Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.
By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. (Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all veterans, living and dead, is celebrated each year on November 11.)
Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. It is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.
Several Southern states continue to set aside a special day for honoring the Confederate dead, which is usually called Confederate Memorial Day.
Taken from: http://www.history.com/topics/memorial-day-history
Monday, May 31, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Teen Ink's Poetry Contest
Are you inspired by Maya Angelou, e.e. cummings or Dr. Seuss? Do you love writing haiku? Do verses just run through your head? Then Teen Ink's Monthly Poetry Contest is for you!
Of all the poems published each month in Teen Ink, one will be selected for special recognition. In addition to being published and receiving a copy of the magazine featuring his or her poem (as well as a pen and pad), the monthly winner will have the opportunity to choose from an exciting selection of Teen Ink merchandise - apparel and other items - available exclusively from Teen Ink. Write on!
Teen Ink will only consider original poetry written by teens. Entries of all kinds are accepted - serious, funny, long or short. We like and read it all!
There are no deadlines; entries are accepted throughout the year. Winning poems are published in Teen Ink magazine and online each month.
For more information, visit http://www.teenink.com/Contests/PoetryC.php.
Of all the poems published each month in Teen Ink, one will be selected for special recognition. In addition to being published and receiving a copy of the magazine featuring his or her poem (as well as a pen and pad), the monthly winner will have the opportunity to choose from an exciting selection of Teen Ink merchandise - apparel and other items - available exclusively from Teen Ink. Write on!
Teen Ink will only consider original poetry written by teens. Entries of all kinds are accepted - serious, funny, long or short. We like and read it all!
There are no deadlines; entries are accepted throughout the year. Winning poems are published in Teen Ink magazine and online each month.
For more information, visit http://www.teenink.com/Contests/PoetryC.php.
13th Annual Young Adult Chess Tournament
The 13th Annual Young Adult Chess Tournament happens on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at the Main Library. The competition starts at 9:00 and lasts until 3:30pm.
The Chess Tournament will be open to young adults in grades 6-12.
Play chess, eat pizza and snacks, and have fun. Trophies will be awarded for winners in three age and skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
Players must register no later than Friday, July 30th, 2010 at 6:00 pm. Ask your librarian for a registration form or print one off here. Call Young Adults’ Services at 421-1255 for more information.
The Chess Tournament will be open to young adults in grades 6-12.
Play chess, eat pizza and snacks, and have fun. Trophies will be awarded for winners in three age and skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
Players must register no later than Friday, July 30th, 2010 at 6:00 pm. Ask your librarian for a registration form or print one off here. Call Young Adults’ Services at 421-1255 for more information.
Third Annual Teen Photography Competition
Third Annual Teen Photography Competition
Take pictures this summer for our third annual Teen Photography Competition. Photos will be selected for a special exhibition in the Krull Art Gallery at the Main Library. Trophies will be awarded to first, second and third place finishers in both the junior (grades 6-8) and senior (grades 9-12) divisions. For more information see the ACPL Teen Photography Competition 2010 Rules.
Entry deadline – September 24, 2010
Exhibit Opening and Awards – October 23, 2010
Take pictures this summer for our third annual Teen Photography Competition. Photos will be selected for a special exhibition in the Krull Art Gallery at the Main Library. Trophies will be awarded to first, second and third place finishers in both the junior (grades 6-8) and senior (grades 9-12) divisions. For more information see the ACPL Teen Photography Competition 2010 Rules.
Entry deadline – September 24, 2010
Exhibit Opening and Awards – October 23, 2010
Wii Tournament
The next Wii Smash Bros. Brawl Tournament is happening Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 1pm at the Main Library in Meeting Rooms A, B, & C.
If will be between the ages of 11-19 on the day of the tournament, you may participate! This tournament is limited to 100 entrants. Register via e-mail now to reserve your spot! (If you do not show up on game day by 30 minutes prior to the event your spot will be opened up for walk ins.)
To register for the tournament please send an email to acplgt@acpl.info.
Make your subject line: ACPLGT REGISTRATION
Include in your email the following information:
Full Name:
Age:
Email:
Phone:
(The ACPL will not give out any of your personal information. It is solely to have on hand for registration purposes, to contact you with tournament reminders and possible prize information.)
