Grover Cleveland reconciled with the labor movement.

The Pullman Strike was a nationwide conflict between labor unions and railroads. The conflict began in the town of Pullman, Ill., on May 11 when about 3,000 employees of the Pullman Palace Car Co. began a wildcat strike in response to recent reductions in wages, bringing traffic west of Chicago to a halt.

The American Railway Union, the nation's first industry-wide union, led by Eugene V. Debs, subsequently became embroiled in what The New York Times described as "a struggle between the greatest and most important labor organization and the entire railroad capital" that, at its peak, involved some 250,000 workers in 27 states.

Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress, passed unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike.

The September date originally chosen by the CLU of New York and observed by many of the nation's trade unions for the past several years was selected rather than the more widespread International Workers' Day (International Workers' Day, May 1, also known as May Day, is a celebration of the international labor movement. It commonly sees organized street demonstrations and marches by working people and their labor unions throughout most of the world. It is a national holiday in more than 80 countries.) because Cleveland was concerned that observance of the latter would stir up negative emotions linked to the Haymarket affair, which it had been observed to commemorate.

All U.S. states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories have made the first Monday of September, Labor Day, a statutory holiday.

Back to school ... maybe

(August 30, 2011) Hurricane Irene wreaked havoc this past weekend in Recorder Community Newspapers' coverage area. Sunday's heavy rain and high winds caused widespread flooding and power outages due to trees' falling on electric wires. Even today many still are without power or even forced out of their homes and businesses by flood waters and/or downed trees.

My husband and I are busy cleaning up storm debris including cartfuls of tree branches from the storm. Luckily, no trees fell on the house. Our power is out, but we have a generator which we're using for the first time. We bought it a few years ago after a concentrated, heavy October snowfall left us stranded and without electricity for nearly a week. Out here in the country no electricity means no lights, no water (no toilet flushes), no heat, no cooking, no refrigeration, you get the picture.

But, life goes on and, even though Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer, some schools opened last week, some are scheduled to start classes this week and the rest will be in operation hopefully after the Sept. 5 holiday; that is, if there are no storm-related issues.

What's going on in your community can be found in your Recorder Newspaper and right here online at newjerseyhills.com, the newspapers' website. Check out also the many blogs for personal accounts as well as information from a number of local organizations.

Any individual or community group representative who would like to join the 60+ bloggers here is invited to contact me at (908) 832-7420 or panderson@recordernewspapers for details on this free communication tool. All you need is an Internet connection and an e-mail.

August and summer's almost gone

(Aug. 24, 2011) Where has the summer gone? It was a beautiful one and I can't believe it's almost over.

Between helping out with our 14 grandchildren (including a brand-new grandson and a college-bound granddaughter) and celebrating our golden wedding anniversary, Jack and I have been very busy, not to mention dealing with Mother Nature out here in the country. The deer continue to eat anything I plant. The earthquake yesterday and the coming hurricane just add to the busyness.

But, Recorder Bloggers still are sharing themselves and their news here at newjerseyhills.com. Check out a couple of new ones by local women: 50 & Feisty and Organizing Answers.

Any local individual or community group interested in joining our growing list of 60+ bloggers is invited to contact me at panderson@recordernewspapers.com or (908) 832-7420 to find out the details on this free 21st century communication tool.

Going back

(July 30, 2011) Earlier this month my husband and I traveled back to northeastern Ohio (where we both were born and reared) to visit with relatives, a trip we make at least twice a year. We had a great time reliving old times with brothers, sisters and in-laws, even a niece from Italy and a nephew from the far west side of town.

When we were growing up in the suburbs of Cleveland, east was east and west was west and you know the rest. We lived on the east side and the west side was like a foreign country. In fact, in those days nobody traveled more than a few miles from home. It was a big deal when we moved to New Jersey some 45 years ago.

We visited the old neighborhoods, bought some ethnic food from Grandpa's butcher, had dinners with family and friends in new and old places, and reminisced about when we all were young. What a rejuvenating time we had!

