The Celebration of Kwanzaa, A Celebration of Community, Family, Honor....... and a West African recipe to try!!

Kwanzaa, December 26th to January 1st....
A celebration of people of Community, Family, Honor, Love and Respect.

Kwanzaa was first celebrated in December 1966 and January 1967. The holiday was proposed by Maulana Karenga to give those of African descent a holiday to celebrate their own cultural heritage and the key values of family and community.  Although seen as an alternative to Christmas and thus possibly anti-Christian in the early years, many people now observe aspects of both festivals.

Kwanzaa celebrates what its founder called the seven principles of Kwanzaa, or Nguzo Saba (originally Nguzu Saba—the seven principles of African Heritage), which Karenga said "is a communitarian African philosophy," consisting of what Karenga called "the best of African thought and practice in constant exchange with the world." These seven principles comprise *Kawaida, a Swahili term for tradition and reason. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the following principles, as follows:

• Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
• Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.
• Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems, and to solve them together.
• Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
• Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
• Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
• Imani (Faith): To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Kwanzaa symbols include a decorative mat (Mkeka) on which other symbols are placed: corn (Mahindi) and other crops, a candle holder kinara with seven candles (Mishumaa Saba), a communal cup for pouring libation (Kikombe cha Umoja), gifts (Zawadi), a poster of the seven principles, and a black, red, and green flag. The symbols were designed to convey the seven principles.

West African Chicken Stew Recipe for Kwanza

1 tablespoon olive oil         

1 (3 pound) roasting chicken, deboned and cut into bite size pieces

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 onion, chopped

1 large potato, diced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander seed

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water                                   
• 3/4 cup unsalted natural-style peanut butter          
  
• 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

Prep 10 m            

Cook 35 m            

Ready In 45 m            

1. In a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid, heat oil over medium high heat. Add chicken, and brown quickly. Remove chicken from pan. Reduce heat to medium low, and add garlic, onion and potato to the pan; saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Season with cumin, coriander, black pepper, red pepper and salt. Do not let garlic brown.
2. Mix in water and browned chicken, and any accumulated juices. Place lid on skillet and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Remove lid, and stir in the peanut butter and garbanzo beans. Make sure the peanut butter is blended in. Replace lid to simmer for 10 more minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender. Remove from heat, adjust seasoning, and serve.

 

Literary Advent Calendar 2015... Day 3... December 3, 2015

The Elves and the Shoemaker.......

By the Grimm Brothers

There was once a shoemaker, who worked very hard and was very honest: but still he could not earn enough to live upon; and at last all he had in the world was gone, save just leather enough to make one pair of shoes.

Then he cut his leather out, all ready to make up the next day, meaning to rise early in the morning to his work. His conscience was clear and his heart light amidst all his troubles; so he went peaceably to bed, left all his cares to Heaven, and soon fell asleep. In the morning after he had said his prayers, he sat himself down to his work; when, to his great wonder, there stood the shoes all ready made, upon the table. The good man knew not what to say or think at such an odd thing happening. He looked at the workmanship; there was not one false stitch in the whole job; all was so neat and true, that it was quite a masterpiece.
The same day a customer came in, and the shoes suited him so well that he willingly paid a price higher than usual for them; and the poor shoemaker, with the money, bought leather enough to make two pairs more. In the evening he cut out the work, and went to bed early, that he might get up and begin betimes next day; but he was saved all the trouble, for when he got up in the morning the work was done ready to his hand. Soon in came buyers, who paid him handsomely for his goods, so that he bought leather enough for four pair more. He cut out the work again overnight and found it done in the morning, as before; and so it went on for some time: what was got ready in the evening was always done by daybreak, and the good man soon became thriving and well off again.
One evening, about Christmas-time, as he and his wife were sitting over the fire chatting together, he said to her, ’I should like to sit up and watch tonight, that we may see who it is that comes and does my work for me.’ The wife liked the thought; so they left a light burning, and hid themselves in a corner of the room, behind a curtain that was hung up there, and watched what would happen.

