How is it we are approaching another holiday season?! As I write this month’s editor’s note, it was just a few days ago I traded sandals for boots. And the weather got considerably cooler.
I hope with all the crazy that goes into planning for the holidays you find a few moments to check out this month’s edition of HomeLiving. Actually, I hope you come here first before the chaos ensues. Julie Young wrote an awesome piece about how to have a stress-free holiday if you’re hosting - all it takes is a little pre-planning now at the beginning of the month, and asking for help from those attending.
She also wrote an article on how Friendsgiving came to be, which is
really interesting both in how it became an event and the many ways it can be celebrated.
With the change in the weather and seasons it means it’s time for migratory birds to start their journey. BethAnne penned an interesting piece on which birds arrive for the winter as well as which ones leave. If you have bird feeders out in your yard, the experts interviewed made great suggestions on how to attract a variety of different birds to your yard.
In this area fall is known for its share of gray gloomy days. To combat the doldrums brought by the weather, maybe consider an art class. Our area has a variety of
art leagues, collectives and museums which offer a wide variety of art classes for adults and kids.
Following up with what’s available in art classes, the Elkhart Art League is celebrating its centennial. Nikki Carlson researched the history of the art league and what it has planned for its future.
As for this month’s personality profile, BethAnne interviewed Alastair Willis, conductor of the South Bend Symphony. Willis sent along a selection of photos for BethAnne to choose from to run with the article which are pretty cool.
Happy Thanksgiving to every-
one. May your holiday be celebrated with family, friends and good food. Enjoy!
Maestro of South Bend Symphony loves all types of music
“I was born in Acton, Mass. to an Australian father and an English mother. They met in D.C. where my dad was an award-winning journalist for the Washington Post, then for the Christian Science Monitor and then BBC World Service Radio. My mum is a freelance dance critic. I have two older sisters – Ali is a strategic communications consultant working internationally out of London and Sarah plays the French Horn in the Berlin Philharmonic. When I was five, we moved to Russia. After five years there, we moved to England.”
As you would expect, Willis experienced the love of music from the beginning. “Our house was always full of music. Dad loved jazz and had an extensive recording library of Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Benny Goodman. In Russia, Olga, our piano teacher, would come to our apartment to teach my sisters
By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer
Alastair Willis is a man of so many talents and experiences it would take a book to fully describe everything he has experienced, and all he can do. Do you recognize his name, but you’re not sure why? Listen to his work, and you’ll never forget: Willis is the music director of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. And when you learn more about his background, you won’t be surprised at all.
and me. I also loved performing in school musicals, singing in choirs. By the time we moved to England, Sarah was quickly mastering the French Horn. When I was 13 my school class went on a trip to London to hear a concert. One of the pieces was the trumpet concerto by Joseph Haydn –I was so taken by this performance it compelled me to learn the trumpet. Fast forward 5 years, when I graduated from high school, I played the Haydn trumpet concerto with orchestra at my graduate recital. Without a doubt, my greatest musical inspiration was, and still is, my sister Sarah.
“My background really pointed towards conducting in ways that I can only see with hindsight: I played trumpet, piano and took singing lessons too. I have a teaching degree, the English equivalent of the American Bachelor of Education. I love sports and was
always very active (still am!) I have a theatrical background too, including as a quadruple threat (acting, singing, dancing, trumpet playing) onstage in “Fame the Musical” for 14 months on the West End, London’s version of Broadway. All these combine in conducting: the word “maestro” literally means “teacher,” my classroom is now the concert hall, and my theater is the concert hall and my personal stage space is now the podium!”
Willis, however, is a man of myriad musical taste. “I listen to many different styles – I think it’s important to remain open and knowledgeable to as wide a range of music as possible! When asked who my favorite composer is, I usually answer “Ludwig van Variety” – variety is so important for me – I love how with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra I get to live this with our concert
programs which ranges from classical, pop, modern, baroque, ballet, opera, choral, orchestral, world premieres, film music and much more.”
