News

Kwanzaa, an annual holiday that begins on December 26 and lasts through January 1, is a relatively new creation, though it has its roots in the traditions of community and cultural spirit of the African harvest festivals going back generations. The name comes from the Swahili phrase “mutanda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits”. 

Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, and families who celebrate it often celebrate it in addition to Christmas, Hanukkah, […]

In the 1930s the Chicago retailer, Montgomery Ward, gave away children’s Christmas-themed coloring books each year as a promotion. By 1939, after the Depression ended, the department store decided to save money and publish a coloring book in-house.   

Robert L May, a 34-year-old copywriter and aspiring writer who had entertained his boss at Montgomery Ward with his limericks, was given the task of writing the story. Inspiration came when Mr. May looked out […]

Many of you are familiar with the Seinfeld episode “Strike” in which the Costanza family initiates Jerry, Kramer, and Elaine into the traditions of Festivus. So, is Festivus really a “thing”? 

As depicted in the Seinfeld episode, Festivus is celebrated on  December 23rd as an alternative to the often pressure filled, commercialized, and hectic winter holidays we celebrate. The celebration includes a Festivus dinner, meatloaf; an […]

Shuffle your cards and cut the deck on National Card Playing Day, December 28. It is the ideal activity when spending time with your family. The Christmas hustle and bustle is over, and the excitement from opening presents has diminished. There’s nothing like a slow-paced game of cards to relax while having fun with family and friends! 

The origin of Card Playing Day is unclear, it is a simple activity that has turned […]

Boxing Day, celebrated the day after Christmas on December 26th, is a centuries-old public holiday and gift-giving day that originated in Britain. Most offices are closed on this day in Commonwealth countries. 

Boxing Day is spent with family and friends with lots of food and fun. Because it is traditionally the cook’s day off, the menu, usually includes left-over turkey from Christmas. 

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the custom arose […]

Reprinted from Marilyn Balcombe’s Newsletter 

Staying Safe During the Winter Holidays 

Did you know that the winter holiday season accounts for the highest number of cooking fires? During the winter holidays it is incredibly important to be alert and keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from fire-related incidents. One way to do this is to ensure that your smoke alarms are operational – that is exactly why I spent last Saturday […]

Stay Active – Community Activities

December 24th – The Town of Poolesville Administrative Offices will be closed on Tuesday, December 24th, in observance of the Christmas Holiday and reopen on Friday, December 27th at 7:30 AM.

January 21st 2025 – –Montgomery County, MD – Virtual 50+ Employment Expo sponsored by the Montgomery County Government and Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) of Greater Washington. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm-Registration required.

Join us in the new year for an afternoon of music on Saturday January 4th at 3:00 PM!  Find out more and register here!

In 1878 when Wilbur and Orville Wright were 11 and 7 years old, their father gave them a toy based on the model airplane, the planophore, designed by French aeronautical engineer Alphonse Penaud. The small model helicopter was made from bamboo, paper, and cork and was powered by a rubber band. The toy fascinated the boys and sparked their lifelong interest in flying and aeronautics. The rest is history. 

The family moved often […]

The Ursids meteor shower is active annually approximately between December 17 and December 26. In the Washington area, the shower should peak before Christmas between 5:00 p.m. on December 21st and 7:00 a.m. on December 22nd. At its peak, observers may be able to view as many as 10 meteors in an hour. 

The shower is named the Ursids because the meteors seem to radiate from the direction of the constellation Ursa Minor […]