Author: Jane Silver

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The Celebration of Kwanzaa

Have you wondered what the Kwanzaa celebration involves?

Kwanzaa, the African American harvest and annual holiday, is a weeklong celebration from December 26 through January 1.

Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, founded Kwanzaa in 1966. According to history.com, Karenga wanted to unite the African-American community, following the Watts riots in Los Angeles.

“As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world…Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense.” The Official Kwanzaa Website explains. Kwanzaa

South Florida celebrants look forward to sharing their African American heritage at this time.
Lisa Jackson, librarian at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale said, “It’s a celebration of unity, culture, family, and community.”

Koffi Ayi of Boca Raton agrees. “It is more of a cultural celebration and keeping the traditions of the African culture alive.”

To get into the spirit of Kwanzaa, one must decorate their home accordingly. It is customary to start by setting the table with a green tablecloth in the center of your home upon which a Mkeka, a straw or woven mat symbolizing African ancestry, is placed.

The seven days of Kwanzaa represent seven core values and nightly rituals are observed.
The main staple is lighting the Kinara. The candle-lighting ceremony draws everyone together to discuss the meaning of the holiday. Ayi enjoys “giving thanks and eating together with the family or tribe.”

The Seven Days of Kwanzaa:

Day one represents Umoja or Unity. The black candle is lit, and the Unity cup is filled with fruit juice and shared among participants. A passage or poem relating to the principle or one’s personal connection may also be shared. “The Unity part of Kwanzaa is the most important part for African Americans in the U.S.,” Ayi said.

Day two represents Kujichagulia or Self-Determination. As it pertains to Kwanzaa, this principle means to define, name, and speak for ourselves.

Day three represents Ujima or Collective Work and Responsibility. As stated on the website oneunited.com, “We must build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems and solve them together.” It is customary to work on a project as a family and donate to goodwill. The green candlelight signifies accomplishments as well as failings.

Day four represents Ujamaa or Collective Economics, which supports working together and sharing profits to build community.

Day five represents Nia or Purpose, encouraging one to set personal goals, as well as community goals.

Day six represents Kuumba or Creativity. Families put up extra decorations, don colorful outfits, listen to music and share stories.

Coinciding with New Year’s Eve, the Kwanzaa Karamu or Feast is enjoyed with friends and family.

Day seven represents Imani or Faith. According to africanamericanregistry.org, “This principle focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind.”

Symbols of Kwanzaa include:
Mazao – fruit or crops placed in a bowl, representing the community’s productivity.
Kinara – a seven-pronged candle-holder.
Mishumaa Saba – the seven candles which represent the seven core principles of Kwanzaa. Three candles on the left are red, representing struggle; three on the right are green, representing hope; and one in the center is black, signifying the African American people or those who draw their heritage from Africa.
Muhindi – ears of corn.
Zawadi – gifts for the children.
Kikombe cha Umoja -Unity cup representing family and community.
Visit kwanzaalights.com/Kinara for the candle lighting order.

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Teachers

“Good teachers are the reason why ordinary students dream to do extraordinary things.” – Anonymous

It is back to school time, again. Parents are busy preparing their children for the academic year, while holding on to the last days of summer vacation.

It is a time of anxious anticipation and excitement. Parents are busy making sure their children have the supplies and academic preparation they need. Students are wondering: Will they be in classes with their best friends? Will they have a nice teacher?

Everyone is hoping for a good school year, and much of that will depend upon the teachers to which our students will be assigned. Although some parents feel they should not intervene or make special requests in terms of who is the best-fit teacher for their child, in recent times more parents are feeling the need to become involved in the process.

In many of our public schools, parent involvement is welcomed, especially when parents have helpful insight into their child’s learning style. Having a good or bad teacher can greatly impact the success of the student.

According Michelle Rhee, former schools’ superintendent in Washington, D.C., “Students who get two or three strong teachers in a row improve their performance despite their backgrounds, while those stuck with a series of weak teachers may never recover.”

It is no wonder why parents are making it their mission to become involved in their child’s public education. Specifically, parents are considering the experience level and background of their child’s teachers.

“It is important to me that my child’s teachers be well-qualified because teachers have a great deal of influence on their students,” said Paula Hyman, a teacher in South Palm Beach, as well as a mother of a 12-year-old. “What matters more than a teacher’s previous experience, is the teacher’s philosophy on education and their knowledge of the subjects they are teaching.”

