Early Easter is rare

By Dolores Saurer | The Daily Journal

Published Saturday, March 22, 2008

I have heard many comments on how early we have Easter this year — so I did a little research on how the date is determined.

The process was first introduced with the reform of the Gregorian calendar in 1582. Although there is a more detailed explanation, put very simply, Easter is the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.

This year the spring equinox was on March 20, the full moon on the 21st and, of course, Easter Sunday falls on March 23. The earliest we may have Easter is March 21 and the latest, April 25. The last time Easter was earlier than this year was in 1818 when it occurred on March 22, and this never happened at all in the 20th century. So, indeed, Easter is early this year.

I wonder how many people are celebrating a birthday this Easter Sunday? We will be celebrating all March birthdays of our members next Thursday, the 27, at 11:30 a.m. at the center. Happy birthday to all of them. Why not join us for the festivities?

Make an advance reservation and stay for the noon meal featuring pork roast.

The Driver Improvement Refresher class is being offered by Community Education on Monday, March 31, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Alternative Learning Center. Register and pay the $18 fee in the Community Education office.

Speaking of the 31st, don't forget our annual spelling bee at the Senior Center on that date, at 1 p.m. If you wish to be a candidate, a word list is available. Register and pick up a copy in the senior office. Everyone is welcome to attend and cheer on the spellers. There will be prizes and refreshments afterward.

I'm sure you have heard about the 2008 economic stimulus payments, but, remember, in order to receive this payment, you must file a 2007 federal tax return. This is necessary even if you have no filing requirements or if you don't normally file a return. If you need help in filing, call the Senior Center (736-6842) and make an appointment with one of our tax counselors.

Finally, a point of interest: In a recent issue of Parade Magazine, Marilyn vos Savant was asked, "What is the best barometer of a country's morality?" Her response: "The esteem in which society holds its elderly."

Happy Easter.

Dolores Saurer is a member of the Fergus Falls Senior Center Program.