(June 18, 2012) Summer begins here at 7:09 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20, at the summer solstice. It is the longest day of the year, with the shortest night, but not necessarily the warmest.
Each year, the timing of the solstice depends on when the Sun reaches its farthest point north of the equator. This occurs annually on June 20 or 21 in North America, depending on the time zone. The word solstice is from the Latin solstitium, from sol (sun) and stitium (to stop), reflecting the fact that the Sun appears to stop at this time (and again at the winter solstice).
Summertime features a variety of warm weather activities and special events. Check out Recorder Community Newspapers for details as well as comments at the online blogs here.
Any individual or group representative interested in becoming a Recorder blogger may call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out more about this simple, free communication tool.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Commencements
(June 13, 2012) Schools are winding down, if not already closed, for the summer break, and graduations are being celebrated from kindergarten to college. The message is the same for all -- it's the time for commencement, or a new beginning.
For some it's the start of vacation time, for others it's looking forward to a new school, for others it's entry into a new career. Best wishes to one and all!
You can read about the many commencements and new beginnings in Recorder Community Newspapers and right here online in their many blogs.
Anyone interested in joining the growing group of Recorder bloggers is invited to contact me a panderson@recordernewspapers.com or call me at (908) 832-7420 to find out about this free 21st century communication tool.
For some it's the start of vacation time, for others it's looking forward to a new school, for others it's entry into a new career. Best wishes to one and all!
You can read about the many commencements and new beginnings in Recorder Community Newspapers and right here online in their many blogs.
Anyone interested in joining the growing group of Recorder bloggers is invited to contact me a panderson@recordernewspapers.com or call me at (908) 832-7420 to find out about this free 21st century communication tool.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Memorial Day
(May 26, 2012) Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed annually in the United States on the last Monday of May, which this year is May 28, this coming week. Government offices and most businesses will be closed.
Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. Previously, Southern ladies' organizations and southern schoolchildren had decorated Confederate graves in Richmond, Va., and other cities during the Civil War, but each region had its own date. Most dates were in May.
By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. There are parades and civic ceremonies. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.
By the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as people visited the graves of their deceased relatives in church cemeteries, whether they had served in the military or not. The long weekend increasingly became devoted to shopping, family gatherings, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events such as the Indianapolis 500 auto race, held since 1911 on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.
As a marker, Memorial Day typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.
For details about this busy weekend, check out Recorder Community Newspapers and their blogs online at newjerseyhills.com. Anyone interested in joining the growing group of Recorder bloggers is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail me at panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out about blogging, a free, simple communication tool.
Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. Previously, Southern ladies' organizations and southern schoolchildren had decorated Confederate graves in Richmond, Va., and other cities during the Civil War, but each region had its own date. Most dates were in May.
By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. There are parades and civic ceremonies. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.
By the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as people visited the graves of their deceased relatives in church cemeteries, whether they had served in the military or not. The long weekend increasingly became devoted to shopping, family gatherings, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events such as the Indianapolis 500 auto race, held since 1911 on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.
As a marker, Memorial Day typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.
For details about this busy weekend, check out Recorder Community Newspapers and their blogs online at newjerseyhills.com. Anyone interested in joining the growing group of Recorder bloggers is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail me at panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out about blogging, a free, simple communication tool.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
May flowers for Mom
(May 10, 2012) It looks like May showers are bringing May flowers just in time for Mother's Day, here the second Sunday in May, which is this coming weekend. The holiday honors mothers and celebrates motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in March, April or May. It complements Father's Day, the celebration honoring fathers.
The modern holiday was first celebrated in the United States in 1907, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother. She then began a campaign to make "Mother's Day" a recognized holiday in the U.S. Although she was successful in 1914, she eventually was disappointed with its commercialization by the 1920s. Jarvis' holiday was adopted by other countries and it's now celebrated all over the world.
Happy Mother's Day to all mothers as well as those who serve as mothers. May you enjoy beautiful May flowers.