And then he smiled: “I do have a particular fondness for salsa music, as I met my wife salsa dancing!”
Willis and his wife, Stevie, have a daughter, Hazel, who is in fifth grade at Northpoint Elementary, and their life is full and rich in many ways. “I love the depth of the arts in our community, and am very proud of the life-changing role the South Bend Symphony plays in the quality of performance we present.”
Any last things you might not expect a maestro to enjoy? Yes! “I enjoy playing ice hockey in the South Bend Senior Hockey League at the Ice Box – something I picked up 3 years ago.”
Now don’t you want to go to a concert? n
Photos provided by Alastair Willis
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HOMELIVING
By Julie Young Feature Writer
Whether it’s your first time or an annual tradition, hosting your family’s Thanksgiving feast means executing a large meal, navigating family dynamics, and an inordinate amount of time cooking, clean ing and accommodating guests. However, if you are ready to shed the stress and enjoy the holiday, we have some tips for you!
• Assemble your guest list.
• Plan your menu and create a grocery list.
• Assemble any reci pes you might need.
• Place order for a fresh turkey, pies, and baked goods.
• Delegate dishes to your guests (remember, you don’t have guest rooms and coat closet.
• Wash and press the table linens you
• Invite your guests and get a head count of attendees.
• Inventory your serving dishes and prep tools.
• Plan your table or buffet.
• Assemble serving pieces.
• Clean as you cook.
• Stock beverage area
prepare any food that will last until the following day.
• Last minute shop-
• Spot clean bath-
• Order centerpiece (if applicable.)
• Polish silver.
• Clean dinnerware, glassware, and flatware.
• Plan drink area. (Keep your bar simple with wine and beer.)
• Take frozen turkey out of the freezer.
• Go shoppinggrocery (see “Did you know?” for the best times to tackle this •task!)Prepare those dishes that you can make ahead.
• Last minute house cleaning.
Enjoy your guests!
cially those with dairy products in them. We all like to graze during a big holiday celebration, but the risk of a food borne illness is higher if the food sits out longer than two hours.
• Do not use the same cutting boards and utensils for raw and ready-to-eat foods.
• Make sure your turkey is cooked thoroughly and properly. Follow directions when it comes to thawing. Use your meat thermometer to make sure the meat is cooked thoroughly and don’t overstuff your turkey as it can result in undercooked meat. (Try making your stuffing as a side dish instead!)
• Do not rely solely on a pop-up thermometer.
• Watch cross contamination when storing your raw turkey in your refrigerator prior to cooking it.
• Wash your hands frequently when preparing your meal.
• Prepare as many of your Thanksgiving dishes ahead of time so that you aren’t as overwhelmed on the holiday.
• Do not keep leftovers longer than a week. The CDC and USDA recommend keeping them no longer than three or four days.
• When reheating dishes, use shallow glass dishes rather than microwave-safe plastic. n
Elkhart Art League celebrates 100 years of bringing art to the local community
photos:ealonline.org
The Elkhart Art League is celebrating its centennial this year, marking 100 years of celebrating art with the Elkhart community.
By Nicholette Carlson HomeLiving Feature Writer
The league was formed in 1925 by Harriet Monteith among others who were teachers looking for more artwork for themselves and their students to do. It began as the Artists’ Traveling Association to help facilitate artists’ travel. It was then changed to the Elkhart Art League in 1929. The league was reactivated and reorganized in 1951 following a lack of participation due to World War II and, in 1962, it was classified as a nonprofit organization. The former dressing room building at High Dive Park was remodeled after the league raised funds in 1966 and acted as the art league’s headquarters and classroom until 2014. In 2015, the art league moved to its current location on Tyler Street.
There are a number of different classes and workshops offered by the Elkhart Art League throughout the year. Some are eight week classes working on larger projects or more difficult techniques, others are four week classes or even one day workshops learning to make a specific project in just a few hours. There are many pottery and painting programs, including hand-built, wheel-thrown and ceramic sculpture pottery and acrylic, watercolor and alcohol ink painting. Due to the holiday season, the art league will be offering four-week classes through the end of the year to see if that works better for busy schedules. While much of the programming is currently oriented more toward adults, Kristen Bonelli, Elkhart Art League president, is working on starting up more children’s programming in the future.
