Labor Day

(Aug. 31, 2012) This Monday, Sept. 3, is Labor Day, an American federal holiday that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers. It is observed annually on the first Monday in September.

Labor Day also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans, and is celebrated with parties, parades and athletic events. Government and financial offices are closed, but stores offer many sales especially for back to school. Most schools will resume sessions this week if they have not already begun.

Check out your Recorder Community Newspaper for details of what's happening in your town. Also, Recorder bloggers right here online at newjerseyhills.com share their insights of the times.

Anyone community individual or organization representative interested in becoming a Recorder blogger is invited to call me at (908) 932-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com. Blogging is simple and free; all you need is access to the Internet.

Dog days to school days

(Aug. 28, 2012) Ending are the dog days of summer, which typically feature the warmest summer temperatures. The name comes from the ancient belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, in proximity to the sun, was responsible for the hot weather.

Soon school again will be in session for almost all students from kindergarten through college. Usually classes begin after Labor Day, this year Monday, Sept. 3, the unofficial end of summer, but some schools opened already this week.

In fact, this school year started for three of my grandchildren on July 9. Their school district in North Carolina operates year-round: nine weeks in session, then three weeks off, on four tracks. Talk about confusing!

Hopefully, cooler temperatures will prevail for the first days of school, even though fall will not begin officially  until Sept. 22.

Read about school openings and the activities around the first days of school in Recorder Community Newspapers and their blogs right here online at newjerseyhills.com. Any community individual or organization representative who would like to join our growing group of  Recorder bloggers is invited to contact me at panderson@recordernewspapers.com or (908) 832-7420 and I will let you know how to take advantage of blogging, a free 21st century communication tool.

Almost scammed

(Aug. 18, 2012) An attorney called last Thursday letting us know that he needed $2,200 right away to get our son released from Mexico following an auto accident that caused facial injuries. "Son John" could barely talk, but could mumble for help. The attorney very helpfully advised us to rush to our local Walmart for a Moneygram to be sent to him in Cancun. Mumbling John, however, could not answer our trick question, so we calmed down and knew the whole story was a fraud. John was fine and at work here in New Jersey. Walmart said that the company has a protocol regarding such Moneygram requests and most are stopped at the Walmart counter.

Then, through Craig's List, a fraulein from Germany wanted to rent an apartment with our granddaughter while attending Penn State. On Saturday, she sent our Sarah her deposit check via Federal Express, and also included an extra amount to cover a car payment, asking Sarah please to rush the overage right away to the car person. Of course, being a weekend, there was no time to verify her check. Some investigation on Craig's List showed this also to be a scam. So, no money went anywhere and the FedEx package went to the FBI.

Scammers have been on the prowl this past week; imagine two attempts within days in the same family! Police said anyone can find out anything about anybody for $9.95 on the Internet. So, be on the alert.

Going to the fair

(Aug. 9, 2012) It's the fair season. Farmers and 4-Hers are strutting their stuff at area county fairs. Even regular folks are getting into the act with their talents from crafting to baking. The public is invited to share the fun of contests, animals, food, booths and carnival attractions at a variety of outdoor venues. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, a visor and plenty of sunscreen.

Check out Recorder Community Newpapers for times, places and other details, in paper and online too. Also online see the 50+ blogs written by your friends and neighbors on various topics, including one by a local chiropractor serving the USA Olympic wrestling team on-site in London.

Anyone interested in joining this group of 21st century communicators is invited to contact me at panderson@recordernewspapers.com or (908) 832-7420. I will tell you how to use this free, simple Internet tool.