The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

R&M BOARD of DIRECTORS Fountainhead R&M Office (281) 893-4820 Fountainhead R&M Fax (281) 893-8490 Andy Richardson, President Sharon Hubbard, Vice President June Marshall, Secretary Charlotte Warwick, Grounds Andrew Siojo, Tennis & Pool June Marshall, Clubhouse Benjamin Johns, Playground Mike Tracey, Maintenance

KLEIN I.S.D. NUMBERS Greenwood Forest Elementary (832) 484-5700 Wunderlich Intermediate (832) 249-5200 Klein Forest High School (832) 484-4500 Vistas High School Program (832) 484-7650

If you would like to receive the Factor directly to

your email account, please visit our website fountainheadrandm.com and go to Media, then

Newsletter and submit your email address.

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS Constable’s 24 Hour Dispatcher (281) 376-3472 Center Point Energy (Power line down, power outage, street lights) (713) 207-2222 Center Point Energy (Gas problems) (713) 659-2111 Fountainhead MUD (Water Service) (281) 469-5740 Texas Pride (281) 342-8178 Harris County Animal Control (281) 999-3191 Harris County Pollution Control (281) 999-3191 Barbara Bush Branch Library (281) 376-4610

Due to Fire Hazards we do NOT encourage anybody to have fireworks in our subdivision at

any time.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION If you need any information about Fountainhead

HOA Properties please contact us at 281-893-4820 and leave a message or send a Fax to 281-893-8490.

Please refer to our website for infomation at fountainheadrandm.com For news letter editor email ahpolchen@hotmail.com.

Any concerns or you would like something posted in this newsletter, please submit your request to the clubhouse no later than the 25th of the month. Either call (281) 893-4820 or leave a signed note in the brick mailbox in front of the clubhouse. Your name is kept confidential.

For recycling information please follow the link below

How to recycle in NW Harris County Texas - Bing

It is very much appreciated if people would not throw their trash on our lawns nor curbsides.

Thank you!

Trash

Trash cans are to be out of sight and put out either the evening

before pick up day or the day of it. After pick up trash cans need to be

moved out of sight again

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

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11 12 R&M Board at Clubhouse

7 pm

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A Deed Restricted Community

Fountainhead www.fountainheadrandm.com

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

Homeowners Assessment dues If you have not paid your 2021 Fountainhead HOA dues they are as of April 1, 2021 $325.

Payable to Fountainhead R&M.

Constables Stats Report

To review the Constables Stats go to theFountainheads website on home page click on security.

Emergency Service

House numbers need to be bold and visible. Emergency services depend on these numbers. Remember, you might be the one who needs help. To get your street numbers re-painted

call 832.236.4886

Safety

Speeding and not stopping at stop signs in our neighborhood is becoming a major concern. Children playing, people walking and taking their pets out should be careful.

The danger is that it can hit close to home for anyone. To ensure the safety of your home make sure to pick up those newspapers/coupons in your front yard whenever they get tossed there. Someone might think nobody is home when they are left out there. Street lights play an essential role in keeping our neighborhood safe. Please report any non-functioning street lights in your area. Look for the number on the pole and report this number to the power company. The phone number to use is 713-207-2222.

ACC Concerns

Please honor our subdivision deed restrictions. When letters requesting corrections to violations are ignored the Fountainhead R&M Board has no other resource than to forward this violation to our lawyer. You then will receive a bill for legal services. Our ACC guidelines are for ALL residents benefit. Everyone, including renters, are expected to comply with deed restrictions. Before violations lead to legal action you can request an appointment to discuss the violation and work out a resolution. The R&M Board meets on the second Monday of each Monday at 7 p.m. at the clubhouse. Call the clubhouse at 281-893-4820 and leave a message requesting an appointment time. You will be called back. Well kept communities maintain good property values and attract good neighbors. Let"s work on cleaning up the dead bushes and cut the fronds off of the Palm trees, this will help the looks of our yard. We understand due to covid 19 vehicle tags were a problem but they are now available so please take care of those inoperable vehicles as they are a deed violation. They take up space in your driveway and make our subdivision look bad.

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

THE ACC COMMITTEE

Loud Music in our Subdivision Refer to your guidelines, which are online and in the green Fountainhed Architectural Control Guideline booklet. Speakers are not allowed outside code 3.84. If there is an issue with loud music after 12am please call the constable at 281.376.3472.