Now that I'm back, I again am reviewing the many blogs we have at Recorder Community Newspapers. There is such a variety from book reviews to political tirades to sentimental chitchat and more. Many give information about community groups and activities. The latest to join is Chester Library at the Observer-Tribune.

Anyone interested in joining the 60+ bloggers here at newjerseyhills.com, the website of 15 Recorder Community Newspapers, may call me at (908) 832-7420 and I will explain the free, simple process. All you need is a Internet connection device and an e-mail.

Running Through the Sprinkler

(July 19, 2011) Days like these hot ones remind me of the old days when the biggest treat was running through the lawn sprinkler to cool off with the neighborhood kids. Remember the sprinkler that turned around and around, then the new model that waved back and forth? Are there lawn sprinklers anymore in these times of fancy irrigation systems?
Nobody had air conditioning at home, or even in their cars. You just opened the windows and made sure the screens were down to keep out the bugs. Sometimes we made "popsicles" by freezing Kool-Aid in ice trays with toothpicks. What simple pleasures!
After watering the plants outside early this cool morning, I'm staying inside with the air conditioning against the afternoon heat wave. It's a good time to update my blog and check out the other Recorder blogs as well as the online news here at newjerseyhills.com.
Anyone interested in joining the 60+ bloggers here is welcome to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out about this free, easy, multimedia 21st century communication tool.

Bastille Day

(July 13, 2011) Tomorrow is Bastille Day, the French National Day which is celebrated on July 14 of each year. It also is my second son's birthday who coincidentally graduated from the American University in Paris and also married a girl from Paris.

In France, Bastille Day formally is called La Fête Nationale (The National Celebration) and commonly le quatorze juillet (the 14th of July). It commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789; the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern nation, and of the reconciliation of all the French inside the constitutional monarchy which preceded the First Republic, during the French Revolution.

Festivities and official ceremonies are held all over France. The oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe is held on the morning of July 14 on the Champs-Élysées avenue in Paris in front of the president of the Republic, French officials and foreign guests.

So, national celebrations continue this month. Check out Recorder Community Newspapers for what else is happening on these lazy, hazy days of summer. The online blogs here also post some interesting activities and thoughts.

Anyone interested in joining the 60+ Recorder bloggers is invited to contact me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com. Blogging is a free, simple 21st century interactive communication tool. All you need is an Internet connection device and a an e-mail.

National birthdays

(July 1, 2011) Americans observe their nation's birthday on July 4, Independence Day, in honor of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. But this year, since the Fourth is on Monday, celebrations are starting today and continuing throughout the weekend into Monday. There are parades, picnics, fireworks and more.

Our neighbors to the north in Canada also are celebrating their country's birthday today, Canada Day. July 1 marks the anniversary of the 1867 formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada. Originally Dominion Day, the holiday name was changed in 1982, the year that Canada gained full independence from the United Kingdom. Canada Day also means fireworks and the year's biggest national party akin to the U.S. July 4th celebration.

Check out Recorder Community Newspapers for details on Fourth of July celebrations in your area. They could be today, tomorrow, Sunday and/or Monday. While online here view also the various blogs which also may elaborate on the holiday.

Any community group or individual interested in joining the 60+ bloggers at Recorder Newspapers is invited to contact me at (908) 832-7420 or panderson@recordernewspapers.com. I will be happy to assist you with this simple, free 21st century communication venue. All you need is an Internet connection device and an e-mail.

Summertime

(June 21, 2011) Summer begins here at 1:16 p.m. today.

The first day of summer — the summer solstice — is the longest day of the year.

The word solstice comes from the Latin words for "sun" and "to stop," due to the fact that the Sun appears to stop in the sky. The Sun is directly overhead at its most northern point at "high-noon" on the summer solstice, creating more sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere on this day than on any other.

On the solstice, we also hit the longest day of the year. From today on, the days begin to get shorter.