The provisional rule set will be posted on the official website by June 1, so be on the lookout for that.
If you have any questions about the ACPL GT, please send an email to email to acplgt@acpl.info!
If will be between the ages of 11-19 on the day of the tournament, you may participate! This tournament is limited to 100 entrants. Register via e-mail now to reserve your spot! (If you do not show up on game day by 30 minutes prior to the event your spot will be opened up for walk ins.)
To register for the tournament please send an email to acplgt@acpl.info.
Make your subject line: ACPLGT REGISTRATION
Include in your email the following information:
Full Name:
Age:
Email:
Phone:
(The ACPL will not give out any of your personal information. It is solely to have on hand for registration purposes, to contact you with tournament reminders and possible prize information.)
The provisional rule set will be posted on the official website by June 1, so be on the lookout for that.
If you have any questions about the ACPL GT, please send an email to email to acplgt@acpl.info!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Movie Review: Date Night
Date Night
If you like comedy and action, you are going to love Date Night. Starring the king and queen of comedy, Steve Carrel, who plays Phil Foster, and Tina Fey, who is his wife Claire Foster. This routine couple is tired of their everyday typical husband and wife date night, so they decide to jazz it up a bit and go to the newest “it” restaurant. Once there, it’s impossible to get a table, so being determined to show his wife one spectacular night Phil steals some one else’s reservations. It just so happens that the couple whose reservation they took are in a heap of trouble. Will Claire and Phil make it back home alive, or will this Date Night be their last?
Review written by Josh, 5/20/10
To see Josh's favorite book, click here.
To submit your own movie review, send an email to Sarai!
If you like comedy and action, you are going to love Date Night. Starring the king and queen of comedy, Steve Carrel, who plays Phil Foster, and Tina Fey, who is his wife Claire Foster. This routine couple is tired of their everyday typical husband and wife date night, so they decide to jazz it up a bit and go to the newest “it” restaurant. Once there, it’s impossible to get a table, so being determined to show his wife one spectacular night Phil steals some one else’s reservations. It just so happens that the couple whose reservation they took are in a heap of trouble. Will Claire and Phil make it back home alive, or will this Date Night be their last?
Review written by Josh, 5/20/10
To see Josh's favorite book, click here.
To submit your own movie review, send an email to Sarai!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
What's happening at the Zoo?
Here are some interesting events happening this summer at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo (not just for children!):
June 9
Art by Animals
The zoo animals will be showcasing their amazing artistic talents at this unique event. Come see paintings done by the animals! 10:00am–3:00pm. Free with zoo admission.
July 7
Backstage Pass
Step behind the gates that say “Employees Only” to see what happens backstage at the zoo. Take a tour of the Zoo Diet Kitchen, peer into the 17,000 gallon fish tank from the Aquarium workroom, and chat with zoo keepers during special presentations. Tours run continuously from 10:00am–3:00pm. Free with zoo admission.
July 22
Lion Birthday Party
Look who’s turning four years old! Help us celebrate Bill the lion’s birthday. 10:00am–3:00pm. Free with zoo admission.
Zoo admission is $13.00 for adults and $8.00 for children age 2-14. For more information about the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and to check out their other fun summer events, visit their website!
June 9
Art by Animals
The zoo animals will be showcasing their amazing artistic talents at this unique event. Come see paintings done by the animals! 10:00am–3:00pm. Free with zoo admission.
July 7
Backstage Pass
Step behind the gates that say “Employees Only” to see what happens backstage at the zoo. Take a tour of the Zoo Diet Kitchen, peer into the 17,000 gallon fish tank from the Aquarium workroom, and chat with zoo keepers during special presentations. Tours run continuously from 10:00am–3:00pm. Free with zoo admission.
July 22
Lion Birthday Party
Look who’s turning four years old! Help us celebrate Bill the lion’s birthday. 10:00am–3:00pm. Free with zoo admission.
Zoo admission is $13.00 for adults and $8.00 for children age 2-14. For more information about the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and to check out their other fun summer events, visit their website!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Comic Con Happens This Saturday!