Cultivating teacher-student compatibility is an involved process that takes months of collaboration between educators and school administrators. It is important that parents who want to be involved are also educated about their child’s learning style, because a favorite teacher for one student may not be the best match for another.

Overall, what is essential for student success in school is that everyone works together for common goals and is supportive of one another, parents, teachers and students.

“Parent involvement at school and encouragement at home help students feel motivated to learn in the classroom. If the parent, teacher and student are all on the same page, then the student will be able to thrive,” Paula said.

One fact everyone agrees on is that great teachers have a significant impact on a student’s attitude towards school and on his life long success.

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COMMUNICATION Breakdown

Everywhere you look you see someone using a cell phone. Whether it is a “snap chatting” millennial or an older adult searching Google for information, our attachment to the cell phone is evident.

Cell phones are now a major means of communication, and in the last six years, the demographics have skyrocketed. Moreover, cell phones are being introduced to children even earlier, the average age being between 10-12 years.

Whether for entertainment or emergency situations, cell phones play an important role in our daily lives. Nearly half of the millennial population owns a smart phone. Are they really making us smarter? Quite possibly, they are making us less thoughtful and diminishing the respect and common courtesy with which we treat one another.

Where have our manners gone when it comes to cell phone usage? There are times when using a cell phone is rude, inappropriate, and even harmful. We have become so accustomed to using the cell phone to communicate; we don’t even realize when we are offending those around us. It may seem like common sense, but looking at your phone rather than engaging in face-to-face interactions can make the person or persons you are with feel like they are not as important as your phone.

In order to combat the denigration of our social graces, some rules come into play for proper cell phone etiquette. Here are a few tips

  • Lower your voice when talking in a public place.
  • Allow for a distance of 10 feet from the nearest person when talking on your phone. • Ask to be excused from a face-to-face conversation, if you must take an urgent call.
  • Put your ringer on silent when in a public space.
  • Do not discuss personal matters within earshot of an innocent bystander.
  • Don’t use your phone in a theater or at a formal ceremony for talking or texting.
  • Most important of all, do not talk or text on the cell phone while driving. The National Safety Council reports that cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year.

Other harmful effects of cell phone ownership include increased anxiety and stress. Many individuals unconsciously and compulsively check their cell phones dozens of times throughout the day. People are becoming so attached to these electronic devices, they find it nearly impossible to disconnect and relax.

July is Cell Phone Courtesy Month, so be mindful of the people around when using your cell phone. Why not put the phone away while visiting with friends and loved ones.

Enjoy time away from all electronic devices; disconnect, watch a sunset, or revel in the beauty of your natural surroundings.

 

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National Ice Cream Month… What’s Your Flavor

Is there anything more irresistible on a hot summer day than a cool and creamy ice cream cone? Not that you need another reason to indulge, but July is officially National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday in July is National Ice Cream Day. The Ancient Greeks may have invented the first ice cream, a treat they made by mixing a combination of snow, fruit, and honey.

There are also historic accounts of ice cream being enjoyed in the Persian Empire, where snow from the winter was saved in underground chambers known as “yakchal.” A grape puree was poured over the saved snow. Later, the Quaker colonists brought us closer to the ice cream we know today. Sharing their recipes, they set up ice cream shops in New York during the colonial era. Though celebrating ice cream is a relatively new custom in America, the idea was first formally proposed in Joint Resolution 298 in May of 1984 by Senator Walter Dee Huddleston of Kentucky.

It did not take long before President Ronald Reagan signed the resolution; and, on July 15, 1984, a Presidential Proclamation designated that National Ice Cream Month would be celebrated annually in July. Other U.S. presidents have held ice cream in high esteem. Most notably, Dolly Madison, wife of President James Madison, had her own ice cream brand. Today, the ice cream and dairy industries are flourishing due to the revenue brought in by ice cream connoisseurs across the world. The ice cream industry

generates about $3.5 billion in annual sales. Famous ice cream chains include Ben and Jerry’s, Dairy Queen, and Carvel. In Palm Beach County, Kilwins and Sloan’s Ice Cream rank high among the favorites by locals and tourists. Most popular flavors are vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and cookies and cream.