The mission of the Elkhart Art League has always been to make art accessible to the local community. Fees for classes are kept as reasonable as possible and the classes are taught by local artists and instructors. While the league does have professional artists and artists who are proficient in various art forms, it also caters to brand new artists. The goal is to bring in individuals who either have always wanted to try a certain art type or those who used to do more art and have wanted to start back up again.
“We want to get people back into it or get them into it for the first time,” Bonelli described. “Building their experience and making them better and better. That’s one thing I hear the most from new students. They were always intimidated. But everyone has to start somewhere.”
Typically the art league has a spring and fall show, but this year they focused on the fall show and incorporated it into their centennial celebration. The centennial celebration took place Saturday, Oct. 4. The historical aspect of the art league was showcased, including old photo books for visitors to look through. Artwork was divided into two categories - art completed in a class and artwork completed outside class so that visitors could see what can be done in classes and how accessible it is for anyone interested in taking a class.
Each year the art league puts out a calendar with printing assistance from the Elkhart County Visitor’s Bureau. Artists are able to submit their artwork each year, particularly that which highlights and promotes the county and beauty of the area. Then 13 pieces are chosen, one for the front and 12 for each month, by the board. A partnership with Wellfield Botanic Gardens allows many art league classes to be held in its outdoor classroom. The gardens provide the space and help to promote the class while the art league provides the teacher, supplies and content. There is also an annual open house and art fair in December where members can sell various items they have made throughout the year. This year it will coincide with downtown’s Winterfest on Saturday, Dec. 6.
“Everyone has been very pleased with what has come out,” Bonelli mentioned, discussing students and their work after completing a class or workshop. “Everyone wants to make something that looks good and they can be proud of it and want to put it on their mantle or front porch.” After 100 years of helping to bring art to the community, the Elkhart Art League looks forward to bring more programming and opportunities in future years. n
Chase away the by creating your own
winter blues magical artwork
Elkhart Art League
The Elkhart Art League celebrated its centennial with a fall show in October for members and class participants. This highlighted how it has helped to bring artistic opportunities to the community for the past 100 years. Currently the programs are geared more toward adults, but more children’s programming hopes to be included in the near future. Many of the workshops and classes offered involve a range of pottery and painting options.
Through the upcoming holiday season, the league will be offering four week classes instead of their usual eight week classes to see if it helps open availability to more potential students. There are also workshops
available to create one project in one day. Prices are kept reasonable so that it is not a hindrance to those wishing to create art. While there are professional artists as members and teachers, new students are heartily welcomed to try something new. “Everyone has to start somewhere,” Kristen Bonelli, Elkhart Art League president, emphasized.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, the league will have an open house and art fair coinciding with downtown Elkhart’s Winterfest. Members of the art league will have a wide variety of items for sale that they have created throughout the year. For more information or to sign up for a class, visit ealonline.org.
Bremen Arts Collective
Bremen
Arts Collective began in 2020 with a vision from Derek Jensen and held a grand opening in June 2023 in their current building. A variety of art forms are offered for adults, teens and children as well as homeschool students. Classes are taught by resident and local artists. “Bremen Arts Collective is proud to contribute to the arts and culture of our community,” stated Jenson, founder and president. “Art enriches our culture, fosters personal growth, builds community connections and enhances the vitality of our town. Its impact reaches far beyond the canvas.”
There are seven private art studios for local artists to set up and use as their own private space with a current waiting
list. Three of these artists open their studios for classes in pottery, stained glass and acrylic painting and crafts. The large classroom is also used as a classroom by local artists wishing to teach art to the local community. Classes are open to adults and youth and include oil painting, watercolor painting, candle making, moss art and quilling. This artistic space helps to create a sense of community and connection for frequent students, homeschool families and various community artists and crafters. Art also helps to relieve stress by focusing on the moment, build confidence and provide a healthy outlet of creative expression. For more information or to view upcoming classes, visit www.bremenarts.com.