ANY IMPROVEMENT TO YOUR HOUSE/PROPERTY NEEDS TO BE APPROVED BY THE HOA BOARD.

PLEASE REFER TO THE ACC GUIDELINES, which you can find either on the fountainheadrandm.com website or in your Fountainhead ACC green booklet.

COMMUNITY CENTER PARKING

Parking space at the Clubhouse, Tennis and Pool area is reserved for activities at the Community Center ONLY. Parking of vehicles for other purposes is strictly prohibited. Driveways at residences are to be used for personal parking. Residents please park in your personal driveway.

TENNIS COURT

TRASH: After your tennis game please remember to pick up any trash on the tennis court. Your fellow residents appreciate your efforts. A clean neighborhood helps to keep our community values growing.

There are NO Dogs allowed on the tennis courts at any time LIGHTING: Players need to turn off all lights after exiting the courts. There are timers but waiting on the timers waste electricity by lighting unused courts. If you drive by and see the court lights on with no one playing, please help by turning the timers off. KEYS: Keys to the tennis court are available for all homeowners living in Fountainhead. All first issue keys are $25.00 . Call the office at 281-893-4820 and leave your name and number. You will be contacted concerning a day and time to get a key. PLAYGROUND: When using the playground pick up your trash when you leave.

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

CLUBHOUSE/POOL RENTAL

There will be NO rent out and group activities in the Clubhouse until the end of May and it will be re-evaluated at that time.

CLUBHOUSE/POOL RENTAL RATES:

$500 - Key/Damage/Cleanup Deposit $100 - Swimming Pool Rental $85 - Base Rental (Main Hall & Kitchen) $65* - Add Conference Room $20* - Add Pool Table Room $20* - Additional Table Rental * In addition to $85 Base Rental For a list of rental regulations or to inquire about reserving the Fountainhead clubhouse or swimming pool for your next event, call (281) 893-4820). The approval of a specific date is dependent upon availability. Checks for all rental fees and the key/damage/cleanup deposits are due with the reservation to sayour date. Homeowners reserving the pool or the clubhouse must be present during the entire party/get-together. The pool and the clubhouse cannot be rented together.

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

ESCAPE PLANNING

Plan Ahead! If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes or seconds to get

out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Everyone needs to know what to do, how to get out, and

where to go if there is a fire.

BE PREPARED…

· Make a PLAN. Draw a map of your home. Show all the doors and windows.

· Know at least 2 WAYS OUT of each room, if possible. All windows and doors should open

easily.

· SMOKE ALARMS – Have them and test them.

· Have a MEETING PLACE outside. It should be in front of your home, and EVERYONE should

meet here.

· PRACTICE your plan twice a year, during the day and at night, and practice different ways out.

· TEACH children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.

· CLOSE DOORS behind you as you leave.

IF THE ALARM SOUNDS…

· GET OUT AND STAY OUT! Never go back inside for people, pets, or anything else.

· GET LOW AND GO under the smoke to your way out.

· Call 9-1-1 from OUTSIDE your home.

YouTube Every Second Counts in a Home Fire—Practice Your Escape Plan

Visit http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/escape-planning/basic-fire-escape-

planning for more info.

www.championsfire.org

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

April Month

April is the fourth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, the fifth in the early Julian, the first of four months to have a

length of 30 days, and the second of five months to have a length of less than 31 days.

THE MONTH OF APRIL 2021: HOLIDAYS, FUN FACTS, FOLKLORE

EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT APRIL! By The Editors March 11, 2021

By April, spring has finally sprung, and if we’re lucky, the weather will reflect that! We hope that your sky is bright and clear and your grass is growing green. In celebration, check out the month’s holidays, recipes, gardening tips, and folklore!

THE MONTH OF APRIL The month of April gets its name from the Latin word aperio, meaning “to open [bud],” because plants really begin to grow now.

APRIL CALENDAR April 1 is All Fools’ Day—otherwise known as “April Fools’ Day.”