Summertime is a great time to start a blog. It's a more relaxing time, more laid back, with lots of fun activities to share.

Community organizations and individuals interested in joining the 60-plus bloggers appearing online at Recorder Community Newspapers' websites may call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com. I will be happy to explain this free 21st century communication tool. Blogging is simple; all you need is an e-mail and Internet connection device.

Goodbye to 13

(June 16, 2011) What a week it was! Our 14th grandchild, Marco Alexander, arrived earlier than expected, on June 7, also birthday of grandson James Ali, 6 (missed his party). I spent the week with the new mother's (our daughter) family in New York, then traveled directly to the high school graduation party of our oldest grandchild, Sarah, in Pennsylvania.

We all are thrilled about the birth, since both mother and son are well. But my husband is especially glad now to have 14, not unlucky 13, grandchildren, eight boys and six girls.

It's good to be home and back in the swing of regular life here in bucolic Hunterdon County. One of the first things I tackled was checking out blogs for Recorder Community Newspapers. If you tried to contact me during my time away I was not available, but am now, so give me a call about any Recorder blogging issue.

Community organizations and individuals interested in joining the 60-plus bloggers appearing online at Recorder Community Newspapers' websites may call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com. I will be happy to explain this free 21st century communication tool. Blogging is simple; all you need is an e-mail and Internet connection device.

June

(June 2, 2011)
"June is bustin' out all over
All over the meadow and the hill!
Buds're bustin' outa bushes
And the rompin' river pushes
Ev'ry little wheel that wheels beside the mill."

How true are these Oscar Hammerstein lyrics from the musical production "Carousel." Gentle rains are falling, trees are leafing and flowers are blooming.

June is also a special month for me. My late mom's birthday is today as well as my parents' wedding anniversary. Also, five of my 13 grandchildren have June birthdays and another is on the way very soon, so he too will celebrate his birthday this month.

June can be special for you too. You can sign up to be a blogger for Recorder Community Newspapers. More than 60 bloggers are sharing their messages via our 15 newspaper websites. Some represent community organizations, others just themselves.

Blogging is a free and simple 21st century communication tool. All you need is an e-mail and an Internet connection. I will help you get started and then connect you to our group. Call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com.

Remember

(May 27, 2011) Monday, May 30, is Memorial Day, a federal holiday that honors American service members. It is observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. citizens who died while in military service. First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

Memorial Day often marks the start of the summer vacation season, and Labor Day its end.

Begun as a ritual of remembrance and reconciliation after the Civil War, by the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as ordinary people visited the graves of their deceased relatives, whether they had served in the military or not.

Some towns will have patriotic events, including parades and programs, in observance of Memorial Day. Check out Recorder Community Newspapers online for details. While there read some of the 60-plus blogs which may feature reflections on Memorial Day.

Anyone interested in joining the growing group of Recorder bloggers may call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com. Blogging is a free 21st century mode of Internet communication. All you need is an e-mail and connection to the World Wide Web.

Four chances to meet Saloma

(May 20, 2011) My friend, author Saloma Miller Furlong, will be in town this coming week for four book signings. She will discuss her memoir, "Why I Left the Amish," which debuted in January, at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at Whippanong Library in Whippany, at 7 p.m. Monday, May 23, at Chester Township Public Library in Chester, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at Warren Township Library in Warren, and at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, at Caldwell Public Library in Caldwell.

The book already has garnered national attention. Saloma and her husband, David, have been interviewed for PBS-TV's "American Experience" for a show to air next spring and by NPR-Radio for a new program to launch this year. PBS film crews recently spent 12 hours at their home in Sunderland, Mass.

Saloma tells the story of her early years growing up in a dysfunctional Amish family in Burton, Ohio. Her intellectual curiosity and longing for a more settled life led her to clandestinely leave her Amish community and go to Vermont, a place she had admired in magazine pictures. I had met Saloma during a visit to my native state of Ohio so my New Jersey home turned out to be one of the pit stops on her journey some 30 years ago.

