On September 21, the United Nations will recognize The International Day of Peace, a day for “commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples” by observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. Each year, the day is given a theme that reflects current issues; the 2022 theme is … Continued
By April Walker Monday, July 4 is a well-known holiday in our country. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, concerts and family barbeques. In the midst of the celebration and summer fun, it is important to also remember … Continued
By Joanne Thompson It was on or near the anniversary of the murder of George Floyd that I first heard the word Juneteenth. As I read more and more about Juneteenth from media sources, I realized that this African American holiday has been celebrated for over 150 years! I was 71 years old, yet I … Continued
National Endangered Species Day: Friday, May 20, 2022 By Marcia Ostendorff The eaglets are flying again at Shelley Lake Park. If you haven’t been to see them, I encourage you to take a walk along the trail and look for them. There is usually yellow tape around the corner of the trail close below the … Continued
By Laura Nelson This month we are recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, two tough topics that affect us daily. In our country, a sexual assault occurs every 92 seconds and in our state there are over 100,000 investigated cases of child abuse yearly. Whether you’re aware of it or not, someone you know … Continued
By Bob Millikan We are celebrating women’s history this month by highlighting the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. Women’s History Month is celebrated during March in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, corresponding with International Women’s Day on March 8. Susan B. Anthony It seems very appropriate to start with Susan B. Anthony. She was … Continued
As February ushers in fun holidays and traditions like Groundhog’s Day, Valentine’s Day, the Super Bowl, and the Lunar New Year, it also offers the opportunity to recognize those who played a central, but often underrepresented role in US history. From February 1 through March 1, we observe Black History Month, a chance to celebrate and … Continued
By Kelly Roberts January brings a ray of hope in the work of racial justice, as young and old have celebrated the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. for quite a while in our country. Although the US has so many lessons and history and history of lessons yet to be learned, we find hope … Continued
Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 10. It commemorates the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This historic document reflects the well-established and honored ideas of ”inalienable rights which everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, … Continued
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Nationally, one in three women and one in four men will experience domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking at least once in their lifetime. As people of faith, we know that God’s heart is for healthy relationships and healing communities. Take time this month to learn more about the effects of domestic … Continued