October 1 marks the mid-autumn festival of the Chinese Moon Festival or Moon Cake Day in China. It traditionally falls on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. This holiday is the second most important festival in China after the Chinese New Year. Similar to the American Thanksgiving holiday, the Moon Festival celebrates family… Continue reading The Chinese Moon Festival
Author: Barb Keleher
The 19th Anniversary of 9/11
Today marks the anniversary of the terrorist assault on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Flight 93. The attacks claimed the lives of 2,977 people. The MVCC library has an extensive collection of material that may help you understand the initial attack and the tragedy that continues to have long lasting effects on America… Continue reading The 19th Anniversary of 9/11
Bird Migration and the Chicagoland Area
Birds from the Northern Hemisphere are seasonal travelers. During the Spring, the birds fly northward to take advantage of the increase of food. As Winter approaches, food decreases and birds make the trip back south. “Fall migration is a much less hurried affair for birds compared with spring, when various species are rushing to get… Continue reading Bird Migration and the Chicagoland Area
Labor Day
The celebration of Labor Day began in 1882 as a salute to the workers of New York City. The idea of a special day for the American working class spread throughout the country and on “June 28, 1884, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September a national holiday.” The history of labor… Continue reading Labor Day
The 75th Anniversary of the Trinity Test
The atom bomb did not miraculously appear at the end of World War II. It took years and some of the world’s greatest scientific minds to develop the most destructive weapon ever created by humankind. In the late 1930s, rumors were circulating that Nazi Germany was working to develop a powerful new weapon. Two European scientists, Einstein and Fermi, refugees from fascist… Continue reading The 75th Anniversary of the Trinity Test
OLD TEAM, NEW NAME
“On July 3rd, we announced the commencement of a thorough review of the team’s name. That review has begun in earnest. As part of this process, we want to keep our sponsors, fans and community apprised of our thinking as we go forward.” On July 13, the Washington Redskins stated that they would change the… Continue reading OLD TEAM, NEW NAME
Bastille Day
July 14 is Bastille Day, the most important public holiday in France. The country joins in a celebration to honor its people and history. The French call this day la Fête nationale (the National Holiday). The origin of this holiday took place in 1880. French government officials felt that the country needed a national day… Continue reading Bastille Day
Fireworks
Fireworks have been around for over 2000 years. Most historians agree that fireworks originated in China around 200 BC. Villagers would throw pieces of bamboo into a fire to ensure that evil spirits would be frighten away by the exploding bamboo. This country also invented gun powder in 600 AD. Serendipity played a pivotal role… Continue reading Fireworks
Take a Walk!
Many people are still apprehensive about venturing out this summer. Restrictions are being lifted but the threat of an increase in Covid-19 cases has kept people close to home. One activity that the medical field encourages us to do is walk. A wonderful backdrop for this activity is the numerous preserves of the Forest Preserves of… Continue reading Take a Walk!
The Children’s Farm
The Children’s Farm, located in Palos Park, is a hidden gem of the southwest suburbs. The farm is a part of The Center whose mission “is to give people of all faiths, backgrounds, and ages the space to dream, grow, and become fully alive–physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.” The Center consists of a chapel, a… Continue reading The Children’s Farm