In Vermont, she met David, they eventually married, moved to Massachusetts and now have two grown sons.

Despite only an eighth-grade education as mandated by the Amish, Saloma went on to graduate with honors from Smith College and garner a respectable position at Amherst College. Now she and David are concentrating on writing the second book in the series of three planned volumes. Following the first book's moving tale of her leaving the Amish, it will tell their love story in New England.

Read more about Saloma in Recorder Community Newspapers this week in the Echoes-Sentinel, Hanover Eagle and The Progress and at her website SalomaFurlong.com. Copies of her book, "Why I Left the Amish," will be available at the library book signings.

Friday, the 13th

Today is Friday, May 13, which many consider an unlucky day. Superstition holds Friday the 13th to be a day of bad luck. In the Gregorian calendar, this day occurs at least once, but at most three times a year. Any month's 13th day will fall on a Friday if the month starts on a Sunday.

Actually, today was somewhat unlucky in that blogger.com was unavailable for most of the day due to an unknown glitch which rarely happens. So, many bloggers were unable to post items. But luckily, now all is well and blogger.com is back on track.

You can read posts from the more than 60 bloggers who communicate right here at Recorder Community Newspapers' websites. Anyone interested in joining the growing group of Recorder bloggers is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com. This 21st century communication tool is free and simple to use. All you need is a computer and an e-mail address.

Happy Mother's Day!

The second Sunday in May, this year May 8, is Mother's Day. Happy day to all mothers, grandmothers, mothers-in-law and others who serve as mothers. Enjoy your day.

Happy May Day

Today, May 1, is observed in different ways around the globe. For many it’s a holiday dedicated to laborers.

May Day has origins dating back thousands of years to when the Romans paid tribute to Flora, the goddess of flowers. Other lore ties it to the Walpurgis Night, a celebration in parts of Europe of St. Walpurga. In other parts of Europe, May Day signifies crowning a girl the May Queen; she then begins the May 1 celebrations, which include dancing around a maypole. In different parts of the world, aspects of paganism are heavily rooted in May Day festivities and tradition.

Around these parts, May Day doesn’t get the attention holidays like Thanksgiving and Halloween receive. Traditionally it's the first day of planting season here. Also, Law Day is celebrated on May 1 in the United States. Coined in 1958 by then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Law Day was started to recognize and remember the importance of written rule in our country’s founding and its role in maintaining order.


Tidbits like this and more can be found in Recorder Community Newspapers and in their blogs online here at their websites.

Community groups and individuals interested in joining the 60-plus Recorder bloggers here are invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com for details on this 21st century communication tool.

Easter this week

Easter is a moveable feast, meaning it is not fixed in relation to the civil calendar. It occurs during the spring, in March or April; the method for determining the date of Easter Sunday is complex, based on lunisolar calendars. Eastern and western churches calculate using different calendars. Easter can fall on 35 possible dates — between March 22 and April 25 — and this year for all is April 24, almost as late as possible.

Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year. According to the Canonical gospels, Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. His resurrection is celebrated on Easter Sunday. The chronology of his death and resurrection is variously interpreted to be between AD 26 and 36, traditionally 33.

The Easter celebration comes after Lent, a 40-day preparatory period of fasting, prayer and penance. The last week, Holy Week, begins with Palm Sunday remembering Christ's triumphal entrance into Jerusalem and continues with Holy Thursday honoring the Last Supper (his last Passover seder), Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death, and Easter Vigil Saturday, a commemoration of the day that Jesus lay in his tomb. Easter Sunday is a joyous celebration of church song and family feasting.

Easter is linked to the Jewish Passover by much of its symbolism, as well as by its position in the calendar.

Easter customs vary across the Christian world, but decorating Easter eggs is a common motif. In the Western world, customs such as egg hunting and the Easter Bunny extend from the domain of church, and often have a secular character.

Happpy Easter!

