February 21, 2023: “Every year, Mardi Gras falls the day before Ash Wednesday. And this timing is no coincidence. Ash Wednesday marks the official beginning of Lent, a period of prayer, fasting, and repentance that Catholics and some other Christians observe before Easter. While today, Catholics commonly abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent, in the past, Lenten fasting was far more strict.
“Mardi Gras” is French for Fat Tuesday. The holiday is also known as Shrove Tuesday (from an Old English word meaning to confess) or Pancake Day. Historically, people would spend Fat Tuesday (and sometimes the weeks leading up to it) indulging in the foods (and behaviors) they would abstain from during Lent.”
Also, today is Fastnacht Day meaning “fast” and “night” in German where fastnachts are served as a precursor to the start of the Lenten season. Fastnachts are heavy, yeast-raised potato donuts featured prominently in Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. Also, similarly, it’s Pączki Day. Pączki is the specialty fried dough filled with jams or custard served on the last day to indulge in foods before the traditional 40-day period of fasting before Easter.
The weather today will be mostly cloudy in the morning, then become mostly sunny. A 50% chance of showers. Breezy, with highs in the upper 40s and a low of 29. West winds of around 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, increasing to 45 mph in the afternoon.
A 2015 Yamaha VX Waverunner & 2021 Loadrite Trailer have been listed in our Online Marketplace. Check out this deal under the “boats” category!
The featured film for Garrett 8 Cinemas’ Tuesday Movie of the Week is “A Man called Otto.” The movie centers around Otto, a grumpy man who has lost his will to live after the death of his wife. However, his life takes a positive turn when a young family moves in nearby. You can enjoy this movie for just $6.00 per show.
Today, Ruth Enlow library is hosting programs for children. Kids can participate in the Children’s Story Time and the Young Readers’ Book Club. All children are welcome to attend these programs.
The Grantsville branch is hosting a community assistance outreach program today in partnership with the Garrett County Department of Social Services. Representatives from the department will be available at the library to offer their services to the community.
The Board of County Commissioners will have its public meeting today. The meeting will also be live-streamed here.
If you’re keen on volunteering with GLAF, you’re invited to attend a special “MEET AND GREET” event at the Performing Arts Center, Garrett College, today at 5:00 PM. You’ll have the opportunity to meet the GLAF Board, enjoy some light refreshments, and learn about some incredible volunteer opportunities.
MoonShadow is celebrating FATtuesday tonight! If you’re feeling the winter blues, come and enjoy some Po’ Boys and New Orleans Jazz. It’s just what the doctor ordered to lift your spirits on a Tuesday. Remember, outside of New Orleans and MoonShadow, it’s just an ordinary Tuesday!
