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Today we celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., the historical civil rights leader. His birthday is actually on January 15, but is observed on the third Monday of January each year. King was an American Baptist minister and a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. King is best known for his role in civil rights in using nonviolent civil disobedience which were based on his Christian beliefs. He led the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott. King helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957 and served as its first president. He helped organize the 1963 nonviolent protests in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1963 he helped organize the March on Washington where he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. In October 1964, King was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. During the final years of his life, he expanded his focus towards improving poverty levels and the Vietnam War.  Martin Luther King, Jr. King was planning a national occupation of Washington, D.C., called the Poor Peoples Campaign. However, he was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee before that event took place.
Martin Luther King was awarded two honors posthumously – the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. The federal holiday to honor Dr. King was created by a bill signed by President Ronald Reagan on November 2, 1983. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., was dedicated in 2011. A point of interest – King’s legal name at birth was Michael instead of Martin (his father’s name was Michael as well). The elder King changed his and his son’s name in honor of the German reformer Martin Luther after attending the Fifth Baptist World Alliance Congress in Berlin in 1943. Source… To celebrate this special day, King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech text can be found by clicking the link provided below. Click Link for “I Have a Dream” speech.
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Happy New Year 2021 from Colorado Springs Over 50! We are looking forward to a happy, healthy, and successful 2021 and wish the same for you and yours. Here is a list of Quotes for the New Year by renowned people that will guide you as you traverse through the 365 days of 2021 – Enjoy! 1) “Every time you tear a leaf off a calendar, you present a new place for new ideas and progress.” Charles Kettering 2) “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” Ralph Waldo Emerson 3) “Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you have always wanted to do but could not find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you do not think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You will look 10 years younger. Do not be afraid to say, I love you. Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world.” Ann Landers 4) “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain.  5) “Glory to God in highest heaven, Who unto man His Son hath given; While angels sing with tender mirth, A glad new year to all the earth.” Martin Luther 6) “All of us every single year, we are a different person. I do not think we are the same person all our lives.” Steven Speilberg 7) “Be always at War with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you, a better person.” Benjamin Franklin Happy New Year 2021 – Make It A Great Year!
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Enjoy this beautiful rendition of Carol of the Bells and Christmas Light Show! Interesting facts about Christmas:
Christmas Day is celebrated as a major festival and public holiday in countries around the world. This includes many whose populations are mostly non-Christian. For Christians, participating in a religious service plays an important part in the recognition of the season. Christmas, along with Easter, is the period of highest annual church attendance. The practice of putting up special decorations at Christmas has a long history. The modern Christmas tree tradition is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century. Since the 19th century, the poinsettia, a native plant from Mexico, has been associated with Christmas. Traditionally, Christmas carols have often been based on medieval chord patterns. This is what gives them their uniquely characteristic musical sound. Christmas carols such as, “Good King Wenceslas” and “The Holly and the Ivy” can be traced directly back to the Middle Ages.  Are you Ready? Santa Claus is coming to town. You can track him coming into your city! NORAD Deploys their NORAD Santa Tracker! NORAD will be tracking Santa (like they do every year) so get on board and watch when and where Santa Claus arrives in various parts of the world. Go to the NORAD Santa Tracker web page and watch Santa in real time: http://www.noradsanta.org  Background info… The NORAD Tracks Santa program began as an annual event on December 24, 1955. According to legend, a Sears department store placed an advertisement in a Colorado Springs, Colorado, newspaper which told children that they could place a call to Santa Claus. It included the number ME 2-6681. A call allegedly came through to Colorado Springs’ Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Center as one digit was misprinted. In some versions of the story, the calls were coming in to the “red telephone” hotline that connected CONAD directly to command authorities at the Strategic Air Command. Colonel Harry Shoup, who was a Crew Commander on duty, answered the first call and supposedly told his staff to give all children who called in later a “current location” for Santa Claus. NORAD Santa Tracker, it’s Fun! Merry Christmas!  By the President of the United States of America. a Proclamation.
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor—and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be—That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks—for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation—for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war—for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed—for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted—for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us. and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions—to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually—to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed—to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord—To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us—and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best. Given under my hand at the City of New-York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789. Go: Washington Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate and enjoy a little break from the busyness of Thanksgiving week. These Thanksgiving Poems are short and easy to read. The poems are appropriate for all ages. They are also thought provoking. They were selected to encourage you to truly think about the meaning of Thanksgiving. Share them with friends and family. Enjoy! Thanksgiving Poems Thanksgiving The year has turned its circle, The seasons come and go. The harvest all is gathered in And chilly north winds blow. Orchards have shared their treasures, The fields, their yellow grain, So open wide the doorway~ Thanksgiving comes again! ~Old Rhyme ~~~~~~~~ All in a Word By Aileen Fisher T for time to be together, turkey, talk, and