Down to the wire

Midnight tonight is the deadline for filing your 2010 federal income tax returns. The due date usually is April 15 (or the next weekday if on a weekend), but since Washington, D.C., observed Emancipation Day that day (which was Friday), taxpayers got an extra three days to pay up.

Passover

The eight-day Jewish festival of Passover begins today at sundown. It commemorates the story of the Exodus, in which the ancient Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. Passover begins on the 15th day of the month of Nisan, which is spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

In the narrative of the Exodus, the Bible tells that God helped the Children of Israel escape slavery in Egypt by inflicting 10 plagues upon the Egyptians before Pharaoh would release his Israelite slaves; the 10th and worst of the plagues was the slaughter of the first-born. The Israelites were instructed to mark the doorposts of their homes with the blood of a spring lamb and, upon seeing this, the spirit of the Lord passed over these homes, hence the term "passover". When Pharaoh freed the Israelites, it is said that they left in such a hurry that they could not wait for bread to rise. In commemoration, for the duration of Passover no leavened bread is eaten, for which reason it is called "The Festival of the Unleavened Bread." Matzo (flat unleavened bread) is the primary symbol of the holiday.

It is traditional for Jewish families to gather on the first night of Passover (first two nights in communities outside the land of Israel) for a special dinner called a seder (derived from the Hebrew word for "order" referring to the very specific order of the ritual). The table is set with the finest china and silverware to reflect the importance of the meal. During this meal, the story of the Exodus from Egypt is retold using a special text called the Haggadah. Four cups of wine are consumed at various stages in the narrative.

The seder is replete with questions, answers and unusual practices to arouse the interest and curiosity of the children at the table. The children are rewarded with nuts and candies when they ask questions and participate in the discussion of the Exodus and its aftermath. Likewise, they are encouraged to search for the afikoman, the piece of matzo which is the last thing eaten at the seder. Audience participation and interaction is the rule, and many families' seders last long into the night with animated discussions and much singing. The seder concludes with additional songs of praise and faith printed in the Haggadah, including "Chad Gadya" ("One Little Kid" or "One Little Goat").

Start fishing tomorrow

The stocking trucks from the Pequest Trout Hatchery in Warren County began rolling on March 21 as the spring pre-season distribution of this year's trout got under way in New Jersey. By year's end, about 600,000 trout, all raised at Pequest, will be stocked throughout the state, but the action really will get going at 8 a.m. on opening day, Saturday, April 9.

The "production trout" average 10.5 inches but will be kept company prior to opening day by some of the more than 6,000 two- to five-pounders which also are being stocked, according to the N.J. Division of Fish and Wildlife. This spring, division workers are releasing trout in 88 streams and 90 ponds and lakes throughout New Jersey. Those trout will be in addition to some of the 26,000 two- to five-pound bruisers still in the water from stockings in the fall and winter. Fortunately for the state's anglers, trout remain available throughout the summer in many waters.

In addition to bait and tackle, anglers between the ages of 16 and 70 must obtain a fishing license and trout stamp. Both are available online at Fish and Wildlife’s website, www.njfishandwildlife.com/als/websalesintro.htm.

Tidbits like this and more can be found in Recorder Community Newspapers and in their blogs online here at their websites.

Community groups and individuals interested in joining the 60-plus Recorder bloggers here are invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com for details on this 21st century communication tool.

Spring cleaning

(March 29, 2011) Remember years ago when spring came it was time for spring cleaning? The brighter days somehow accentuated the dust and dirt around the house. The curtains looked drab, walls seemed dull, carpeting was dingy, closets were overstuffed. So it was time to get out the deep cleaning products and muscle and dig into spring cleaning.

Even though the signs of need are there I can't seem to get moving and attack the job. During the cold spell I did clear out some stuff we haven't used in years, giving to the local thrift shop. But lots more needs to go before summer. And I did look up the carpet cleaning man's telephone number. But that's as far as spring cleaning has progressed. I guess today I'll tackle my regular weekly cleaning jobs and after this week's snowstorm think again about spring cleaning.