• The term "All Fools," was probably meant as a deliberate stab at All Saints (November 1) and All Souls (November 2) Day. Although the origin of playing practical jokes and pranks on this day is hazy, many folklorists believe it may go back to 16th-century France. At that time, New Year's Day was March 25, with a full week of partying and exchanging gifts until April 1. In 1582, the Gregorian calendar moved New Year's Day to January 1. Those who forgot or refused to honor the new calendar were teasingly called, "April Fool!" Weather folklore states, "If it thunders on All Fools Day, it brings good crops of corn and hay."

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

April 2 is Good Friday. Good Friday, also known as Great Friday, Holy Friday, or Sorrowful Friday, is a major Christian observance that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is a time for Christians to reflect upon his suffering and willing sacrifice to atone for the sins of mankind. Churches may offer special services, as well as cover crosses with black cloth as a sign of mourning. For some worshippers, it is a day of fasting.

• Good Friday occurs two days before Easter (which celebrates Christ’s resurrection). It is part of Holy Week, which starts with Palm Sunday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. In certain countries, such as Canada, it is an official public holiday. In the United States, a number of states declare this a state holiday.

• Traditional foods served on Good Friday include hot cross buns. These spiced sweet buns usually contain currants or raisins and are topped with icing in the shape of a cross.

April 4 is Easter Sunday. (May 2 is Orthodox Easter.) Easter 2021 will be observed on Sunday, April 4! Easter is a “movable feast” that is always held on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25. Do you know how the exact date of Easter is determined? Find out why the date changes every year and how this holiday relates to the first full Moon of spring.

WHAT IS EASTER? Easter is the most important feast day in the Christian calendar.

Regularly observed from the earliest days of the Church, Easter celebrates Christ’s resurrection from the dead, following crucifixion. It marks the end of Holy Week, the end of Lent, and the last day of the Easter Triduum (starting from the evening of Maundy Thursday, through Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday), as well as the beginning of the Easter season of the liturgical year.

The resurrection represents the triumph of good over evil, sin, death, and the physical body.

WHERE DID THE WORD “EASTER” COME FROM? Easter, also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, is a festival and holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

Let’s start with Pascha (Latin) which comes directly from Pesach, the Hebrew word for Passover. Going back to the Hebrew Bible and the story of the first Passover, Moses tells the Israelites to slaughter a passover lamb and paint its blood on their door. The Lord protected the Israelites from death by passing over their doors and would not “allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you down” (Ex. 12:23).

In the New Testament (1 Corinthians 5:7), Paul connects the resurrected Christ to Passover. He refers to Jesus as the paschal lamb who has been sacrificed for his people’s salvation. Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with his disciples during Passover, so it makes sense that the Feast of the Resurrection is connected with the Jewish holiday. Today, Christians celebrate the “Paschal mystery.”

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

So, where did the word “Easter” come from? The exact origin of the word “Easter” is unclear. It’s not as simple as saying it has religious origins or pagan origins.

Some historians suggest that it came from the phrase hebdomada alba, Latin for “white week,” used to describe the white garments new Christians wore when they were baptized during Holy Week. In Old German, the word became esostarum and, eventually, Easter.

The Venerable Bede, a seventh-century Anglo-Saxon historian also known as Saint Bede, writes that the word Easter comes from the Anglo-Saxon dawn goddess of fertility Eostre, also the goddess of the dawn, who originated in what is now Scandinavia. Over time, early Christians started referring to the Feast of the Resurrection by the name of the month in which it was celebrated—Eosturmonath (what we now call April).

Alternatively, Easter may have from an old German word for “east,” which in turn is derived from a Latin word for “dawn.” In the past, the word easter could mean “to turn toward the east” or “rising” and didn’t necessarily have any implied religious meaning. (Note: It was the Germans who invented the “Easter Bunny” who visited “good” children’s homes, much like they invented Santa Claus.)

Bottom line, no one knows the etymological origins of the word, “Easter.” It is one of the oldest Old English words.

In the end, it is unimportant whether Easter comes from the goddess of the dawn or the Latin word for dawn. In whatever language, Easter today is a Christian holiday to celebrate Christ’s resurrection—and the reminder that death brings life.

OUR FAVORITE EASTER RECIPES Traditional Easter dishes include seasonal produce as well as symbols of spring such as lamb, ham, eggs, asparagus, spring peas, hot cross buns and sweet breads, and a carrot cake.

Greek Easter Bread. Photo by Pasta/Shutterstock.

April 12 marks the start of Ramadan (beginning at sundown).