Novel non-traditional flavors include “Phish Food” at Ben and Jerry’s, “Banana Fudge Pie” at Kilwins, and “Minnie and Indy’s Fluffy Road” at Sloan’s. Whether deep-fried, dipped, sprinkled, or au natural, ice cream is one food that provokes smiles and a host of passionate responses.

“My favorite flavor is Chocolate Peanut Butter from Kilwins.” – Ali Naugle

“When I go to Kilwins, I love the shredded coconut flavor.” – Hannah Lebersfeld

“The ice cream flavor I like best is New York Super Fudge Chunk from Ben and Jerry’s.” – Jess Caplin

“I enjoy mint chocolate chip from Brendy’s because it is light and refreshing.” – Becca Freeman

Treat yourself to your favorite flavor on National Ice Cream Day, July 16. Ice Cream Fun Facts

• Vanilla holds steady as the most popular flavor.

• California produces more ice cream than any other state in the U.S.

• It takes about 50 licks to finish an average sized ice cream cone. What’s your flavor?

 

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The History of Father’s Day

“It is a wise father that knows his own child.” – William Shakespeare. Father’s Day is a time to celebrate fatherhood and give thanks for the significant male role models in one’s life. Although not as old a tradition as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day has its own unique history. The first Father’s Day may be traced back to the Middle Ages and the Catholic holiday of Saint Joseph’s Day celebrated on March 19. Father’s Day has also been linked to the June Solstice and pagan sun worship where the Sun has been called the “Father of the Universe.” Fathers make up a group of hardworking and dedicated men. Some cook and tend to household chores, some hold stressful jobs outside the home, some volunteer their time and serve as coaches or town councilmen, some are successful businessmen.

Whatever jobs or titles fathers may have, the best fathers have one trait in common: their families are their number one priority. Fatherhood takes on an even greater significance when the male parents are the sole caregivers of children. Such was the case for Sonora Louise Smart Dodd. Dodd, daughter of American Civil War Veteran, William Jackson Smart, is credited with being the founder of Father’s Day. Dodd, unfortunately, lost her mother when she was 16 years old. She then helped her father care for her five younger brothers.

While attending a church sermon on Mother’s Day, Dodd was inspired and motivated to make sure that her father received the same recognition. She reached out to local churches, the YMCA, shopkeepers, and government offices, campaigning for a special day to honor fatherhood just as Mother’s Day honors motherhood. Dodd originally requested for her father’s birthday, June 5, to be Father’s Day. However, the Ministerial Alliance in Spokane, Washington chose the third Sunday of June, thus the first “Father’s Day” was on June 19, 1910. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson sent a telegraph to Spokane, Washington declaring the importance of Father’s Day Services. Five decades later in 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a Presidential Proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day. In 1972, President Richard Nixon made it official and recognized Father’s Day as a National Holiday to be celebrated each year. Presently, Father’s Day is observed in 52 countries around the world. Countries in Europe, the United Kingdom, and Canada have adopted the U.S. custom of celebrating Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June.

Father’s Day may be celebrated in any way that makes a father figure feel extra special. Traditions and activities range from friendly visits and phone calls to lavish picnics and parties. Other common forms of celebration include treating dad to dinner at his favorite restaurant or showering him with gifts such as clothing or sporting equipment. Some of the most popular Father’s Day gift items include neckties, fishing gear, golf accessories, hats, socks, and electronics. Many fathers look forward to watching sports during Father’s Day weekend, as the U.S. Open Golf Tournament final is always televised that day. However, you go about celebrating, remember your favorite father figures on Sunday, June 18 this year.

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Teacher to study the Polar Ice Caps

Adeena Teres, a teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Coral Springs, is going on the trip of a lifetime. She will be traveling with “PolarTREC” to explore the polar ice caps in Greenland. PolarTREC (Teachers and Researchers Exploring and Collaborating) is a company devoted to providing polar research-based travel opportunities to educators in grades K-12.

NASA will fund Teres as part of “Operation Ice Bridge,” a scientific exploration in its ninth straight year to measure changes in the elevation of the ice sheet and sea ice extent.

