In like a lion, out like a chocolate rabbit

Last Wednesday, I was officially accepted into the Winslow Sunrise Lions Club. I am proud to be part of an organization of citizens who share my belief that to be a productive member of society one must be willing to serve that society, help those who cannot help themselves and just, in general, make the community a better place to live.

The Lions Clubs International’s priority has been helping the blind and the visually challenged for 80 years. Lions collect about 5 million pairs of glasses annually from around the world to give sight to those who struggle to see clearly. As a bespeckled American, it’s a program I can personally attest to as a worthy cause.

Locally, the Winslow Sunrise Club raises money through its donut machine at community events. They also distribute American flags to first graders and last year, brought the circus to town.

I look forward to being a Lion for many years and giving back to the community no matter where I live.

And I encourage everyone else who is not already a member of a community service organization to join one. It doesn’t matter which one you choose, as long as you get involved and stay involved.

The Rotary, the Elks, the Soroptimists, the Odd Fellows, the Masons, the Women’s Club and any I may have overlooked, all make a difference in the quality of life in Winslow but more importantly have made a difference in an individual’s life.

This Sunday is Easter. Whether you observe it as a Holy Day, a holiday or both, the day’s significance is one of celebrating life. So get outside and do something.

This Saturday, why not bring the little ones to the Indoor Pool for the Easter Egg Hunt. Children ages 1 to 12 are eligible to join in the annual tradition. The hunt begins at 11 a.m. sharp. Call the Recreation Department at 289-1096 for more information.

As for Easter, I’ll leave the religious significance to the professionals to bestow on Sunday, but here are some fun facts about the holiday.

Easter eggs’ bright colors represent the sunlight of spring and were used in egg rolling contests or given as gifts. They were also exchanged by romantic admirers, just like valentines.

Different cultures developed different meanings to decorating Easter eggs. Greeks exchange crimson eggs to honor the blood of Christ. In parts of Germany and Austria green eggs are used on Holy Thursday. Slavic peoples decorate their eggs in patterns of gold and silver.

The Easter bunny is believed to predate Christian lore. The hare and the rabbit were the most fertile animals known so they served as symbols of new life during in springtime.

The traditions of the Easter basket and chocolate rabbit began in Germany centuries ago. The first edible bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s and were made of pastry and sugar.

German settling in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s brought the traditions with them. Children would build a nest out of a hat or bonnet in a hidden place in the home, the barn or the garden. They believed that if they were good the “Oschter Haws” would lay a nest of colored eggs.

Happy Easter or “Fröhliche Ostern” to all.