In the meantime, I'm checking out the blogs here at Recorder Community Newspapers' website to see what's others are up to. Some 60 community organizations and individuals are sharing information and even just chit-chat. Anyone interested in joining this 21st century communication is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 to learn how. Blogging is simple and free; all you need is a computer or other Internet connection and an e-mail.

Spring starts Sunday

(March 18, 2011) Spring begins this year at 7:21 p.m. Sunday, March 20.

At the start of spring — the vernal equinox — day and night are each about 12 hours long (with the actual time of equal day and night, in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring a few days before the vernal equinox). The sun crosses the celestial equator going northward; it rises exactly due east and sets exactly due west.

This timely information as well as many other items can be found right here at the 15 online Recorder Community Newspapers and their more than 60 blogs. You can read the latest local news as well as information on a variety of interesting topics. The blogs are an interactive 21st century communication.

Any community group or individual interested in joining Recorder bloggers is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out more about this free offer. All you need is a computer or other Internet connection device and an e-mail.

Spring forward this weekend

Daylight-saving time will return here at 2 p.m. this Sunday, March 13, when clocks in the four time zones of the contiguous U.S. (Eastern, Central, Mountain and Pacific, except Arizona) will jump one hour forward at 2 a.m. local time. This marks the moment each year that U.S. and Canadian clocks switch from standard (or winter) time to DST (or summer) time in 2011.

So before retiring on Saturday night, set your clocks one hour ahead.

Most of the destinations in the Western Hemisphere that observe DST will be "springing forward" on March 13. The time change also takes place in Canada's Atlantic Time Zone, as well as the Alaska Standard Time Zone. Standard time will resume at 2 p.m. on Sunday Nov. 6.

This timely tip as well as many others can be found right here at the 15 online Recorder Community Newspapers and their more than 60 blogs. You can read the latest local news as well as information on a variety of interesting topics. The blogs are an interactive 21st century communication.

Any community group or individual interested in joining Recorder bloggers is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out more about this free offer. All you need is a computer or other Internet connection device and an e-mail.

Back home again

(Feb. 26, 2011) My husband, Jack, and I are back from a week in Charleston, S.C., more specifically, the Isle of Palms. The N.J. cold and snow were more this winter than we could stand. Many weeks we were trapped at home by ice: "Better safe than sorry."
Although the weather in South Carolina was not hot or beach like by any means, at least we could see grass and could breathe outside in temperatures averaging in the 70s during the day -- actually a heat wave compared to here.
But it's still good to be back home. Why is it your own home always looks like a palace when you return from a vacation? And your own bed is heavenly no matter how great your vacation accommodations were?
While away, I still was able to check out the 60-some blogs at Recorder Community Newspapers. As you know they're located right here at the website of the 15 online newspapers. Reading the news and the blogs is a great way to keep in touch with what's happening locally back home.
Actually, I could have blogged from S.C. as well, but decided to take a little break and enjoy the longtime friends who again had invited us to stay with them in their adopted ocean community. They had invited also other friends for a few days and we had fun seeing the sights of Charleston with them too. We also walked along the beach and ate lots of steamed oysters that you can't get anywhere else.
But getting back to business, any local individual or group rep who would like to join the growing group of Recorder bloggers is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com for details about this free offer. Blogging is a simple communication tool; all you need is a computer or other Internet connection device and an e-mail address. Check out the various Recorder blogs to see what you could add to the site.

Presidents Day Weekend

(Feb. 17,2011) Monday, Feb. 21, the third Monday of February, is Presidents Day, a celebration of all U.S. presidents, a state holiday, as well as a federal holiday in observance of George Washington's Birthday which is Feb. 22. Most governmental offices will be closed and there will be no mail delivery. Many schools will be closed unless they took back the day off because of too many snow days this winter.

