This coming Monday is Columbus Day! Columbus Day was first proclaimed a national holiday by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937, to be held every October 12th. In 1971, Congress moved the holiday from October 12th to the second Monday in October, in order to give workers a longer holiday weekend.
If you are looking for additional resources on Columbus Day, the Library of Congress has an interesting online exhibit, called 1492: An Ongoing Voyage, which gives an overview of Christopher Columbus, his voyages of exploration, and the discovery of America.
In addition, teachers or public service librarians looking for lesson planning or programming ideas might find the Columbus lesson plans at EDSITEment, a National Endowment for the Humanities web site, useful. There are lesson plans tailored for Grades 3-5 and Grades 9-12.
An overview of US Holidays: http://www.america.gov/st/diversity-english/2008/January/20080113151228abretnuh0.5784265.html
Today in History: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/today/oct12.html
1492: An Ongoing Voyage: http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/1492/
EDSITEment Grade 3-5 Lesson Plans: http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=257
EDSITEment Grade 9-12 Lesson Plans: http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=322
Things to do Columbus Day in Indiana: http://www.wegoplaces.com/USA_State_IN_Cat_Columbus_Day.aspx?Seq=1
OCTOBER IS VEGETARIAN AWARENESS MONTH
In an effort to raise awareness of diets that do not include meats, October is designated as Vegetarian Awareness Month. One million Americans per year are recognizing the many benefits of the lifestyle and adopting vegetarian diets.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conjunction with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is sponsoring Fruits and Veggies Matter,” a program designed to provide healthy eating tips for people of all ages. Both agencies advocate the usefulness of plant-based foods in controlling weight and preventing disease. Additionally, the USDA offers tips to eating well using vegetables, including the do’s and don’ts of vegetarian cuisine.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is chiefly responsible for nutritional information, including the recently updated Food Pyramid. The new Food Pyramid website includes menu planners and specialized pyramids for pregnant and nursing women.
Fruit and Vegetable of the Month: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/index.html”>
Vegetarian Diet from MedLine Plus: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/vegetariandiet.html
Vegetarianism in a Nutshell: http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/nutshell.htm
Go Local: Vegetarian Diet Services by State: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/golocal/topicmap_1613.html
INShape Indiana Nutrition: http://www.in.gov/inshape/2267.htm
INDIANA PUBLIC DEPOSIT INSURANCE FUND
Did you know that the State of Indiana probably has an account at your local bank, and that the state has a plan to protect all that money in the event of a bank collapse?
The Indiana Board of Depositories oversees the accounts held in approved banks around the state in which funds for the state government and its agencies are deposited. The Board also oversees the Public Deposit Insurance Fund (PDIF), an insurance program which is meant to cover deposited amounts over the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) limits. The PDIF was created by law in 1937 in response to numerous bank failures in the 1930’s, and is funded by fees from every depository bank with a governmental account. Currently, no fees are charged as the Board has determined that the existing reserves and are sufficient to cover potential losses.
The Board of Depositories website links to lists of approved depository banks and financial statements showing the average daily balance of all accounts held in depository banks.
The FDIC was created in 1933, also as a result of bank failures, and insures consumers’ deposits in banks nationwide. Information about the temporary increase in FDIC account coverage can be found on the FDIC’s press release page. The FDIC website also has tools to help consumers determine whether their accounts are covered by the FDIC and to find FDIC-insured banks.
Board of Depositories: http://www.in.gov/deposit/index.htm
Public Deposit Insurance Fund: http://www.in.gov/deposit/2484.htm
Approved Depository Banks: http://www.in.gov/deposit/appdep.htm
FDIC History: http://www.fdic.gov/about/learn/symbol/index.html
FDIC Press Release: http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2008/pr08093.html
FDIC Deposit Insurance tools: http://www.fdic.gov/deposit/index.html
14TH ANNUAL BLACK MALE STATE CONFERENCE
The Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males is holding their 14th annual conference on October 16 and 17 at the newly renovated Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library’s Central Branch in downtown Indianapolis. This year’s theme is “The Total Education of the Black Male”. The speakers will include actor Louis Gossett, Jr. and IUPUI basketball coach Ron Hunter. Advance registration closes Tuesday, October 14.
The Commission was formed in 1993 and represents a collaborative effort of community leaders and elected officials to address issues facing black men in the areas of health, education, criminal justice, social factors and employment and to strengthen Indiana’s African-American community.
Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males: http://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/6343.htm
Conference program and registration: http://www.in.gov/fssa/files/08_st_conf_reg_form.pdf
HOOSIER CHEER FOR OUR HEROES
In order to show support for our troops this holiday season, Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman is once again collecting letters and notes to be sent overseas. Last year, over 15,000 letters and cards were sent to deployed men and women and this year, she’d like to send even more. Those interested in participating should direct mail to the following address by November 17th:
Office of Lt. Governor Becky Skillman
c/o Hoosier Cheer for our Heroes
200 West Washington Street, Suite 333
Indianapolis, IN 46204
You can also visit the website at: http://www.in.gov/lg/3094.htm. Or send an electronic note to: lg@lg.in.gov
by Katharine Springer, Elisabeth O’Donnell, & Jesse Lewis