By Nicholette Carlson HomeLiving Feature Writer
South Bend Museum of Art
Besides offering a gorgeous place to visit with multiple exhibitions, the South Bend Museum of Art also offers art classes to artists of all levels. Classes are available for children, teens and adults and typically last six weeks. The museum also has summer camp options and programs to work with local college students studying art. The majority of the classes are all-inclusive, so all necessary materials are included with the class. Artists are also able to bring items they would like to include in their artwork.
The mission of the museum is to bring regional art into the local community, so much of the art is from Midwestern artists. The goal is for there to be no barriers for members of the community who would like to explore their inner artist. The museum ensures high quality instructors, either having a Bachelor of Fine Arts or a great deal of experience in their medium. Students are able to display their artwork at the annual Student and Faculty show and the annual Holiday Market on the first Friday of December allows local artists to sell their work.
One of the largest classrooms is the ceramics classroom. The newest art class offered is print making with etching and aquatint. Other classes include painting and drawing, photography, metalsmithing jewelry and weaving. There is also currently a free print making group. For high school and college students struggling to purchase their own supplies, the museum has an artist’s pantry, which allows them to provide free art supplies to students in need. Any supplies not used by local artists are donated to local high school art teachers. For more information on the museum or to sign up for a class, visit southbendart.org. n
especially in winter FRIENDS, Taking care of our feathered
By Bethanne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer
As temperatures drop across the Great Lakes, the landscape changes — and so does our birdlife. Many of our summer favorites head south, but a surprising number of birds stick around, along with a few special guests that arrive just for the season. Here’s what you need to know to help birds thrive through the cold months.
Dexter Patterson is known as the Wisco Birder (wiscobirder.com) and rightly so. In October, he appeared at Fables Books in Goshen, where he signed copies of his book – Birds of the Great Lakes – and presented a wonderful program. “Living in the Great Lakes region, we get to experience a remarkable shift in our bird community each season. Many of our warm-weather visitors like warblers and swallows migrate south to their wintering grounds in Central and South America. New species arrive to fill that void — Dark-eyed Juncos, American Tree Sparrows, Horned Larks and Snow Buntings are among the most common. At the same time, many of our local birds tough it out right here all year long. You’ll still spot Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, Northern Cardinals, Owls and Black-capped Chickadees brightening up snowy backyards.
As expected, birds need to eat differently through the colder months. Patterson said, “Winter feeding is all about helping birds maintain their energy when natural food sources are scarce. I like to focus on high-quality, nutrient-rich seed mixes that don’t include filler seeds. Look for mixes with sunflower and safflower seeds, nuts and dried berries — these provide the protein and fat birds need to stay warm. Suet blocks are also a great option. One thing to skip completely: bread. It fills birds up without offering proper nutrition.”
Krista Daniels of Elkhart County Parks, agrees. “A few that come just for winter would be: Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, Snow Goose and Snow Bunting. A few species people are surprised by would be the Eastern Bluebird and the American Robin. They typically stick around for winter...they just change their diet to adjust to an insect-free environment.”
Patterson added, “The birds that overwinter in the Great Lakes region are built for the cold. They have incredible adaptations — from fluffing up their feathers to roosting in groups or finding shelter in tree cavities. You don’t need to add nesting materials or insulation to birdhouses; in fact, doing so can sometimes trap moisture or bacteria.”
Daniels had some expert knowledge on feeding, as well. “Birds definitely need more calories and fat in winter. They burn through their reserves fairly quickly and need to replenish often. Most often they can find it in nature, without our help. During heavy snowfall or very, very cold weather giving them a boost at a
feeder is not a bad idea, however. Suet is a great choice, as it is high in fat and calories. Another great option is black-oil sunflower seeds, for the same reasons. Both of those will also attract the most variety of species to your feeders.” But she cautioned, “There are things that should not be fed....table scraps and things high in salts or sugars are not the best and will likely just attract raccoons or possums instead. If you make your own suet, don’t use bacon grease as it is typically high in sodium and check your peanut butter for additives and sweeteners. The birds don’t need those things.”