RAMADAN 2021: WHEN IS RAMADAN?

THE MEANING AND TRADITIONS OF RAMADAN

The holy month of Ramadan begins in the evening of Monday, April 12, 2021. Learn about how—and why—Ramadan is observed.

WHAT IS RAMADAN? Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is considered a holy month that honors the time when Allah, via the angel Gabriel, revealed the first verses of the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, to a caravan trader named Muhammad.

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

WHEN IS RAMADAN? This year, Ramadan is expected to begin at sundown on Monday, April 12, and end at sundown on Wednesday, May 12. The final evening of Ramadan consists of a celebration called Eid al-Fitr, when the traditional month-long fast is ended with a feast.

The exact beginning and ending times of Ramadan are based on the sighting of the Moon. Specifically, Ramadan is said to begin at the first observance of the new Moon over Mecca, Saudi Arabia (or on a date pre-determined by astronomical calculation). Because of this, start and end dates are not set in stone and may vary by a day.

The dates listed below are based on expected visibility, so may differ slightly from those seen elsewhere.

RAMADAN DATES

Year First Evening of Ramadan (fasting begins at dawn next day)

Final Evening of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr)

2021 Monday, April 12 Wednesday, May 12

2022 Saturday, April 2 Sunday, May 1

2023 Wednesday, March 22 Thursday, April 20

2024 Sunday, March 10 Monday, April 8

(Dates are according to the United States Naval Observatory and reflect North American regions.)

TRADITIONS OF RAMADAN Beginning at puberty, all Muslims (with certain exceptions, such as if one is ill, traveling, pregnant, elderly, etc.) take part in the month-long sunrise-to-sunset fast that is the hallmark of Ramadan. Muslims believe that fasting cleanses the body, and the practice reminds them of the suffering of the poor.

Eating and drinking (including water) is prohibited from sunrise to sunset, and the day’s abstinence is offset by a pre-dawn meal called sehri and a nightly meal known as iftar. For iftar, many traditionally break the fast by first eating dates, as the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have done to break his fast. Foods traditionally served at iftar vary; one such dish is the Kurdish Hot-and-Spicy Red-Lentil Soup. Food is often shared with a poor family during Ramadan.

At the end of the 29- or 30-day fast (depending on the length of the lunar cycle) is Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast), when there is much feasting and celebration!

April 22 is Earth Day. To celebrate, see some This year, we celebrate Earth Day on Thursday, April 22. The connection that we have to nature, plants, and the land is integral to our health and all that we are. Earth Day reminds us to take care of our planet—whether it’s cleaning up litter, planting more trees, recycling and repurposing, or going on a walk in a green space amidst the wildflowers. See ideas to celebrate!

The “green things growing” whisper me Of many an earth-old mystery.

–Eben Eugene Rexford

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

THE 51ST ANNIVERSARY OF EARTH DAY Earth Day 2021 will mark the 51st anniversary of this holiday. Typically, Earth Day is assigned a different theme or area of focus each year; this year’s theme is “Restore Our Earth.”

Most years, Earth Day events range from river cleanups to invasive removals. With social distancing still in place for many of us this April, Earth Day has gone digital. Virtual events, like environmental lectures and films, will take place on Earth Day (Thursday, April 22) instead. To see a catalogue of official events, visit earthday.org.

Of course, social distancing doesn’t mean that you can’t go outside and enjoy nature, as long as you do so responsibly! Nature is not cancelled!

WHAT IS EARTH DAY? Ever wonder how Earth Day began? The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970. Dealing with dangerously serious issues concerning toxic drinking water, air pollution, and the effects of pesticides, an impressive 20 million Americans—10% of the population—ventured outdoors and protested together.

President Richard Nixon lead the nation in creating the Environmental Protection Agency which followed with successful laws including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. Read more from EarthSky.org.

McConnell originally chose the spring equinox (March 21, 1970) and Nelson chose April 22, which ended up becoming the official celebration date. (Given that the date of the spring equinox changes over time, it could have made things more complicated to go with that date!)

Today, Earth Day is not only a day to increase awareness of environmental problems but it’s also become a popular day for many communities to gather together and clean up litter, plant trees, or simply reflect on the beauty of nature. We’ve provided a list of activities and projects that you can do to improve your local environment further down the page!