Never been to a comic convention before? Or never visited an artist alley at comic convention? NO PROBLEM! Saturday, May 22nd at the Grand Wayne Center in downtown Fort Wayne, the Summit City Comic Con is happening from 10:00am - 6:00pm. Admission is $10. Kids under 12 receive free admission.
Special panels are as follows:
11:00 – 11:55 AM — All Ages Comics! An interactive discussion with some of the industry’s best All Ages Comics creators. This sure to be fun panel is a great opportunity for kids to hear about some great comics and ask questions of some of their favorite creators. The panel features guests, Art Baltazar (Tiny Titans, Billy Batson and The Magic of Shazam!), Mike Norton (Billy Batson and The Magic of Shazam!, Teen Titans GO!, Marvel Adventures), Dan Davis (Scooby-Doo, Cartoon Network Action Pack), and Dave Losso (The Great Sandwich Detective)
1:00 – 1:55 PM — Webcomics! Webcomics are a rapidly growing portion of the comic industry and allow a lot of fledgling creators and seasoned veterans an outlet where the can reach a wide range of fans with new and unique material. Please join our illustrious panel for a discussion about where webcomics are and and where our panel thinks they may be going. This panel includes: Dave Wachter (The Guns of Shadow Valley), Katie Cook (Gronk), Mike Schwartz (Oceanverse)
2:00 – 2:55 PM — Indie Comics and Self Publishing! This panel offers our audience insight about the process of producing independent comics and self-published comics and doesn’t skimp on the pitfalls and hurdles that must be overcome. Self publishing can be excruciatingly difficult and endlessly rewarding. Join some of the best in the business for this sure to be lively discussion. Our panelists include: Jim Rugg (Afrodisiac, Street Angel, Comics Comics), Steve Bryant (Athena Voltaire), Matt Kindt (Super Spy, Strange Tales, 3 Story), Jeffrey Brown (Clumsy, Unlikely, Sulk, Incredible Changebots), Andy Jewett (In This Corner, SICKO, Awesome 2: Awesomer), Shawn Pryor (Mercury & The Murd, Wasted Wonderland)
4:00 – 4:55 PM — Wednesday Heroes! We close out our panel schedule with comic book rock band Wednesday Heroes. Wednesday Heroes plays music built to rock you to your geeky core. Whether playing a comic book convention or an outdoor festival, inciting a crowd to chant nerdy lyrics or crafting one of their famous Audio Sketches, when you listen to Wednesday Heroes, you are going to have a good time.
For more information on Comic Con, visit the website.
Special panels are as follows:
11:00 – 11:55 AM — All Ages Comics! An interactive discussion with some of the industry’s best All Ages Comics creators. This sure to be fun panel is a great opportunity for kids to hear about some great comics and ask questions of some of their favorite creators. The panel features guests, Art Baltazar (Tiny Titans, Billy Batson and The Magic of Shazam!), Mike Norton (Billy Batson and The Magic of Shazam!, Teen Titans GO!, Marvel Adventures), Dan Davis (Scooby-Doo, Cartoon Network Action Pack), and Dave Losso (The Great Sandwich Detective)
1:00 – 1:55 PM — Webcomics! Webcomics are a rapidly growing portion of the comic industry and allow a lot of fledgling creators and seasoned veterans an outlet where the can reach a wide range of fans with new and unique material. Please join our illustrious panel for a discussion about where webcomics are and and where our panel thinks they may be going. This panel includes: Dave Wachter (The Guns of Shadow Valley), Katie Cook (Gronk), Mike Schwartz (Oceanverse)
2:00 – 2:55 PM — Indie Comics and Self Publishing! This panel offers our audience insight about the process of producing independent comics and self-published comics and doesn’t skimp on the pitfalls and hurdles that must be overcome. Self publishing can be excruciatingly difficult and endlessly rewarding. Join some of the best in the business for this sure to be lively discussion. Our panelists include: Jim Rugg (Afrodisiac, Street Angel, Comics Comics), Steve Bryant (Athena Voltaire), Matt Kindt (Super Spy, Strange Tales, 3 Story), Jeffrey Brown (Clumsy, Unlikely, Sulk, Incredible Changebots), Andy Jewett (In This Corner, SICKO, Awesome 2: Awesomer), Shawn Pryor (Mercury & The Murd, Wasted Wonderland)
4:00 – 4:55 PM — Wednesday Heroes! We close out our panel schedule with comic book rock band Wednesday Heroes. Wednesday Heroes plays music built to rock you to your geeky core. Whether playing a comic book convention or an outdoor festival, inciting a crowd to chant nerdy lyrics or crafting one of their famous Audio Sketches, when you listen to Wednesday Heroes, you are going to have a good time.