But, Recorder Community Newspapers are always open right here online. Readers can visit newjerseyhills.com to read the latest local news as well as blogs by community individuals and organization representatives. All kinds of messages and pictures are available including holiday closings and programs for the weekend as well as firsthand reports by a local college student in the Mideast to pictures from recent community events.

Anyone in interested in joining the growing group of 50-plus bloggers is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com to learn more about this simple, free, 21st century communication tool. All you need is a computer and an e-mail.

Happy Valentine's Day

(Feb. 14, 2011) St. Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is an annual commemoration held on Feb. 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs, St. Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD. It was deleted from the Roman calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI, but its religious observance is still permitted. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards. They can be sent to any loved one.

Check out Recorder blogs right here online to see if you got a valentine wish from any of the 50-plus Recorder bloggers at the 15 newspapers. Any individual or group representative interested becoming a Recorder blogger is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out more about blogging, a free, simple, 21st century communication tool.

New Jersey is open today

(Feb. 11, 2011) Abraham Lincoln's birthday is tomorrow, Feb. 12, but because that is a Saturday it is observed in New Jersey the day before. However, for the first time, the state will be open despite the holiday observance, and next year the day no longer will be an official state holiday.
New Jersey state government has long shut down on Lincoln's Birthday, making it one of only five states to use a holiday to honor the 16th president, until now.
New Jersey is open for business. An exception is the Motor Vehicle Commission inspection stations, which are privately operated and will be closed Friday and Saturday in observance of the Lincoln's Birthday holiday.
Lincoln's Birthday is not a federal holiday.
Recorder Community Newspapers are always open right here online. Readers can visit newjerseyhills.com to read the latest local news as well as blogs by community individuals and organization representatives. All kinds of messages and pictures are available from firsthand reports by a local college student in the Mideast to pictures from recent community events.
Anyone in interested in joining the growing group of 50-plus bloggers is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com to learn more about this simple, free, 21st century communication tool. All you need is a computer and an e-mail.

Happy New Year of the Rabbit!

(Feb. 3, 2011) The Chinese New Year is celebrated as the symbol of spring's celebration. In fact, in China it still is called the spring festival. It is celebrated after the fall harvest and before the spring planting season. The date of the Chinese New Year is always changing and is dependant on the Chinese calendar. Emperor Huangdi in the year 2637 BC invented the Chinese calendar.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2011 is the Year of the Golden Rabbit, which begins today, Feb. 3, and ends on Jan. 22. The Rabbit is the fourth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 animal signs. The rabbit is a lucky sign. Rabbits are private individuals and a bit introverted. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are reasonably friendly individuals who enjoy the company of a group of good friends. They are good teachers, counselors and communicators, but also need their own space.

According to Chinese tradition, the rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. It is a time for negotiation. Don't try to force issues, because if you do you will ultimately fail. To gain the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children. Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise.

In Chinese mythology, the Year of the Rabbit symbol represents longevity and it is believed that the rabbit enjoys a close relationship with the moon. Westerners may refer to the man in the moon, but when the Chinese peer up at the moon, what they see is the rabbit standing by a rock, holding a cup that overflows with the elixir of immortality. As symbols go, this is considered one of the finest.

So, enjoy the Year of the Rabbit!

How much more winter?

(Feb. 1, 2010) Tomorrow, Feb. 2, is Groundhog Day when traditionally Punxsutawney Phil predicts how long winter will last.
Each year in the town of Punxsutawney, Pa., this legendary animal emerges from his home to look for his shadow. The myth goes another six weeks of winter weather is on its way if the groundhog sees his shadow as dawn breaks. No shadow means an early spring.
The holiday supposedly began as a German custom in Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th centuries. It possibly has origins in ancient European weather lore, though prior legends gave the prognosticating job to a badger or a sacred bear, not a groundhog.
There are also other similarities including the medieval Catholic holiday of Candlemas and the pagan festival of Imbolc, the seasonal turning point of the Celtic calendar that comes between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
Newspaper editor Clymer H. Freas and American Congressman W. Smith are credited with launching the yearly festival in Punxsutawney in the late 1800s. Punxsutawney Phil has been doing his thing since 1887. Phil has seen his shadow 99 out of 114 times, and he has been right only 39 percent of the time.
Let's hope Phil does not see his shadow tomorrow. We've had enough winter this year and enough cabin fever.
However, the checking online has been a godsend. Recorder Community Newspapers has 15 online newspapers with more than 50 blogs among them. You can read the latest local news as well as information on a variety of interesting topics. The blogs are an interactive 21st century communication.
Any community group or individual interested in joining Recorder bloggers is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out more about this free offer. All you need is a computer or other Internet connection device and an e-mail.