As soon as it was midnight, there came in two little naked dwarfs; and they sat themselves upon the shoemaker’s bench, took up all the work that was cut out, and began to ply with their little fingers, stitching and rapping and tapping away at such a rate, that the shoemaker was all wonder, and could not take his eyes off them. And on they went, till the job was quite done, and the shoes stood ready for use upon the table. This was long before daybreak; and then they bustled away as quick as lightning.
The next day the wife said to the shoemaker. ’These little wights have made us rich, and we ought to be thankful to them, and do them a good turn if we can. I am quite sorry to see them run about as they do; and indeed it is not very decent, for they have nothing upon their backs to keep off the cold. I’ll tell you what, I will make each of them a shirt, and a coat and waistcoat, and a pair of pantaloons into the bargain; and do you make each of them a little pair of shoes.’
The thought pleased the good cobbler very much; and one evening, when all the things were ready, they laid them on the table, instead of the work that they used to cut out, and then went and hid themselves, to watch what the little elves would do.
About midnight in they came, dancing and skipping, hopped round the room, and then went to sit down to their work as usual; but when they saw the clothes lying for them, they laughed and chuckled, and seemed mightily delighted.
Then they dressed themselves in the twinkling of an eye, and danced and capered and sprang about, as merry as could be; till at last they danced out at the door, and away over the green.
The good couple saw them no more; but everything went well with them from that time forward, as long as they lived.

Maine Christmas Trees for the Holidays! Maine Tree Growers Participate in Trees For Troops Program

12/03/2015 02:04 PM EST

*Governor Paul R. LePage commends Maine Christmas tree growers for sending trees to armed forces members and their families*

AUGUSTA - Governor Paul R. LePage and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry are urging consumers to support local businesses by buying Maine Christmas trees this holiday season. Christmas tree buying season is in full swing and Maine Christmas tree growers are doing their part to support a national program to provide trees to armed forces members and their families as part of the national Trees for Troops effort.

"The Christmas season is an important time to give thanks for the many blessings we are given and show appreciation for the sacrifices that others make on behalf of our country," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Nothing says Maine more than a majestic, locally grown fir tree that graces a family living room. Thanks to the generosity of Maine Christmas tree growers, men and women of our armed forces will receive trees as part of the national Trees for Troops program. I commend Maine Christmas tree growers for doing their part to show appreciation for armed services members and their families and for all they do to help keep us safe."

 

 Commissioner Walt Whitcomb stressed the importance of Maine's forest industry and resources available to consumers seeking Maine Christmas trees.

"Maine's forest industry accounts for $8 billion in economic activity, with direct and indirect employment of 38,789 workers," said Whitcomb. "Maine tree growers grow a product that is symbolic of that industry and adorns family living rooms locally and beyond our borders. You can support the Maine economy by buying a Maine Christmas tree."

Maine Christmas Tree Association representative Jim Corliss highlighted the efforts of Maine growers to support the Trees for Troops effort. "Just this morning, we loaded 300 trees onto a FedEx Freight trailer bound for the U.S. Marine Corps base in Cherry Point, North Carolina," said Corliss. "This is part of a 10-year effort to provide free, farm-grown Christmas Trees to United States armed forces members in all branches of the military and their families, through donations, sponsorships, grants and the work of many volunteers."

Maine Christmas Tree Association:

The Maine Christmas Tree Association (MCTA) is a non-profit organization comprised of family farms that produce real Christmas trees and wreath products for retail, wholesale, mail order, or choose'n cut during the Christmas season. Producers may specialize or offer a combination of mail order, retail, choose'n cut or wholesale production of tree and wreath products.

The purpose of MCTA since it was incorporated in 1962 has been to promote real Christmas trees and share information about fresh Maine Christmas trees and wreath products with its members. This information includes the latest techniques in growing quality trees and wreath products to the care and recycling of Christmas trees.

Tree Selection and Care Tips: http://www.mainechristmastree.com/tree_information.cfm

Buying Resources: http://www.mainechristmastree.com/products.cfm

Trees for Troops:

Trees for Troops, a program of the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, provides free, farm-grown Christmas Trees to United States armed forces members in all branches of the military and their families, through donations, sponsorships, grants and the work of many volunteers.