The modern holiday was first celebrated in the United States in 1907, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother. She then began a campaign to make "Mother's Day" a recognized holiday in the U.S. Although she was successful in 1914, she eventually was disappointed with its commercialization by the 1920s. Jarvis' holiday was adopted by other countries and it's now celebrated all over the world.
Happy Mother's Day to all mothers as well as those who serve as mothers. May you enjoy beautiful May flowers.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Cinco de Mayo
(May 5, 2012) Today is Cinco de Mayo, the fifth of May, Mexico's Independence Day.
Today also, as the first Saturday in May, is the day of the running of the 138th annual Kentucky Derby in Louisville. The stakes race is the first leg of horse racing's triple crown, featuring 3-year-olds' running 1 1/4 miles in about two minutes in front of more than 125,000 cheering spectators.
Traditionally, the first Saturday in May also is First Communion day for young Catholics and two granddaughters, Emily and Lucia, will receive today. God bless them all.
But for me, May 5 is most significant because it is the birthday of my first-born. In fact, this year is very special since it's his 50th. Happy birthday, John!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
A reprieve
(April 15, 2012) U.S. federal income tax returns usually must be postmarked by midnight on April 15, unless you have an extension. But, since today, April 15, is a Sunday and post offices are closed, the deadline has been extended until midnight tomorrow.
On the one hand, last-minute taxpayers have one more day to get their forms and checks together. But on the other, it's a shame they have to spoil this beautiful day doing paperwork.
Anyone who had a refund coming hopefully already has filed.
On the one hand, last-minute taxpayers have one more day to get their forms and checks together. But on the other, it's a shame they have to spoil this beautiful day doing paperwork.
Anyone who had a refund coming hopefully already has filed.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Spring holidays
(April 4, 2012) Easter and Passover, both movable spring holidays, occur this week this year. The method for determining the dates is complex, based on lunisolar calendars.
The Christian Holy Week began last Sunday and ends on Holy Saturday, which falls on April 7, the day before Easter Sunday, April 8. 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.
The eight-day Jewish holiday begins Friday, April 6, at sundown and continues through Friday, April 13. It commemorates the story of the Exodus, in which the ancient Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. Families celebrate at a ceremonial meal called a seder featuring symbolic foods (unleavened bread, bitter herbs, a mixture of apples and nuts, roasted egg, parsley or celery, roasted lamb shank and wine) and reading of the Haggadah which tells the Exodus story.
Also, this coming weekend, trout fishing season begins on Saturday, April 7. More than 180,000 trout have been released in nearly 200 N.J. waterways, waiting for eager trout anglers. After opening day, the Pequest Trout Hatchery will stock nearly a half million more trout during the seven-week stocking season, which extends to May 25.
Keep abreast of important dates and more by reading Recorder Community Newspapers and their blogs online at newjerseyhills.com. Anyone interested in joining the growing group of Recorder bloggers is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail me at panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out about blogging, a free, simple communication tool.
The Christian Holy Week began last Sunday and ends on Holy Saturday, which falls on April 7, the day before Easter Sunday, April 8. 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.
The eight-day Jewish holiday begins Friday, April 6, at sundown and continues through Friday, April 13. It commemorates the story of the Exodus, in which the ancient Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. Families celebrate at a ceremonial meal called a seder featuring symbolic foods (unleavened bread, bitter herbs, a mixture of apples and nuts, roasted egg, parsley or celery, roasted lamb shank and wine) and reading of the Haggadah which tells the Exodus story.
Also, this coming weekend, trout fishing season begins on Saturday, April 7. More than 180,000 trout have been released in nearly 200 N.J. waterways, waiting for eager trout anglers. After opening day, the Pequest Trout Hatchery will stock nearly a half million more trout during the seven-week stocking season, which extends to May 25.
Keep abreast of important dates and more by reading Recorder Community Newspapers and their blogs online at newjerseyhills.com. Anyone interested in joining the growing group of Recorder bloggers is invited to call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail me at panderson@recordernewspapers.com to find out about blogging, a free, simple communication tool.
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