WHEN IS EARTH DAY? Earth Day is always celebrated on April 22. It’s followed closely by Arbor Day, which falls on the last Friday in April.

EARTH DAY DATES

Year Earth Day

2021 Thursday, April 22

2022 Friday, April 22

2023 Saturday, April 22

2024 Monday, April 22

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

10 EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES AND IDEAS Celebrate Earth Day by appreciating and respecting the natural world. Here are some ideas to inspire you!

1. Support our native bees: The super-pollinators of the garden are … native bees

2. Recycle and repurpose! Gardening needn’t be expensive. re-purpose everyday household items!

3. Plant wildflowers! 4. Reduce plastic dependency: Plastic permeates

every aspect of our lives, including the garden. But as the world wakes up to its addiction, just how easy is it to ditch plastic while growing and storing more of our own food? Don’t forget to recycle what plastic you can. And also, know what’s in all those bottled drinks!

5. Go native! Plants thrive best when they’re natural to your area. 6. Bring nature into the garden with plants that attract butterflies and plants that attract

hummingbirds! 7. Start an organic vegetable garden. 8. Conserve water 9. Plant more trees! 10. Get kids involved! Pass down a love of nature and plants with kids.!

EARTH DAY QUOTES AND POETRY Wish a friend a Happy Earth Day with one of these beautiful quotes!

The thirsty earth soaks up the rain, And drinks, and gapes for drink again. The plants suck in the earth and are With constant drinking fresh and fair. –Abraham Cowley

Summer, fall, winter, spring, The seasons rotate as each brings Its special beauty to this Earth of ours. Winter’s snow and summer’s flowers; Frozen rivers will flow come spring, There is a renewal of everything. –Edna Frohock

The season comes when, from her three-month trance, The Earth awakens: already her deep heart Begins to stir, and send its life abroad. –Thomas Buchanan Read (1822–72)

While the bright radiant sun in centre glows, The earth in annual motion round it goes; At the same time on its own axis reels, And gives us change of seasons as it wheels. –The 1793 Old Farmer’s Almanac

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

April 24 is the birthday of Robert B. Thomas, the founder of The Old Farmer’s Almanac!

ROBERT B. THOMAS'S BIRTHDAY

Founder of The Old Farmer's Almanac. Born in Grafton, Massachusetts, nine years before the start of the

American Revolution, Thomas was brought up on a farm in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. He was fascinated by

science and at age 16 read Ferguson's Astronomy, which he came across in his father's library. He later wrote

that "it was from the pleasing study of this work I first imbibed the idea of calculating an almanack." With this

dream in mind, he became a bookseller, taught school, built a store and bindery near the family farm, and

studied astronomy in his spare time. In early 1792, he went to Boston to study mathematics under the tutelage

of another almanac maker, Osgood Carlton, and that fall delivered the copy for the first edition of what he

called The Farmer's Almanac to printers Joseph Belknap and Thomas Hall. With its format and contents

established, it was ready for the longest publishing tenure in American history. Although Thomas died more

than 150 years ago and 12 Almanac editors have followed him, no other name but his has ever appeared on the

cover of The Old Farmer's Almanac. See more about the history of The Old Farmer's Almanac at

www.Almanac.com/history

April 30 is National Arbor Day.

LEARN WHY WE CELEBRATE ARBOR DAY—AND PLANT A TREE! Arbor Day occurs this year on Friday, April 30. Dedicate a tree to someone who is special to you, and check out these facts about Arbor Day and the man who founded it.

WHEN IS ARBOR DAY? Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April, although some states observe it on dates that better coincide with the local area’s planting times. For instance, Hawaii celebrates Arbor Day on the first Friday of November, and Alaskans celebrate it on the third Monday in May.

ARBOR DAY DATES

Year Arbor Day

2021 Friday, April 30

2022 Friday, April 29

2023 Friday, April 28

2024 Friday, April 26

WHAT IS ARBOR DAY? Arbor Day, much like Earth Day, is a holiday that celebrates nature.

Its purpose is to encourage people to plant trees, and many communities traditionally take the opportunity to organize tree-planting and litter-collecting events on or around the holiday.

A popular Arbor Day tradition is to plant a tree in honor or memory of a loved one.

