Black History Month Observation Tips

While January 2011 went out as quickly as it came, winter is still showing it's frosty face. Here are a few winter weather reminders Brenda and I try to keep in mind each winter.

1. Grab a few bags of de-icer on the way home.
2. Keep a few shawls hanging around in each room and in the car so when the temperature drops you can wrap up instead of turning the heat up all the time.
3. In case of power loss pick up some battery operated lamps. Oil lamps are also useful as these generate both light and heat when electric power is out. Place them in a safe area.
4. Check your roof for leaks when the weather is mild and patch them up quick. Heat escapes from rooftop leaks and raises your heating bill significantly.
5. Heat the room your in rather than the whole house. This will save hundreds of hard earned dollars each year.

Did you get a chance to make a dent in your new goals for 2012? Brenda and I did. As part of a group that serves the community voluntarily I managed to put in over 50 hours. In addition I'm preparing for many events that promote family unity and good citizenship in March and April.

February is a great time to get up to speed regarding the years
monthly observances. It's a time to review how you will contribute
and support causes and principles that have much meaning to you and
your family.

Monthly Observances:

February - Black History Month - See http://black-history.fimark.net

Black History Month,(BHM)is an obervance of important people and events in the history of the African Diaspora. It is celebrated annually in the United States and Canada in the month of February, while in the UK it is held in the month of October.

Black History Month was established in 1976 by African-Americans for
the Study of African-American Life and History. The month-long
celebration was an expansion of Negro History Week, which was
established in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, director of what was then
known as the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.

Initially celebrated almost exclusively by those of African heritage,
taking place outside of the view of the wider society. Increasingly,
however, mayors and governors, especially in the North, began
endorsing Negro History Week and promoting interracial harmony. Now
Black History Month is a national observance oberserved by all races. Family Activities That Focus on Black History Month:

Join or form a Family History Society

Donate to your favorite black charity

Visit a black museum or art gallery

Write about your families contribution to black history

Read a grade level book regarding notable black achievements to your
children

Volunteer in some way to give back to the community

Visit sites that focus on contributions from African Americans
http://black-history.fimark.net
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_History_Month

Other Monthly Observances

November - Named November as "Family Reunion Planning Month"
Be proud, it is our group for which you are a member, that spearheaded the movement to name November Family Reunio Planning Month. What can you do as a member? Increase membership and support.
Read group Manager, and author Mark Askews contributions to wikipedia.org at...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_reunion

Family Reunion Planner and Keepsake
A Family Reunion Book inspired by Brenda Askew and written by Mark Askew that helps you plan your family reunion and document your heritage. See more at http://family-reunion-planner.fimark.net