Snowed in again!

(Jan. 26, 2011) Another midweek storm has us snowed in again. Although this time it's not as cold as with previous ones. With all the snow days they're getting, I hope the kids don't have to go to school until July.

Now we're staying inside and looking out at the beautiful snow scenes, while getting more and more cabin fever. There's no sense in risking life and limb by venturing out. It's time to check out the Internet.

That's the good thing about going online; you're always connected. You can read about all kinds of things and communicate almost anywhere.

Recorder Community Newspapers has 15 weekly newspapers online right here at newjerseyhills.com along with more than 50 blogs written by area individuals and group representatives. Check them out for the latest local news, advice and chit-chat.

Anyone interested in joining the growing group of Recorder bloggers is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com for more information on this free offer. All you need is a computer or other Internet connection and an e-mail. The process for this 21st century, real-time communication tool is very easy and I am here to help if needed.

25th anniversary

(Jan. 17, 2011) Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday and also a national day of service, in honor of the black civil rights activist who was assassinated in 1968. The holiday is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King's birthday, Jan. 15.

Although legislation was signed in 1983 designating King's birthday as a federal holiday, it was not observed until 1986, making 2011 the 25th anniversary of MLK Day.

Congress then passed the King Holiday and Service Act in 1994, which established MLK Day as a day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort.

King was the chief spokesman for nonviolent activism in the civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King's honor began soon after his assassination. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed on Jan. 20, 1986.

Most government offices are closed today as are many schools and banks. Several observances are planned including service projects.

Read all about them in Recorder Community Newspapers and in their many blogs right here online.

Those interested in joining the growing group of Recorder bloggers are invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out about this 21st century communication tool. Participation is free and simple; all you need is a computer (or other Internet access device) and an e-mail.

1-11-11

(Jan. 11, 2011) Being a numbers person, I love days like today: 1-11-11. The last one was New Year's Day: 1-1-11 and before that our daughter's birthday: 10-10-10. And 11-1-11 and 11-11-11 also will be special days.

So have a happy day to remember and check out what's new online at Recorder Community Newspapers and their blogs.

Anyone interested in joining the growing group of Recorder bloggers at the 15 online newspaper sites may call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out all about this free 21st century communication tool. It's simple; you need only a computer and an e-mail.

Winter woes

(Jan. 7, 2011) Winter's here and with it some woes. The combination of cold weather, dry heat and holiday partying has got me down with laryngitis. So I'm not talking very well, although my voice sounds worse than I feel.

So out came the old-fashioned remedies -- humidifiers and hot tea with honey.

But blogging doesn't require a voice. This 21st century communication tool can be used any time, in any weather, right from the comfort of home. All you need is a computer and an e-mail.

Recorder Community Newspapers is looking for community groups and individuals interested in joining our growing group of bloggers whose messages appear right on our 15 newspapers' websites. The process is simple and FREE.

Call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com if you are interested and I will explain how to do it.

By the way, I read Saloma Furlong's new book "Why I Left the Amish" which I mentioned some weeks ago. Wow! What a writer with quite a story! Her memoir is very well done, not the sentimental, sophomoric texts I've often seen about the Amish lifestyle. I'm looking forward to the next book in the three-part series by this Smith College grad who now works at Amherst College.