tangy weather. H for harvest stored away, home, and hearth, and holiday. A for autumn’s frosty art, and abundance in the heart. N for neighbors, and November, nice things, new things to remember. K for kitchen, kettles’ croon, kith and kin expected soon. S for sizzles, sights, and sounds, and something special that abounds. That spells ~~~THANKS—for joy in living and a jolly good Thanksgiving. ~~~~~~~~  At Grandma’s House I like the taste of turkey Any time throughout the year But it never seems to taste as good As when Thanksgiving’s here. Could be it’s all the trimmings That are cooked with it to eat- But I think it’s eating at Grandma’s house That makes it such a treat! ~Author Unknown ~~~~~~~~ Song of the Pilgrims By Nancy Sue Krenrich Across the rolling, wind-swept sea For months we’ve sailed along, I see a land that’s new to me Against the blue horizon. Oh, beautiful land of freedom born, I’ve come across the sea To reap your fruits and build my home, And make my people free. ~~~~~~~~ It’s time to get a head start on your Christmas baking. You will love these Christmas cookies you can make now and freeze. What a great feeling to have that task done well before the holiday season! These Santa-special treats can be in the freezer for up to three months. Make sure you wrap the cookies in plastic, stack in an airtight container, seal and freeze. Thaw wrapped cookies at room temperature before serving. These cookies are also perfect for a Christmas Cookie Exchange event. Here is the bonus…these cookies are easy to make! Everyone will think you spent hours and hours making these unique, delicious holiday cookies!      Courtesy of BHG
******************************* Christmas Cookies to make now and freeze! How easy is that? So many of us look forward to Thanksgiving with anticipation of friends and family gathering around for a delicious meal as well as good, lively conversation. However, some people may actually dread the holiday, especially this year and see it as a lonely and disappointing time because they are going through a bad time in their life. Tough times don’t take a holiday! For them, Thanksgiving may be the beginning of a long string of “holiday blues” because Christmas is close behind. Here are ideas to shed a different light on the holiday season and calm the Thanksgiving blues for others and will make you feel good as well. Write a card or note of thanks. We all would love to hear words of thanks! Write a quick note, send an email, or make a phone call. Simply say “Thanks for being you!” or “Glad you’re in my life!” Thanksgiving is the perfect time to let them know! Share your Thanksgiving meal if you are comfortable during that this year. An invitation to Thanksgiving dinner is a great way to include others. Do check to see if they have food preferences or restrictions. Extend the invitation ASAP. Sometimes, just anticipating the fun is as enjoyable as the real event. Deliver a Thanksgiving meal. If a person is too sick or too sad to join you for Thanksgiving dinner, deliver the meal to them. This can be for one person or rally others to contribute to a Thanksgiving dinner with a side dish or dessert and deliver meals to several people. Deliver the meal with a caring note and heating instructions. If time doesn’t allow for this, just deliver a piece of your favorite pie.  Plan something fun to do over Thanksgiving weekend. Take some of the loneliness out of the weekend by going shopping, seeing a holiday blockbuster movie, or going skiing or ice skating. Each town has its own fun activities so check online or in the newspaper for ideas. Involve the kids. Help them create a Thanksgiving Day greeting card for a shut in. Provide craft supplies and let the kids create them and have them deliver their homemade cards or send them in the mail. Help with holiday decorations. Make someone’s home a bit cheerier by helping with Thanksgiving decorations. Don’t forget to help take them down at the end of the season. Illness and accidents don’t take a break just because it’s Thanksgiving. Think of visiting someone who is ill (not with COVID) and home bound with a noncommunicable illness, or a person who had an accident who is home bound. If appropriate (especially this year), provide something fun to do, or if time allows, watch a game, movie, or parade. A short visit will be appreciated as well. A little extra time and effort will bring a smile to someone going through a rough time. It might just help to ease their Thanksgiving blues. And, it will make you feel better, too! Source & Additional Info... Help to calm the Thanksgiving Blues during this COVID-19 year! A Thanksgiving tradition for some families and a soon-to-be tradition for others…a Thankful Tree! After all, the meaning of Thanksgiving is to give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. This is an activity that all ages can participate in and will be a topic of conversation for your Thanksgiving gathering. We have chosen three trees that are fairly easy DIY projects. You can get started on them this week and have them ready for Thanksgiving day. Thankful Tree #1 (Pinterest)  Start with some tall branches — either gather them from outside, or purchase a bunch of craft branches. For an even more festive look, consider lighted branches. Add them to a simple glass vase. You may have some of the supplies on hand… if not, they are reasonable in cost and can be used year after year! Before guests arrive, attach ribbon to paper leaves. Using a dark colored Sharpie, write what you are thankful for on a few of the leaves and hang them on the tree. Encourage your guests to do the same as they arrive. Thankful Tree #2 (Pinterest)  You will need the following supplies for this Thankful Tree: Glass Vase, Tree Branches, Pinecones, Autumn Leaves, Ribbon, Scrapbook Paper, and Leaf Pattern This is a low-cost Tree that can be used year after year. Thankful Tree #3  This Tree is nature themed. It uses unshelled nuts in the vase with autumn leaves decoration surrounding the vase. The medallions are wooden with chalk paint so they can be used again next Thanksgiving. Be creative and use supplies that you have on hand. If you need to purchase some of them, remember that you can use this Thankful Tree year after year! Can you believe it’s almost Thanksgiving? As you are planning your menu, crafting and decorating to prepare for the big feast, we have Thanksgiving Food Art dishes for your consideration. These three Thanksgiving Food Art projects are easy and fun for young and old to prepare (and eat). Turkey Cheese Ball This Turkey Cheese Ball is so easy to make. Start with your favorite cheese ball recipe and add pretzels for feathers, jerky stick for the neck, candy corn and candy eyes. Surround your turkey with an assortment of crackers.  Via Pinterest Turkey Veggie Tray This Turkey Veggie Tray will be the hit of your Thanksgiving feast. It is healthy as well as adding a pop of color to the table. You will need the following veggies: cucumbers; celery; carrots; asparagus; green, red and yellow peppers; cherry tomatoes; a small yellow summer squash, and lettuce. Arrange according to the photo and serve with your favorite dip.  Via Pinterest Turkey Fruit Plate What a fun turkey fruit plate made with a pear, grapes, pineapple, blueberries, strawberries, kiwi and Clementines! Set a bowl of fruit dip (yogurt & whipped topping mixed together) nearby and you have a scrumptious appetizer or dinner side dish!  |
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