Blood Moon and Trifecta

Today, March 3^rd, marks the Lantern Festival – the fifteenth and final day of the Chinese New Year celebration.  While the lunar calendar dictates the first full moon of the lunar new year falling on this day, this year a total lunar eclipse has also brought blood moon in the early morning of the Lantern Festival.

By pure serendipity, a trifecta of events last week paved the way for the celebration of the Lantern Festival: the inter-agency lunch meeting led by Healthy Talbot at Mid Shore Behavioral Health on Thursday, a grant writing workshop sponsored by Mid-Shore Community Foundation at the Chesapeake College on Friday, and MY Tech Clinic organized by us (Apollo's Dream Foundation) at the Talbot County Free Library on Saturday.

As a first-time attendee of the interagency meeting, I was amazed to see so many nonprofits and government agencies in Talbot County focused on empowering children, youth and families. I found it inspiring to learn about other organization’s work, while building connections with potential partners for our MY Tech Clinic and MY Tech Restore programs.

Friday’s workshop is yet another example of Mid-Shore Community Foundation’s commitment to helping local nonprofit organizations of all sizes to learn and grow. Having participated in several workshops, I am impressed by the consistent high quality of the instructor, the content and the overall experience. Lili Leonard from Black Dog Philanthropic used humor to put everyone at ease, creating an energized environment where participation felt entirely natural. In addition to learning about grant writing tips, tools and processes, I again made some great connections with people that do amazing work in the community. To name just a few, Queen Anne's at Home, where seniors help each other out at the Queen Anne's County, and MY Pantry, a food pantry open 7 days a week in a doctor’s office in Cambridge.

Before Saturday’s MY Tech Clinic, we knew it was going to be a busy one, indicated by the large number of RSVPs. What we did not expect was that a long line had formed 30 minutes prior to the start of the session. We had a record-tying 24 attendees, half of whom were first-timer participants. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, each attendee received the attention and help they needed. As usual, everyone left our clinic with a smile on their face. As our biggest champion, the library posted pictures on their Facebook, and the post has generated a wave of positive reactions and multiple shares. This further proves the need for technology literacy in our community.

In Chinese tradition, the full moon, with its perfect round shape, symbolizes wholeness, togetherness, and family reunion. The blood moon, alongside the Year of the Fire Horse, symbolizes energy and passion.  

At Apollo’s Dream Foundation, as we celebrate this Lantern Festival, we look forward to expanding our circle this year.  Afterall, π Day is quickly approaching, and we invite you to join us for another MY Tech Clinic that day! And maybe we will set a new record together!