Why Do People Bob For Apples on Halloween? By A.D. 43, Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. In the course of the four hundred years that they ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain. The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of "bobbing" for apples that is practiced today on Halloween. The History Channel http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/halloween/index.jsp?page=origins

Save Energy this Winter Worried about high heating bills this winter? Wondering how you're going to pay for  fuel and electricity? The US EPA's Energy Star program has created a color photo step-by-step guide for homeowners to help them air seal and insulate their homes and conserve energy. Here are a few tips for preparing for winter to help save energy and keep some of that green in your pocket at the same time. http://www.energystar.gov/homesealing

Prevent cold air from entering your home. Inspect your home and seal any cracks or openings around windows, doors, fireplaces, pipes, electrical outlets and bathroom, kitchen or clothes dryer vents. Weather stripping, caulk, or fiberglass insulation can be used for this purpose.

If you own an older home, adding storm windows can reduce heat loss by up to 50 percent.

Add insulation to your attic to prevent heat loss through the roof.

Have your furnace or heating unit serviced to ensure it is working safely and efficiently.

Set your thermostat at 68 degrees and dress warmly.

Haunted Houses The White House is said to be not only one of the most haunted buildings in the world, but also the building with the most famous haunters! Read about the following famous White House ghosts at the History Channel.com: Abraham Lincoln Dolley Madison Andrew Jackson Abigail Adams David Burns Some other famous haunted houses include the Borley Rectory, the Tower of London, the Queen Mary (though not technically a house), the Whaley House, and Raynam Hall.

View of the White House North Portico circa 1900 Photo: Library of Congress

New Tools and Publications

Soil Survey Information Now Available Online

The USDA recently launched a Web Soil Survey site that will provide secure public access to the national soils information system. This site is a simple yet powerful way to access and analyze soils data that contributes to every aspect of public and private land use and development. http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov In Pennsylvania, soil mapping can be accessed at http://soilmap.psu.edu/. 

Clean Water Act Manual Published

The River Network recently published a new edition of a comprehensive manual that gives advice about how to use the Clean Water Act to solve real-world problems. The manual contains expanded information on Antidegradation, Stormwater permits, TMDLs and more. References, websites and other resources have been updated. The "Owner's Manual" explains crucial sections of the Clean Water Act, points out how to get involved in regulatory decisions, and tells local stories of others who've done so. The manual can be ordered from River Network at: http://www.rivernetwork.org/marketplace/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=5 .

Community-Based Watershed Management Handbook Released

The EPA has released a new handbook entitled, Community-Based Watershed Management: Lessons from the National Estuary Program. The handbook is an update to Saving Bays and Estuaries, published in 1989. While the new handbook focuses on estuaries, its principles and examples are relevant to any organization involved in watershed management. Topics covered range from starting a program, identifying problems, and solutions to plan development and action steps. http://www.epa.gov/owow/estuaries/nepprimer  

Juniata Sub-Watersheds Characterized in New Report

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) recently announced its 2004 findings for water quality, biology and habitat conditions in the Juniata River Subbasin. Overall, streams in the subbasin were in good health. However, agricultural operations appeared to be a large source of impairment for the polluted stream stretches, with abandoned mine drainage (AMD) pollution and urban stormwater problems also having marked effects in select areas. http://srbc.net/techreports.htm 

Life on the Delaware Documentary Distributed Nationally on PBS Stations

“Life on the Delaware,” a documentary about the Delaware River from its headwaters to the Delaware Estuary, has been accepted by American Public Television for distribution and airing by all US Public Broadcasting Stations. Check your local PBS station listings for when the documentary is airing. A DVD version of the documentary that includes an educational study guide and an accompanying website is also available through GreenTreks. http://www.greentreks.org/onlocation/delaware_river/documentary.asp 

 

Newsletter Editor/ Design and Layout:  Rebecca Buerkett

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