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March 5, 2020
March
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Expertise & Experience • Burials • Cremation Columbarium • Pre-Burial Arrangements • Monument Markers & Memorials
The Meaning Behind The Shamrock When talking about Ireland & its culture & symbolism, many different images come to mind. Affectionately known as the Emerald Isle, Ireland is perhaps best known for its bright green hue. Irish flags & even harps are symbolic of the nation, but there is perhaps one symbol that most widely represents the country: The shamrock. A shamrock, by definition, is a young sprig of clover. However, plant experts actually have said that shamrocks are a distinct species of the clover plant, believed to be the white clover. The word “shamrock” is derived from the Irish “seamróg,” which translates as “young clover.” Over the centuries, this diminutive plant has come to symbolize Ireland & many things Irish. The shamrock also is a popular symbol of St. Patrick’s Day. The shamrock & Irish culture are so intertwined thanks to Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick. Legends attest to St. Patrick using the three petals of the shamrock to illustrate the mysteries of the Holy Trinity to the Celtic pagans. Each leaf represented the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit. The shamrock of Ireland has three leaves, not four as many people believe. The number three had significance in Ireland long before St. Patrick began to convert the masses. According to Blarney.com, the number three was believed to have magical properties & was a recurring theme in Celtic folklore. Because the Celts were familiar with the shamrock, it became easy to convert their knowledge of the shamrock to the magic of the trinity. The three leaves are also said to stand for faith, hope & love. The four-leaf clover is a separate entity & a rarity. That is why the fourth leaf is deemed to be “lucky.” But that lucky clover is not the traditional Irish symbol. Thanks to their connection with Ireland, shamrocks are often gifted by the Prime Minister (Taoiseach) to the President of the U.S. each St. Patrick’s Day. They are presented in a special Waterford crystal bowl featuring shamrocks in the design. This practice started in 1952. Shamrocks also can be seen on Irish clothing designs, the Erin go Bragh flag & the uniforms of several Irish sports teams. Of course they also are seen during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The shamrock & Ireland will always be linked.
Boone County Council On Aging Annual Dinner Spring is in the Air Moose #295 Buffet Dinner to be held Tuesday, April 7th, 5-7 PM at 575 Beloit Rd., Belvidere. This is a community service project benefitting the Boone County Council on Aging. The evening will include a 50/50 raffle & gift basket raffle. Tickets are available at the Keen Age Center, 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere. Adults - $15 if purchased before April 7th(no refunds) & $17 on April 7th or at the door. Kids 4-12 years are $9 and 3 & Under are Free. For more information call 815-544-9893. To schedule a ride, please call 815-975-9059.
(Includes Engraving)
(Weekends Slightly More)
BCelvidere emetery Association
Frank Lloyd Wright Pettit Chapel 1121 N. Main, Belvidere 815-547-7642
Belvidere “Ace Is The Place With The Helpful Hardware Folks.” • Paint • Key Center • Hardware • Tools • Electrical • Plumbing • Lawn & Garden • Screen & Window Repair • Carpet Express Shampooer • Propane • Kerosene & More
BELVIDERE HARDWARE Open Monday-Friday 7 am - 6 pm Saturday 7:30 am - 5 pm • Closed Sundays
Corner of Main & Meadow 302 Meadow St., Belvidere 815-544-9888
How Can I Help?
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Belvidere,
IL
REET PUB
111 BUCHANAN ST. | BELVIDERE, IL 61008 815-547-1012
The Keen Age Center Lending Closet If you need a wheelchair, commode, walker, toilet riser, shower chair, or bathtub transfer seat, etc., check out the lending closet. Some of the items are stored at an off-site facility, so please call first at 815-544-9893. Before you purchase anything new, check the lending closet first. It will save you & your insurance from paying unnecessary dollars. We do accept donations for our lending closet as well. We are currently accepting Rollators (Cadillac Walkers), incontinent pads, and small, medium, large & x-large depends. Thank you to those who have donated. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.
• All-On-4 Implants • Dental Implants • Implant Support Dentures • Bone Grafting • Cosmetic Dentistry • General Dentistry • Sleep Dentistry
Cemetery Lots $850-$900 Columbarium Double Niche $2500 Grave Openings $950
SUNDAY-TUESDAY | 11 AM-2 AM WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY | 7 AM-2 AM FRIDAY-SATURDAY | 6 AM-2 AM
YOUR BELVIDERE DENTIST! We’ve been building smiles right here in Belvidere for more than 30 years!
140 N. State St., Belvidere, IL 61008
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