And both agree: water, in all seasons, is essential. They drink it and bathe themselves in it. A good way to keep water from freezing in winter is with a heated bird bath,” said Daniels. Patterson added, “Fresh, unfrozen water is just as important as food in the winter. Birds need it for drinking and preening, even when temperatures are below freezing. A heated bird bath is one of the best investments you can
make for your backyard birds.”
Making homemade bird food is a fun winter project for kids and adults alike; Patterson and Daniels both recommend suet cakes. “Melt beef suet or lard, mix in peanut butter, oats, cornmeal, sunflower seeds, and raisins/ dried berries, pour into molds or muffin tins and refrigerate until firm,” said Patterson. Daniels uses a recipe she found online: “Suet is a good option to make at home, and the birds may like it even better than store bought. You can get fat trimmings from local butcher shops at a low price, and you can add what you want. https://www.audubon. org/magazine/addictive-homemade-suet-will-keep-your-birds-returning-more.”
Good hygiene is important, and we don’t mean taking a bird bath yourself: “One additional thing about feeding is that the feeders need to be kept clean. This means, taking them down on a regular basis and cleaning them thoroughly with a bleach solution. This will kill harmful bacteria and viruses that can spread from bird to bird at
feeders. Regular cleaning is a very important part of bird feeding that gets overlooked, but that is so important.... especially in recent years with an uptick of Bird Flu and other illnesses spreading throughout the bird community,” said Daniels. “Stick to bird feeders instead of scattering food on the ground — that helps keep unwanted guests like squirrels and mice from taking over. You can add baffles, weighted feeders, or pole guards to keep squirrels out. Some birders even use a touch of non-toxic grease on poles to make them too slick for squirrels,” said Patterson.
Perhaps the Wisco Birder is also a poet: “Winter birding in the Great Lakes region is a season of quiet beauty. Watching a Northern Cardinal perched on fresh snow or a flock of Snow Buntings sweeping across a frozen field reminds us that there’s still plenty of life and color out there — even when everything feels still. So fill your feeders, set out some water, and take a moment to enjoy the simple joy of birds in winter.” n •
• Let us transform your exterior into a magical, inviting space with our
Builders from throughout Kosciusko gathered for the 38th annual Homes on Parade Celebration gala held Thursday night, Sept. 25, hosted by the Builders Assocaition of North Central Indiana. It was also a night where several new awards were handed out along with the coveted People’s Choice Award. Renewal Homes was the clear favorite with the judges as it took home awards for Best Exterior, Best Interior, Judges Choice and the People’s Choice award.
Member Champion — Doug Harvey, owner of Coplen Construction, took the Member Champion award during BANCI’s gala Sept. 25. The Member Champion Award is given to the builder who has shown exceptional support of fellow association members.
Best Interior — Shown are Wendell Miller, owner of Renewal Homes, and Krista Shoemaker, owner of Krista Lynn Designs. She did the design work on the interior of Renewal’s Parade home.
People’s Choice Award — Renewal Homes swept the BANCI awards presented Sept. 25, taking home three along with the coveted People’s Choice Award. Shown from left are Krista Shoemaker, Krista Lynn Design; Christine Brown, office manager, Renewal Homes; Casey Kline, project manger for Renewal Homes; and Wendell and Diane Miller, owners.
Judges Choice — Wendell Miller, left, owner of Renewal Homes and Casey Kline, project manager for Renewal, received the Judge’s award during the BANCI gala. This award went to a home that left a lasting impression based on its quality and overall craftsmanship.
Best Exterior Award — Wendell Miller, owner of Renewal Homes, with the Best Exterior award.