Teres is grateful for this incredible opportunity. She is looking forward to braving extreme weather and conducting real scientific research in the Arctic. A Philadelphia native, she knows the snow and what she has seen is nothing compared to what lies ahead. She will explore and share this experience with her students via the Internet.

Teres applied for the trip a couple of times before she was finally accepted. She was persistent because as she explained, “It’s just something I’ve never done before.”

Teres is going on a “Survey Mission,” where she will record the amount of ice in the Arctic, conduct basic research, and collect data. Her curiosity and passion for the subject will power her forward as she shares newfound knowledge with her students from this life-changing journey.

Teres already has plans for how she will incorporate the trip into her curriculum, and she knows that it will benefit her students. “They’re going to learn what it’s like to be a real scientist,” she said.

Teres will be collaborating with other teachers and posting about her experiences in an online journal, so everyone will be able to follow her on her mission. According to Teres, the journal will be interactive, allowing her students to ask questions, and her to answer them directly.

Teres is most excited to see what it’s like to do real field research. She anticipates recording personal memories based on these adventures. She hopes to gain “a fresh outlook on science” and bring her newfound enthusiasm to the classroom. “I would like to learn more about polar science, learn more about what NASA is doing, and what other projects are out there for different scientists and teachers,” Teres said.

She is eager to learn and grow as a person, a teacher, and as a student, herself. “This is a one-of-a-kind chance to have a cultural immersion and gain valuable life skills,” she said. “I definitely want to see a polar bear, a crevice, ice calving, (the breaking of ice chunks from the edge of a glacier), snow-covered mountains, an expanse of white…which in my mind is almost unfathomable,” she added.

 

For Teres, this mission of stepping out of her comfort zone and the Florida sunshine into the chilly Arctic air will be unforgettable. Her students are lucky to have a teacher who is devoted to her craft, passionate about delving into uncharted territory and sharing her knowledge with them.

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The History of Passover

Passover, Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the most important holidays in Judaism. Observed annually by Jewish people around the world, Passover is the first of the spring holidays and occurs during Nisan, the first month of the Hebrew lunar calendar.

Passover: A Celebration of Freedom and Renewal

The week-long holiday begins with a Seder, which means order. There are important rules and customs to observe before, during, and after the holiday meal.

At Seder, everyone gathers around the table and the Passover story is recited.
Participants read the Haggadah, the oldest liturgical text documenting the Israelites exodus from Egypt. Some families choose to make their own haggadot; others read from the original text. The story begins with the Israelites, who were made slaves by a cruel Pharaoh for more than 200 years in Egypt.

After much suffering, the Israelites enter into a sacred covenant with God: God promises to protect the Israelites in exchange for their devotion. God responds to Pharaoh’s mistreatment of the Israelites by casting “Ten Plagues” upon the land.

The Ten Plagues is a series of catastrophic events that include turning water into blood, sending swarms of locusts, and condemning to death all first-born sons. God instructs the Israelites to mark their homes with the blood of a lamb so the “angel of death” will “pass over” them and spare their first-born sons.

Pharaoh is finally convinced of God’s divine power and agrees to set the Israelites free. God appoints Moses to lead his people out of Egypt. At the Seder, celebratory songs accompany the story of the Exodus while adding to the holiday spirit.

Passover: The “Festival of Matzot”

Passover is also a time when Jewish people appreciate their history and celebrate their freedom. Every Seder starts with the words: “All who are hungry, let them come and eat.”

Foods eaten at the Passover meal are reminiscent of the suffering the Israelites endured. Matzot, known as the bread of affliction, is the most symbolic of these foods. Because the Israelites had to flee quickly from Egypt, they did not have time to bake their bread. This unleavened bread became what we now know as matzo.

Along with matzo, symbolic foods at the Seder table include: a roasted shank bone for the sacrificial lamb, a roasted egg, haroset: a mixture of fruit and nuts reminiscent of the bricks made by enslaved Israelites, green vegetables for springtime, bitter herbs to signify the harsh treatment of the Israelites, and salt water symbolic of their tears.

At the Seder, a favorite tradition involves hiding a special piece of matzo known as the Afikomen. After the meal, all young children search for the Afikomen. Those who find it receive a prize.

At the end of the Seder, a final cup of wine is offered and a door is opened for Elijah the Prophet. The hope is that Elijah, a miracle worker, will bring peace for the year ahead.

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