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

A New York City school celebrates Arbor Day 1908 by planting trees. Looks like fun! Photo by George Grantham Bain, courtesy of The Library of Congress. THE HISTORY OF ARBOR DAY Arbor Day sprouted from the mind of a zealous tree lover named Julius Sterling Morton, who had a passion for planting all kinds of trees.

The first Arbor Day occurred on April 10, 1872, in Nebraska City, Nebraska. It’s estimated that nearly one million trees were planted on this day.

By 1885, Arbor Day had become a legal holiday in Nebraska. (The date was changed to April 22 to honor Morton’s birthday, which was also the 22nd of April.) On that day, thousands of Nebraska City citizens turned out for one big party, including 1,000 school-children who formed a parade.

Within 20 years of its creation, the holiday was celebrated in every American state except Delaware, which eventually joined in.

Particularly pleasing to Morton was the fact that schools across the country began celebrating Arbor Day by dedicating the trees they planted to special people.

WHO WAS JULIUS STERLING MORTON? Morton was born in Adams, New York, in 1832, but his life took a decisive turn on his wedding day in October 1854. After he and his bride, Caroline Joy French, were married in Detroit, they headed west for adventure in the wilds of Nebraska Territory. The couple settled on 160 treeless acres (the key word here is treeless).

Despite having a busy career and four sons, Morton planted thousands of trees on the homestead he called the Morton “ranche.” He planted an apple orchard, as well as peach, plum, and pear trees, plus cottonwoods, evergreens, beeches, and more.

Julius Sterling Morton Morton took every opportunity he could to spread the word. He gave speeches and filled his newspaper with agricultural advice, urging Nebraskans to plant trees and try new crops.

Today, the family home, Arbor Lodge, is a state park in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Over the years, Arbor Lodge grew from a four-room home into a 52-room mansion, complete with a terraced garden, a pine grove, and 65 acres of more than 250 varieties of trees and shrubs.

J. Sterling Morton died at the age of 70 on April 27, 1902, writing just a month earlier that he hoped to plant trees as soon as the weather turned warm. A statue of him stands in the National Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C.

Highlights from Morton’s Career

• Morton worked as a journalist and a politician, becoming secretary and acting governor of the Nebraska Territory from 1858 to 1861.

• In 1872, Morton declared: “If I had the power, I would compel every man in the State who had a home of his own to plant out and cultivate fruit trees.”

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

• In 1893, President Grover Cleveland appointed him U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. He also served on the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture and the State Horticultural Society.

Secretary of Agriculture Edwin T. Meredith and the District Federation of Women’s Clubs plant a tree in honor of J. Sterling Morton in May 1920. Photo courtesy of The Library of Congress. ► Fun Fact: Arbor Day was almost called Sylvan Day, which means “wooded.” Several members of the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture favored it, but Morton argued that sylvan refers only to forest trees and that the name Arbor Day was most inclusive, covering forest trees and fruit trees.

“Just for Fun” Days

• Apr. 1: Sweet Potato Day • Apr. 6: International Pillow Fight Day • Apr. 7: National No Housework Day • Apr. 17: Blah, Blah, Blah Day • Apr. 21: Go Fly a Kite Day • Apr. 26: National Richter Scale Day • Apr. 27: National Sense of Smell Day

APRIL WEATHER A cold April, the bar will fill.

This month brings us some capricious weather! April rains bring verdant pastures, but also umbrellas and rain boots!

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

CREAM OF FIDDLEHEADS SOUP

• Early spring means fiddleheads! These are the young, tightly curled fronds of the ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris). If you can’t find fiddleheads, you could try this soup with sliced fresh asparagus, but we urge you to try and hunt down these delightful tender plants of spring if you can!

• Fiddleheads are the young furled-up Ostrich fern. They’re named for their resemblance to the ornamental ends of fiddles and other stringed instruments.

• You can harvest fiddleheads for free if you know where to find them. These edible ferns grow prolifically in wild and wet areas near water throughout New England and eastern parts of Canada.

• Also, you can often find fiddleheads at local farmers’ markets and health food stores but this short-lived delicacy can be pricey.

• Note: The ostrich fern’s young shoots look like a number of other young ferns—many of which are inedible or even poisonous. ONLY consume foraged fiddleheads if you can CONFIRM that they are indeed those of the ostrich fern!