Christmas Tree growers have been providing free trees for military families for years. In 2005, FedEx contacted the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable branch of the National Christmas Tree Association, and wanted to be involved in the foundation's mission. Together the two organizations expanded the idea of providing Christmas Trees to military families, and Trees for Troops was born.

Since 2005, more than 157,000 free, farm-grown Christmas Trees have been provided to troops and military families in the United States and overseas through Trees for Troops. Thousands of trees are donated by American farm families and the public, and FedEx delivers these trees to more than 60 military bases in the U.S. and overseas. FedEx has logged more than 573,000 ground miles for the Trees for Troops program.

Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting Agenda, Thursday, December 3, 2015

SELECTMEN’S MEETING

　

　

　

AGENDA: 4:00 PM Sue Collins – Paperwork/discussion

　

4:30 PM Robin Pierce – American Red Cross

　

6:00 PM Executive Session 1 MRSA § 405(6)(A)
SEE 1 MRSA 405(6)(A) HERE:  http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/1/title1sec405.html




Other business

Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage to Host Military Children's Christmas Party

12/03/2015 07:57 AM EST

AUGUSTA - Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage will host Military Families for a Christmas Party at the Blaine House from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2015.

Children and their families of Maine's military service members are invited to enjoy Christmas cookies and hot cocoa with the Governor and First Lady and with special guests, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

"Maine's military service members, and their families, make tremendous sacrifices on behalf of all of us," said Mrs. LePage. "Many children are faced with the difficult task of a parent leaving home for deployment and being gone over the holidays. This is an opportunity for the Governor and me to show how much we sincerely appreciate their sacrifices while spending time together enjoying some Christmas cheer."

Any military family wishing to attend should contact the Maine Army National Guard's State Family Program to register either online at www.jointservicessupport.org or by calling the Child and Youth Specialist at 207-430-5773.

Lebanon Resident Questions Code Enforcement Officer Qualifications With Regards to Criteria Set by Maine State Law.

Lebanon resident and Budget Committee Chairman Chip Harlow has asked us to share with you all an e mail that was penned to Lebanon Board of Selectmen Chairman Ben Thompson today, December 3, 2015, after a lengthy discussion with the Lebanon Code Enforcement Officer, Mike Beaulieu last evening.
Sharing this note and the corresponding Maine State Law is not finger pointing at any one person or town board, but a note to keep in mind as Mr. Harlow continues to research the requirements for Code Enforcement Officers in the State of Maine.
We'll continue to watch this situation, and let you know as things progress.
We thank Mr. Harlow for making this content available to the residents of Lebanon.
If you have questions or comments, we hope that you will take the time to ask, or state your concerns.
It is only through many eyes and many people working together that we will be able to figure this all out and come up with an acceptable resolution and answer.

To Ben Thompson, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Lebanon, Maine.

 

During the presentation of the CEO budget to the Budget Committee last night, a question was raised as to certification requirements for building standards. The CEO said there was no certification requirement.

As a resident, I find this response highly disturbing, because as you can see from the attached Chapter from the Dept of Economic and Community Development, there is indeed a certification for building standards as required by State law, 30-A MRSA, section 4451, subsection 5!!!

Specifically, see Sections 3 and 4 in the attached.

As a budget committee member, I also find this highly disturbing, because his new budget is asking to increase his hours to 35+ hours which would also make him eligible for benefits. Why should we be spending more money and giving benefits to someone who does not know the requirements of his job?? On top of this, it appears that due to Ben's friendship with the CEO, there may be an issue with impartiality in reviewing this issue.

While the CEO seems like a nice guy, I have deep reservations in his qualifications and ability as a CEO. If the town does not have a qualified inspector, this brings all sorts of other issues, as in legal issues, decreasing property values, and decreased revenue to the town, thus high taxes.

I would like to request a formal answer to this issue in a timely manner.