For more information on Comic Con, visit the website.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Summer Reading Program 2010 - Make Waves
We've got lots of great stuff happening at the library to keep you busy in June and July! Just click on the links to get more information.
Find out more about the Summer Reading Program for Young Adults (anyone who has finished grade 5 - 12).
Haven't finished 5th grade yet? Check out the Children's SRP page.
Here's the schedule of special young adult programs taking place at the Georgetown Branch in June and July.
Can't make it to one of the programs at Georgetown but really want to be part of it? You might be able to catch the same program at a different library location on a different day and time.
Aboite Branch - southwest side of Fort Wayne
Dupont Branch - northeast side of Fort Wayne
Grabill Branch - in Grabill
Hessen Cassel Branch - southeast side of Fort Wayne
Little Turtle Branch - north central part of Fort Wayne
Monroeville Branch - in Monroeville
New Haven Branch - in New Haven
Pontiac Branch - south central part of Fort Wayne
Shawnee Branch - south side of Fort Wayne
Tecumseh Branch - north side of Fort Wayne
Waynedale Branch - south side of Fort Wayne
Woodburn Branch - in Woodburn
Main Library in Young Adults' Services, 2nd floor - downtown Fort Wayne
Special SRP events:
Wii Super Smash Bros Tournament
13th Annual Young Adult Chess Tournament
Third Annual Teen Photography Competition
Find out more about the Summer Reading Program for Young Adults (anyone who has finished grade 5 - 12).
Haven't finished 5th grade yet? Check out the Children's SRP page.
Here's the schedule of special young adult programs taking place at the Georgetown Branch in June and July.
Can't make it to one of the programs at Georgetown but really want to be part of it? You might be able to catch the same program at a different library location on a different day and time.
Aboite Branch - southwest side of Fort Wayne
Dupont Branch - northeast side of Fort Wayne
Grabill Branch - in Grabill
Hessen Cassel Branch - southeast side of Fort Wayne
Little Turtle Branch - north central part of Fort Wayne
Monroeville Branch - in Monroeville
New Haven Branch - in New Haven
Pontiac Branch - south central part of Fort Wayne
Shawnee Branch - south side of Fort Wayne
Tecumseh Branch - north side of Fort Wayne
Waynedale Branch - south side of Fort Wayne
Woodburn Branch - in Woodburn
Main Library in Young Adults' Services, 2nd floor - downtown Fort Wayne
Special SRP events:
Wii Super Smash Bros Tournament
13th Annual Young Adult Chess Tournament
Third Annual Teen Photography Competition
Preserve Performance at the Dustin Preserve
Looking for something to do this weekend? Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature as they work their magic together at the Dustin Preserve. Wander along the trails and listen to the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, or a poet, or dulcimer music... Watch the Fort Wayne Ballet or a potter or a plein air painter as they interpret the beauty of nature before your eyes.
How to get there: From Fort Wayne (I-69 exit 112B) take Coldwater Rd. north for approximately 7.5 miles to Chapman Rd., turn right (East) and go .75 mile. The entrance is on the South side of the road at 1802 Chapman Rd.
Cost: $5 per car.
Happening Saturday, May 22 from 1:00 - 3:00pm.
How to get there: From Fort Wayne (I-69 exit 112B) take Coldwater Rd. north for approximately 7.5 miles to Chapman Rd., turn right (East) and go .75 mile. The entrance is on the South side of the road at 1802 Chapman Rd.
Cost: $5 per car.
Happening Saturday, May 22 from 1:00 - 3:00pm.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
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