WHAT ARE FIDDLEHEADS? • In April, young ferns sprout from wet soil here in New Hampshire, appearing bright

green against the decaying leaves. These are the fiddleheads, so-called because the very tops—furled tight when young—look like the tuning end of a fiddle.

• Fiddlehead ferns are the popular name for Ostrich ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris) which grow in central and eastern North America. Ferns require liquid water to reproduce, so you’ll often find them near streams and moist, forested areas.

• Many Native American tribes would harvest fiddleheads, and they are even commercially harvested in the spring in Canada and New England.

COOKING WITH FIDDLEHEADS

• Have you ever eaten fiddleheads? Many readers say it tastes like a cross between asparagus, baby spinach, and artichoke. It has a grassy, spring-y flavor with a touch of nuttiness. Fiddleheads are a very healthy green tonic, packed with antioxidants, omega acids, iron, and fiber.

• Caution: In North America, it’s only the ostrich variety that is harvested; it grows in central and eastern part of North America. Fiddleheads must be picked before the fronds open to be edible. Each fern plant will produce several tops that turn into fronds. It’s best to take only half the tops per plant so they grow back. If you aren’t clear on how to forage, visit your local green grocer. They’re only available fresh or a few weeks in springtime, but they’re also sold frozen and canned.

• Many people in this area cook the young fiddleheads for an asparagus-like treat. They need to be cooked thoroughly before eating. Although they’re not identified as toxic, it’s a safe precaution. Remove the husk, wash three times in cold water, and then either boil

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

for 15 minutes or steam lightly in a steam basket for 10 to 12 minutes, just until tender crisp.

A LITTLE FERN HISTORY

• Ferns first show up in fossil records from a time over 100 million years BEFORE dinosaurs walked the Earth. In fact, ferns grew before flowering plants existed. There are thousands of species from those which are a few inches tall to others which resemble trees.

• Long ago, people couldn’t explain how ferns reproduced since they lack flowers or seeds. Fern seeds were thought to make one invisible!

• Today we know that ferns truly don’t have flowers or seeds. How do they reproduce? They have “spores.” With sunlight and photosynthesis, the spores grow into what is called gametes which are able to fertilize the sperm and start to move it into the fern plant. This is completely different than anything that happens with any other sort of flower! No wonder people were confused.

• It was this mystery of the non-flowering fern that led to folklore about mystical flowers as seeds.

MIDSUMMER EVE LORE During the Middle Ages, ferns were thought to flower and produce seed only once a year—at midnight on St. John’s Eve (June 23) prior Midsummer’s Day. Traditionally, this was a celebration accompanying the summer solstice.

• Since the seeds couldn’t be seen, they were believed to be invisible. According to lore, they could only be found once a year on St. John’s Eve (June 23), also called Midsummer Eve. The possessor of these “seeds” could understand the language of birds, find buried treasure, and have the strength of forty men.

• This folklore is also intertwined with Midsummer Day (June 24); bathing in the dew on this morning was said to bring youthful glow and healing.

• FERNS FOR HEALING Historically, ferns have been an important source of medicine for various ailments, especially for ancient tribes.

• The spores on the underside of the fern provide relief to the stinging nettle (which is often nearby).

• When boiled in oil or fat, Ophioglossum vulgatum has been used for wounds and to reduce inflammation.

• A poultice or lotion made from the roots of Botrychium. virginianum has been applied to snakebites, bruises, cuts and sores in the Himalayas.

• The powdered rhizomes of Adiantum lunulatum has been used as an antidote to snakebite in India.

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

• Extract of fresh leaves of Nephrolepis cordifolia has been used to stop bleeding of cuts and help in blood coagulation.

• The paste of the leaf of O. reticulatum has been applied to the forehead to get rid of headache.

• Filtered water extract of rhizome of Abacopteris multilineata has been used for stomach pains.

FERN SYMBOLISM The ancient fern has a history rich in symbolism. As mentioned above, ferns were seen as good luck, often for new lovers. The fern symbolizes eternal youth.

• To the indigenous Maori of New Zealand, the fern represented new life and new beginnings.

• To the Japanese, the fern symbolizes family and the hope for future generations. • According to Victorians, the fern symbolized humility and sincerity. People love ferns,

whether they grow them in their yard or as houseplants. •

If your yard has indirect sunlight and moist soil, consider growing ferns outdoors. They are one of the more deer-resistant plants, too. This page includes a list of native ferns in North America.