Chip Harlow
To see the Maine State Law that Mr. Harlow has examined and is questioning,
CLICK HERE:

http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/30-A/title30-Asec4451.html

Cheese Latke Recipe to Share with Family and Friends for Hannukah

Preparing Potato Latke for Hannukah
by Tori Avery of PBS Food Blog

Did you know that in addition to fried foods, dairy foods are also traditionally associated with Hanukkah? The custom of eating dairy foods for Hanukkah dates back to the Middle Ages, when the Book of Judith played an important role in the Hanukkah narrative. Judith was a celebrated Jewish heroine who saved her village from an invading Assyrian army. A beautiful widow, she plied the Assyrian army’s general Holofernes with wine and salty cheese. When the general passed out drunk, Judith beheaded him with his own sword. The Israelites launched a surprise attack on the leaderless Assyrian army and emerged victorious. In Judith’s honor, we eat dairy foods during Hanukkah.
 Though the Book of Judith is not considered a part of the official Jewish religious canon, the association between the Book of Judith and Hanukkah grew stronger during the Middle Ages. The Judith story predates the Maccabean Revolt; some scholars believe it is a reference to the real military events leading up to the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Whatever the case may be, this is one of my favorite Jewish stories, right up there with Queen Esther and the story of Purim. It’s got every element– a brave and beautiful heroine, an evil villain, wine, and cheese. What’s not to love?
Speaking of cheese and all things dairy, today I’m going to share with you a cheese latkes recipe as well as some history of latkes. These mouthwatering latkes are made with ricotta cheese. They have the same flavor as a cheese blintz filling in the form of a fluffy fried pancake. They’re fabulous, and every bit as appropriate for Hanukkah as potato latkes.
Of course we associate potato latkes with Hanukkah, but in reality latkes descends from Italian pancakes that were made with ricotta cheese. The first connection between Hanukkah and pancakes was made by a rabbi in Italy named Rabbi Kalonymus ben Kalonymus (c. 1286-1328). According to The Encyclopedia of Jewish Food by Gil Marks, the Rabbi included pancakes “in a list of dishes to serve at an idealized Purim feast, as well as a poem about Hanukkah. After the Spanish expelled the Jews from Sicily in 1492, the exiles introduced their ricotta cheese pancakes, which were called cassola in Rome, to the Jews of northern Italy. Consequently, cheese pancakes, because they combined the two traditional types of foods–fried and dairy–became a natural Hanukkah dish.”
Potato latkes are a more recent Ashkenazi invention that gained popularity in Eastern Europe during the mid 1800′s. A series of crop failures in Poland and the Ukraine led to mass planting of potatoes, which were easy and cheap to grow. But before potatoes came on the scene, the latke of choice was cheese.
In honor of Judith and the history of Hanukkah, give these cheese latkes a try. They’re super easy to make and they’ll melt in your mouth. Imagine cheesy blintz filling made into a fluffy little pancake. So creamy and delicious! Use full fat, high quality ricotta for best flavor results… if you’re on a diet, lowfat will work, too. Top them with a little something sweet like honey or agave nectar. Knowing the history behind the latkes will make them taste even better!

 

 

 

CHEESE LATKES

Ingredients

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ¾ cup flour
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tbsp granulated white sugar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Nonstick cooking oil spray, for frying

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients except the nonstick oil in a food processor. Process the mixture for about 45 seconds, pausing a couple of times to scrape the sides, until the mixture forms a thick batter.
2. Spray a skillet with nonstick cooking oil and heat over medium. Use a spoon to scoop up the batter, then pour it onto the hot skillet in the size/shape of silver dollar pancakes. Use 1-2 tablespoons of batter per pancake. Spread the batter out into a thin circle after it hits the skillet.
3. Fry the latkes for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Test the first latke for doneness and make sure it’s cooked all the way through; if the latkes are browning faster than they’re cooking, reduce skillet heat. Expect some variation in the shape of the latkes, they won't form a perfect circle. Serve immediately.
4. These latkes can be eaten plain or topped with a drizzle of honey. Other toppings include jam or preserves, sour cream, maple syrup, yogurt or agave nectar.

Tips/Techniques

Gluten Free Note: You can also make these latkes using a gluten free flour substitute mix. They will take a bit longer to brown, but they’ll still taste great!

Yield: 16-18 latkes