Best Kitchen — TL Jackson Construction took the Best Kitchen award. Shown from left are Bruce, Luke and Ben Jackson with the award.
Photos provided by BANCI
The Book Nook
The staff of the Nappanee Public Library offered this month’s selections.
BRITTNEY M. - ADULT SERVICES MANAGER
FORGOTTEN HOME APOTHECARY: 250 POWERFUL REMEDIES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS by
Nicole Apelain
This is a natural remedies book that gives you 250 recipes for building your own apothecary. From tinctures to teas to salves- all of it and for every part of your body. This book is a must have for anyone who wants to take a natural approach to their health and healing. Whether you are a seasoned herbalist or just getting started, this book is a great addition to your home library.
JENNIFER - HERITAGE COLLECTION SPECIALIST
THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME by
Laura Dave
It is a suspense novel about a man whose business is raided by the FBI, the note he leaves for his wife, and the fallout from what she thinks she knows about him. A great read that keeps the pages turning and when it is over you are left needing to know the rest of the story.
CHERIE C. - PUBLIC SERVICE SPECIALIST
MERLIN’S TOUR OF THE UNIVERSE: A TRAVELERS GUIDE TO BLUE MOONS, BLACK HOLES, MARS, STARS, AND EVERYTHING FAR by
Neil Degrasse Tyson
Tyson’s fictional character, Merlin from the planet Omnisia, takes the reader on a question and answer tour of the Universe. Merlin answers questions about gravity, space, time, and travels to distant stars. As always Tyson uses his knowledge of physics and astroscience to answer the questions. A fun and informative read.
Send the title, author, a brief synopsis of the book and why you liked it to lzeugner@the-papers.com.
ASHLEY L. - PUBLIC SERVICE SPECIALIST
I’M STARTING TO WORRY ABOUT THIS BLACK BOX OF DOOM by
Jason Pargin
It’s about how a mundane delivery job can look like a terrorist threat because of rumors spread online. Recommending it to anyone who had the thought “What harm could a sticker do?”
MAGGIE C. - YOUTH SERVICES ASSISTANT
RECONNECTED: HOW 7 SCREEN-FREE WEEKS WITH MONKS AND AMISH FARMERS HELPED ME RECOVER THE LOST ART OF BEING HUMAN by
Carlos Wittaker
This book is part storytelling, mixed with science and inspiration to reevaluate the ways we’ve supplemented everyday tasks with needless screen time. The author has profound ah-ha moments including: we aren’t content with the quiet anymore, we struggle to maintain eye-contact, we don’t know how to get lost, and we’ve lost our ability to wonder & notice simply because we can have directions, instructions, definitions, and answers on our person at all times.
HOPEFUL AND HEALING: LIFE AFTER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE by
Reagan Nichols
This is a memoir of a young woman who found the strength to leave a toxic relationship. The author is seeking a publisher and she hopes it will help others who find themselves in similar circumstances. n
Ya gotta have friends! Host a fabulous ‘F riendsgivin G’
What is “Friendsgiving?”
Although the word was used in a 2011 Baileys Irish Crème ad campaign, the exact origin of Friendsgiving is a little hard to pin down. Some attribute the word to a 2007 Tweet while others point to the Thanksgiving themed episodes of Friends as the inspiration for the DIY holiday. Ultimately, it became the word to describe a makeshift gathering of people who couldn’t join their extended family for the Thanksgiving holiday. Friendsgiving may happen on the third Thursday in November or on an adjacent day. Unlike Festivus, it is not a time for airing grievances or poking fun at tradition. It is a sincere holiday that mirrors Thanksgiving in a casual and inviting way.
How do you celebrate “Friendsgiving?”
Any way you want to – that’s the beauty of it. Not into sit down dinners with a table groaning under the weight of comfort foods? Set up a buffet, a burger bar, or skip the main course and go straight for the desserts! While a potluck pitch-in is customary (and keeps one person from doing everything
By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer
It emerged in the mid2000s as an alternative celebration to the traditional Thanksgiving holiday. It has no official date, no formal rules and comes with less stress than a more conventional affair. While it may include turkey, mashed potatoes and all of the trimmings, it can also be an eclectic potluck dinner of appetizers and finger foods. No matter how it is cele-
a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a
First time Friendsgiving?
