Today is Friday, April 22, 2022
Today is Earth Day!
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Today we expect mostly sunny skies and a high near 83°, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Tonight – Mostly clear, with a low around 64°, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday – Sunny, with a high near 82°, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Saturday Night – Mostly clear, with a low around 65° with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Sunday-A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high near 80°, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Sunday Night – Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 57°.
Today is Earth Day! The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970. Prior to this, there was virtually no environmental movement. Factories pumped toxins into the air, recycling was almost non-existent, and gas guzzling vehicles were the norm. The seeds of the modern movement had been planted, however, with the publishing of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring in 1962. This book raised the public’s awareness of pollution and its effect on health. In 1969, water pollution and chemical waste disposal came to the attention of the public, after the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland caught fire.
Democratic Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin was deeply concerned about environmental issues. After witnessing the Santa Barbara oil spill in 1969, he began planning for the first Earth Day. This was during the time of Vietnam War protests and teach-ins, and Nelson thought he could bring the problems of pollution into the public consciousness by organizing similar types of teach-ins. He hoped that by shining a spotlight on environmental issues in this way, there may be a chance of bringing them into the realm of national priorities, where they had yet to be seen. He announced Earth Day at a conference in Seattle in September of 1969.
Nelson told the media there would be a teach-in about the environment, and began organizing. Pete McCloskey, Republican Congressman from California, became co-chair of the first Earth Day. Denis Hayes, the young student president of Stanford University, became the national coordinator. He had a staff of 85 people and organized with student volunteers and members of Senator Nelson’s office. April 22 was chosen because it was between spring break and final exams, so more university students could be involved.
Twenty million people participated during the first year. Rallies for the environment were held in most major American cities, such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and New York City. Various environmental groups joined forces in a way they hadn’t before, awareness was raised, and public attitudes were changed.
Nelson’s goal of a shift in national priorities soon came to fruition. The Environmental Protection Agency was created by the end of the year. Earth Day also helped bring about the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. All of these pieces of legislation were passed within three years of the first Earth Day.
The twentieth anniversary in 1990 became a global campaign. Dennis Hayes once again organized the event, and 200 million people in 141 countries were involved. The days’ focus was on raising awareness for and increasing recycling around the world. Hayes also organized the event in 2000, with global warming and clean energy being the focus. 5,000 environmental groups and 184 countries were involved in the day.
In 2010, a climate rally with 250,000 attendees was held at the National Mall, and an environmental service project called A Billion Acts of Green was started. A tree planting project—which eventually became The Canopy Project—was also started. Almost every country in the world was involved in the day. Today, more than a billion people are involved each year, making it the largest secular observance in the world. It brings people together in civic participation and political action, and the day is highlighted with marches, petitions, and rallies, and the cleaning of neighborhoods, roads, rivers, parks, and beaches.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” ― The Lorax
“It’s not about what it is, it’s about what it can become.” ― The Lorax
Upcoming Fundraisers and Events
NEW: On Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23 the Massac County High School Drama will present Alice in Wonderland on Friday and Saturday at 7 PM at MJHS gym.
Project Hope Humane Society has scheduled their Spring Vaccine and Microchip Clinic. It will be Saturday, April 23rd from Noon until 4 pm. No appointment is necessary. Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in a carrier. If you need additional information, message their Facebook page or call the shelter at: 618.638.4555.
On Saturday, April 23rd, from 7A until 2P the Dongola Community Yard Sale will take place.
On Monday, April 25th at 6:30 – The Massac County High School will have their band/choir spring concert.
NEW: On Monday, April 25th, the Joppa-Maple Grove Beta Club will be holding an Induction Ceremony at 5pm in the JHS Cafeteria. All elementary, junior, and senior Beta members should be in attendance. This pinning ceremony is a milestone event in Beta history, recognizing all Beta members in the district and promoting the Beta creed. Beta Club members should arrive at school by 4:45pm. Please contact jclark@joppa38.com or emay@joppa38.com with any questions.
On Friday, April 29th, beginning at 6 PM, Cordavino’s Restaurant will host Name That Tune Remixed! This event will benefit the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce. The cost is $150 per team, with up to 6 players per team. $100 to sponsor the event, and $225 for a team/sponsor combo. To sign-up call Chad Lewis at (270)217-6371.
MAY
Attention All Ladies!! SuperBowl in Metropolis will begin hosting their Ladies Bowl Free Nights on May 3rd! Come in every Tuesday from 5PM to 10PM for Fun on Them! Must be 18 or Older to Participate.
On May 7, from 7A until 12P the Massac County Home and Community Education will be having a Benefit Sale. The Benefit Sale will take place at the Massac County Community Center on Korte Rd. This will be a great time to select Mother’s Day gifts, special bargains, crafts, and garden plants. All proceeds will go to HCE to help with programs they offer in the community.
JUNE
The 2022 Vienna City-Wide Yard Sale will take place on Friday and Saturday, June 3rd and 4th.
On Friday, June 10th beginning at 5AM – The Super Museum Presents Hidden Gems SUPER mini Con Everyone is invited to come out to the Hidden Gems Super Mini Con and meet actors Jeff East, Jack O’Halloran, and Douglas B Myers. The Hidden Gems Super Mini Con coincides with the 44th Annual Superman Celebration. there will be vendors food and all sorts of festivities. Tour the world famous Super Museum and shop Hidden Gems Novelty and Collectibles.
On Saturday, June 11th at 8AM the Superman Bicycle Ride will take place at Washington Park. 10, 40, and 60 mile rides with rest stops and “sag wagon” support. The Superman Bicycle Ride is a tour through historic Massac County in southern Illinois. Come explore the countryside surrounding the Home of Superman — Metropolis, IL, located on the banks of the Ohio River, along I-24, halfway between St. Louis, MO, and Nashville, TN. Parts of the routes follow the old Ohio River bed before the channel changed its course hundreds of years ago. Enjoy the country charm as you pass by this majestic farmland.
Metropolis Art Classes Summer Camp 2022 – Monday, June 13th: Stuffed Pet Camp (morning or afternoon session) – Bring your favorite small (think beanie baby size) stuffed animal to camp! We will be making a home and accessories for your little buddy.
Monday, June 20th: Robot Camp (morning or afternoon session)
Monday, June 27th: Landscapes on Canvas (morning or afternoon session)
-Suggested age: 1st grade and up, $15 per student covers all supplies, Message on Facebook or email kortneykennedy@gmail.com to reserve a spot, Minimum class size of 4, maximum of 9
More Upcoming Fundraisers and Events
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