Opinion: March: A time to celebrate

Happy first day of Spring. The Vernal Equinox, the season of renewal, runs until the Summer Solstice arrives on June 20. The four annual Solstices signify the first days of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. March has quite a few observances to celebrate on our calendar.

One very special event commemorated on Thursday is the 17th anniversary of the incorporation of Madera Printing and Publishing, the parent company of The Madera Tribune. Founded on March 18, 2004, this is the day the late Chuck Doud along with a group of investors, most of them local, made a leap of faith and purchased Madera’s local newspaper.

During this time period, we were in danger of closing our doors, probably forever. In my mind, I think of us as MP2.

We are all very grateful to the community, its civic leaders and service clubs for their support all these years.

One of my favorite Tami Jo Nix-isms is that nothing in Madera really happens until you’ve read it in the Madera Tribune. The Internet has changed the dynamics of a hometown newspaper a lot. Historically radio and television drastically changed the way news is disseminated and yet newspapers survived. I really believe our industry will bounce back. The thought that in 100 years the things that are printed in the Tribune will be one of the sources researchers can turn to for a look about what happened in Madera through the decades keeps me recording the stories of Madera.

I may be guilty of the sin of Pride, but our circle of dedicated employees does as much good as possible for my hometown.

Hopefully, the powers that be, might forgive me for that.

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One occurrence not being celebrated is that it has been a year since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 Pandemic. The fact that several vaccinations have been developed during that year is being celebrated too. I am grateful to have received the two-step vaccine administered by the Madera County Social Services.

It makes me skeptical as I wonder just how many vaccinations and cures are too profitable to be delivered?

I know this cynical, but it is truly food for thought.

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The Leprechauns left their trails of green this week. Rainbows, pots of gold, shamrocks, looking for four-leaf clovers, breakfast cereal and Irish blessings commemorate the month.

“May the road rise with you, may the wind be always at you back, may the good Lord hold you in the hollow of his hand.”

This was part of an Irish hymn the late Lois Worthington taught every year to her glee clubs and choir classes at Madera High School. I spent a great deal of time in her classroom.

She said the Irish and many others may wear green on St. Patrick’s Day but, the Protestants like her, wear orange.

That makes sense as the flag of Ireland bears two stripes one green the other orange.

St. Patrick’s Day is steeped in traditions from the Emerald Isle.

Much like the Pied Piper of Hamlin, Germany, and the infestations of rats, St. Patrick it is said drove the snakes out of Ireland. When the townsfolk refused to pay him for his services the Pied Piper, with his multi-colored garments, led their children out of town.

The snakes in Ireland are an allegory for the wickedness of the island, according to National Geographic online.

Drinking green beer and eating Irish dishes are just a couple of ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

According to the Food Network the five go-to St. Pat’s delicacies include Corned-beef and Cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Soda Bread and Colcannon, mashed potatoes and cabbage casserole.

The holiday recipes are plentiful on cooking shows, print ads and Websites this month.

Since author Dr. Seuss, full name Theodor Seuss Geisel, celebrated his birthday on March 2 try the dish called Chop and Chip. Made with a giant Iowa pork chop marinated in pesto and served with two eggs, lets you enjoy “Green Eggs and Ham,” the unusual fare from one of his most well-loved stories.

Helping honor Dr. Seuss, “Read Across America,” events have been established to provide books and encourage reading for kids of all ages. Monetary contributions and book donations given to the local library help promote literacy and reading, nationwide.

Another cause for many is the celebration this month is the birthday of Cesar Chavez on March 31. Considered humble and dedicated, his crusade fought against poor working conditions, low wages and dangerous chemicals usage by farmworkers. Chavez engaged in hunger strikes for safe housing and educational opportunities for the children of migrant workers.

These widely publicized hunger strikes are said to have contributed to his death on April 23, 1993, at the age of 66.

The last 25 years Chavez became a vegetarian and a vegan as well.

As an animal activist, he stopped eating meat after realizing animals feel fear, hunger, cold and unhappiness.

“It was my dog “Boycott,” who led me to question the right of humans to eat other sentient beings,” Chavez said. when Chavez died, he was laid to rest next to his dog.

Long days and pleasant nights, have a great weekend.

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Readers may contact Tami Jo Nix by emailing tamijonix@gmail.com or following @TamiJoNix on Twitter.