If this is your first-time hosting or attending a Friendsgiving, don’t worry! Stress is not on the menu. No love interest? No problem. Your great-aunt won’t be there to ask when you plan to wed! Not sure what to wear? Choose something comfortable and casual. (Remember your best buds know what you look like! You don’t have to impress them.)
If you are hosting, get everyone involved in the meal prep, set up and cleanup. Make sure you have enough plates, cutlery, napkins, and serving dishes for your event. Make sure to hit a resale shop for additional items. Keep it simple by serving your food in storage containers that will make cleanup a snap. Not into doing dishes? Invest in biodegradable paper plates, napkins, and cutlery. (Don’t be afraid to accept if your friends offer to help).
If you are a guest, don’t forget to bring a nice bottle of wine, a scented candle or other token of
NOVEMBER KNOWLEDGE Did You Know?
While it’s hard not to talk turkey in November, Thanksgiving isn’t the only occasion to celebrate. There are plenty of things to know about Veterans Day, Black Friday, and a few other November holidays that you probably haven’t heard about!
Veterans Day
Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day to commemorate the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when World War I ended. It was renamed in 1954 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. There is no apostrophe in Veterans Day because it does not belong to one Veteran or even a group of veterans. It belongs to all veterans and therefore does not require the punctuation mark.
First held in 1919, the New York City Veterans Day parade is the oldest in the nation.
Veterans day is not the only time that Americans honor their troops. There are a number of other days throughout the year in which they are recognized including:
March 25: Medal of Honor Day
March 29: Vietnam Veterans Day
April 9: Former POW Recognition Day
May 20: Armed Forces Day
June 12: Women Veterans Day
Turkey Day Fun Fact:
According to experts, the best times to go shopping for your Thanksgiving Dinner are:
Saturday before Thanksgiving – Be there when the store opens or an hour before the store closes.
Monday before Thanksgiving – An hour before the store closes.
Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving – When the store opens.
Black Friday
Black Friday originally referred to the 1869 stock market crash.
Thanksgiving used to be held on the last Thursday in November, but when November 30th landed on a Thursday, retailers pressured the government to change it in 1939 out of fear that their profits would suffer from a short holiday season.
Plumbers receive 50 percent more calls on the Friday after Thanksgiving than any other Friday of the year due to clogged sinks and garbage disposals from the improper disposal of food.
Due to Black Friday sales, Disney destinations are less crowded on Thanksgiving weekend than any other time of the year.
The modern concept of Black Friday began in 1950 Philadelphia when retailers held huge sales to capitalized on tourists in town for the Army/Navy football game. The crowds caused police officers to endure such long shifts, that they started calling it Black Friday as a way to express their dislike of the day and to dissuade the public from taking part.
Celebrate Outside the Box
Booklovers day is the first Saturday in November, treat yourself to a new read!
Use Your Common Sense Day is Nov. 4. (When it falls on a Tuesday, it is also Election Day.)
Nov. 15 is Clean Your Refrigerator Day. Perfect timing if you need to shop for your Thanksgiving meal.
Nov. 19 is Play Monopoly Day. Remember to collect all of the Orange properties first if you can. They are landed on the most frequently.
Buy Nothing Day is the Friday after Thanksgiving. (Good luck with that.)
Small Business Saturday falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. (Be sure to support your local businesses for the holiday season!) n
Elkhart Art League Celebrates 100 Years of Bringing Art to the Local Community
Elkhart Art League ealonline.org
Chase Away the Winter Blues by Creating Your Own Magical Artwork
Bremen Art Collective bremenarts.com
Elkhart Art League ealonline.org
South Bend Museum of Art southbendart.org
Taking Care of Our Feathered Friends, Especially in Winter