As houseplants, common ferns are the Boston Fern and the Staghorn Ferns.

• Boston ferns grow well with temperatures that are 68 to 75 degrees F during the day and 50 to 69 degrees F at night. They require humidity between 50 and 80 percent, and they do not like drafts. Boston ferns stop growing from fall to winter and during this dormant stage like the temperature to be 50 degrees, minimal watering (the soil should be barely moist), and no fertilizer. During the winter, mist the leaves twice a day. The fern’s root system can occupy up to three quarters of the solid space in the pot without harm, and this plant does not like to be repotted.

• Staghorn ferns are often presented as gifts. They can not be planted in ordinary potting soil, so that’s the first thing to check. They should be placed on a piece of bark or (unreated) wood board. Place a few handfuls of damp sphagnum moss or orchid mix on the board and place the fern on top so that the flat round basal fronds are touching the board. Firmly secure the fern to the board with twine, a thin wire, or fishing line. (The fern will attach itself to the wood eventually.) To water staghorn fern, soak the entire arrangement in a bucket or sink. Keep the fern in the shade and water daily until it takes hold of the wood. Feed every two weeks year-round with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

FARRO SALAD WITH BASIL AND FETA

Farro, an ancient grain, is cropping up on menus everywhere and can be found in grocery and health food stores. Many compare it to spelt, though they’re in fact different grains—

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

farro is nuttier and more flavorful. Give the grain a try in this healthy Farro Salad With Basil and Feta.

INGREDIENTS 3 cups cooked farro 4 to 5 sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese 6 to 8 basil leaves, roughly chopped 2 to 3 scallions, finely chopped 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon balsamic or red-wine vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS In a bowl, combine farro, tomatoes, feta, basil, and scallions.

In a separate bowl, whisk together oil and vinegar. Pour over salad and stir to incorporate.

APRIL BIRTHSTONE: THE DIAMOND

DIAMOND COLORS AND MEANINGS The April birthstone is the diamond. This gem is a symbol of everlasting love. Learn more about the hardest gemstone on Earth.

APRIL BIRTHSTONE COLOR Although often colorless, diamonds also may appear in yellow, brown, red, pink, orange, blue, or green, from pale to intense; the more saturated the hue, the more valuable the stone.

The blue Hope Diamond, once owned by the kings of France and now displayed in the Smithsonian, is a famous example.

DIAMOND FUN FACTS The diamond, composed solely of carbon, is the hardest gemstone and can be cut only by another diamond. Diamonds form about 90 miles deep in Earth, at tremendous pressure.

It is believed that the first engagement ring that contained a diamond was given in 1477 by Archduke Maximilian of Austria to his fiancee, Mary of Burgundy. Today, diamonds are the most popular choice of stone for an engagement ring.

In Sanskrit, the diamond is called “vajra,” which also means lightning; in Hindu mythology, vajra was the weapon of Indra, the king of gods.

The largest known diamond is 2,500 miles wide and weighs approximately 10 billion trillion trillion carats.

A crystallized white dwarf star, it is located in the constellation Centaurus, about 50 light-years from Earth. It is nicknamed “Lucy,” after the Beatles song, “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds.”

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021

DIAMOND SYMBOLISM

Diamond symbolizes everlasting love. It was also once thought to protect against poison.

It’s said that wearing a diamond will protect you from negative energies and bring you peace.

If you dream of wearing diamond earrings, you will receive good financial advice. APRIL’S QUIZ Which event did not happen in April?

A. “Shot heard ’round the world”/Battles of Lexington and Concord

B. Mutiny on the HMS Bounty

C. First transcontinental railroad completed at Promontory Summit in Utah Territory

D. Harrowing flight of Apollo 13

See answer below!

RHYME TIME April cold with dripping rain Willows and lilacs brings again, The whistle of returning birds, And trumpet-lowing of the herds. –Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82)

Oh, how fresh the wind is blowing! See! The sky is bright an clear, Oh, how green the grass is growing! April! April! Are you here? –Dora R. Goodale (1866–1953)

ANSWER TO QUIZ: C, on May 10, 1869. (A. April 19, 1775; B. April 28, 1789; D. April 11–17, 1970)

The Fountainhead Factor - Your Neighborhood Newsletter – April 2021