Presidents’ Day or Washington’s Birthday?

Presidents’ Day is observed annually on the third Monday in February. In 2023, Presidents’ Day will be celebrated on Monday, February 20.

Although the holiday is most often referred to as “Presidents’ Day,” the observed federal holiday is officially called “Washington’s Birthday.”

Washington’s birthday was celebrated on February 22 until well into the 20th century.

In 1968, Congress passed the Monday Holiday Law to “provide uniform annual observances of certain legal public holidays on Mondays.” By creating more 3-day weekends, Congress hoped to “bring substantial benefits to both the spiritual and economic life of the Nation.”

Additionally, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is in February (on the 12th), so by calling the holiday “Presidents’ Day,” we can include another remarkable president in our celebrations as well.

In a sense, calling the holiday Presidents’ Day helps us to reflect on not just the first president, but also the founding of our nation, its values, and what Washington calls in his Farewell Address the “beloved Constitution and union, as received from the Founders.”

Today, George Washington’s Birthday is one of only eleven permanent federal holidays established by Congress. One of the great traditions followed for decades has been the reading by a U.S. senator of George Washington’s Farewell Address in legislative session, which remains an annual event to this day.


Around Town

Blue Ridge Film Festival
Blue Ridge Community Theater

FEB 24 – FEB 26
9:00 AM –10:00 AM

Are you a film lover looking to discover the next big thing in independent cinema? Or a filmmaker looking to connect with other like-minded artists and showcase your work? Look no further than the Blue Ridge Film Festival! Our mission is to preserve independent film through the nurturing of independent voices, and we are committed to discovering new and original voices in the film industry. The festival takes place over three days Friday – Sunday. Click here for more information

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

MARCH 18 – 11:00 AM

Everyone welcome to join in for the annual St Patrick’s Parade

Downtown Blue Ridge

Enjoy brews, food and shopping in Downtown Blue Ridge after!
Go Green! Dress Festive:
Wild hats & accessories, crazy outfits, even costumes.. The more green the better! Click here for more information

Cork & Canvas ~ Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association

MARCH 4, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Support the arts as you enjoy wine samplings from various area vintners.
Each event admission ticket includes free samplings from our local area vintners and pouring partners, commemorative BRMAA wine glass, and savory gourmet food selections. This year’s event also includes a stock your cellar wine grab, large silent auction, and a count the corks raffle. Click here for more information

The Great Ape Escape 5K-ish ~ Project Chimps

MARCH 25, 9:00 AM –2:00 PM

Race begins at 11:00 a.m.
Join us for our 2nd Annual Great Ape Escape 5K-ish!

Invite your friends and family to walk, run, or hike this fun off road race!
Click Here for More Information!

Nana’s Naughty Knickers ~ Blue Ridge Community Theater

APRIL 6 – APRIL 23

Bridget and her grandmother are about to become roommates. However, what Bridget saw as a unique opportunity to stay with her favorite nana in New York for the summer quickly turns into an experience she’ll never forget. It seems her sweet grandma is running an illegal boutique from her apartment, selling handmade naughty knickers to every senior citizen in the five-borough area!
Will Bridget be able to handle all the excitement? Will her nana get arrested – or worse – evicted?
Click Here to Purchase Tickets

2nd Annual Sasquatch Strut 5K and Fun Run

April 22nd, 7 AM – 5 PM
Harrison Park, Ellijay

Come out to the 2nd Annual Sasquatch Strut 5K and Fun Run presented by Friends Of Harrison Park, Inc. in Ellijay Georgia.
Stay after the race and enjoy the Trails Fest with activities for all ages!! Packet pick up begins at 7 AM!
Click here for more information
Click here for the details on ACTIVE.COM


Real Estate

realestate-blueridge.com


Local Lender – Rebecca King!
SWBC Mortgage

Phone: (706) 487-8003
Mobile: (706) 835-8112

Click here to go to her website


In The Kitchen

Red Velvet Peanut Butter Blossoms

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (193.5 g) creamy peanut butter
  • 1⅓  cups (267 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
  • 1 ½ cups (187.5 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • ⅓ cup (67 g) red sanding sugar
  • 1 bag Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. LIne a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, add butter, peanut butter, and sugar. Mix for 2 minutes on medium speed. Reduce to low speed and add in egg, milk, vanilla, and red food coloring. Mix for about 30 seconds to incorporate. Then, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and blend until light and fluffy.

In a separate bowl sift cocoa, flour, baking soda, and salt. With the stand mixer on slow speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat until just combined.

Remove the mixer bowl from the stand. Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, drop dough onto the lined baking sheet. Roll each scoop of dough into a ball.
Pour red sanding sugar onto small plate or bowl.

Roll each dough ball in red sanding sugar and place it back onto the prepared cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each ball of dough. (If you prefer the cookies extra chewy, chill for 10 minutes in the freezer before baking.) Bake for 7-8 minutes.

When the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately press a chocolate Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie should crack around the edges.

Allow cookies to cool to room temperature before serving.


Don’t forget our Furry Friends!!! – humanesocietyofblueridge.org


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