NIAGARA, Wis. — Our long-awaited spring has finally arrived in the northwoods. The special color of green that pops out on the trees is everywhere, along with the lilac blooms and crabapple blossoms. Of course, there will be the danger of one more frost before we can completely breathe a sigh of relief so, to be on the safe side, we will be covering the flowers we have just planted — at least the ones in the lower-lying areas of our yard. That final late frost should really be of no surprise. It seems to be a tradition that it must visit one final time just after the flowers are in the ground. It is like the blizzard that follows the storing away of the snowblowers and shovels; Mother Nature’s way of reminding us that she decides when the snow and cold depart for good. We mere humans have no say in the matter.

Of course, with spring comes the annual community-wide rummage sales. Norway and Niagara have both held theirs. And there will always be the houses that missed the date and will set items out on the curb with signs that read “free” in the hopes that their trash will find a new home as someone else’s treasure — thus saving them a trip to the dump. This time of year always reminds me of my brother. He just loved rummage and estate sales and visited as many as he could throughout the spring and summer. He and I had a different idea of antiques. He strongly believed they should be left as you bought them — worn wood and cracked leather intact. I was of the mind that if a chair had good bones, it could be made better with refinishing and new upholstery. We just had to agree to disagree.

Another tradition that arrives with spring is graduation. I recently found an article that explains the origin of many of the traditions associated with that event. No matter which high school or college ceremony one attends, most of these traditions will be part of the day. First, and most obvious, are the caps and gowns. The gown evolved from the long cleric’s garments worn by medieval scholars as far back as the 12th century. They not only symbolized the scholar’s status, but provided a way for them to keep warm in the drafty, unheated buildings in which they studied. Today, robes worn at high school graduation ceremonies generally are in school colors. Those worn at college ceremonies are black, and the professors are generally decked out in black robes as well with the addition of more colorful stoles that flow from the shoulders and denote the color of their alma maters, as well as their advanced degrees.

Caps were initially long hoods before evolving into skull caps and ultimately into square, flat mortar boards sometime in the 1700s. In 1895, the tradition changed to require the addition of a tassel to be attached to the midpoint of the flat mortar board. Before the tassel was designated as the standard, pom poms sat atop the mortar boards.

The ceremonial mace typically seen at college graduation ceremonies, and carried by the president or faculty chairman, is meant today as a symbol of the school’s authority. It was actually inspired by the maces medieval knights used to clobber one another.

The stirring, and very formal, “Pomp and Circumstance” that is played during the processional march as graduates arrive to collect their degrees, was composed in 1901 and originally performed in 1902 to honor the coronation of King Edward VII of Great Britain. It was first heard in the United States during a graduation ceremony at Yale University when Edward Elgar, the song’s composer, was awarded an honorary degree. It quickly spread to other schools across the country.

A common sight at today’s graduation ceremonies are mortar boards decorated with messages such as “Thanks Mom and Dad” or “Hire Me.” The practice actually began in the 1960s and was associated with protests against the Vietnam War. Back in 1895, this practice would have horrified academia, but today colleges and universities actually encourage the freedom of expression.

The presence of celebrity commencement speakers has evolved over the decades. These impactful speeches had initially been the responsibility of the graduates themselves as a way of showcasing what they had learned by attending the university. Over time, the speech giving responsibilities shifted to administrative leaders of the university, then to alumni who had done well professionally, then to national leaders. Today, commencement addresses are given by a broader array of celebrities from chief justices, to past presidents, to famous athletes, to respected celebrities in all fields.

Though colleges have been awarding degrees for centuries, they did not start handing out diplomas as evidence of them until much later. Harvard gave out the first diploma in 1813, 170 years after its first graduation ceremony. Early diplomas were often printed on parchment made from animal hide; hence the slang term “sheepskin” was adopted to refer to the diploma. High school diplomas date back to the mid-1800s.

The granting of honorary degrees dates back to the 15th century in England, according to the archives of Oxford University. The first prominent U.S. example was Harvard’s bestowing of an honorary master of arts on Benjamin Franklin in 1753. Most of these honorary degrees reflect profound accomplishments. There were others awarded, however, that did not carry the same level of solemnity. Such lighthearted degrees include: “Master of Innuendo and Snappy Comebacks” to ventriloquist dummy Charlie McCarthy (Northwestern University in 1938); “Master of Bovinity” to Borden mascot Elsie the Cow (Ohio State in 1948); and “Doctor of Amphibious Letters” to Kermit the Frog (the former Southampton College in 1999).

The switching of the mortar board’s tassel from the right to the left once the graduate has their degree in hand established itself as a tradition by 1909 in the United States. Not all experts on academic attire agreed. In 1935, an attempt to further standardize graduation dress codes frowned upon the practice, stating, “To move the tassel so that it will hang over the left side of the cap as a feature of the conferment of the Bachelor’s degree has no warrant in precedent or common sense… It may lie in any direction with equal meaning, since a passing of breeze will determine its position at any time.”

That same 1935 attempt at standardization also tried to prohibit the tossing of the mortar boards into the air at the conclusion of the graduation ceremony. The practice had begun decades earlier when the United States Naval Academy graduating class of 1912 threw their midshipmen hats into the air upon earning their officer hats. The Navy’s “hat toss” soon spread to other colleges, universities and high schools — and even to the British Isles.

No matter how or why they were formed, traditions play an important role in our culture. They unite us in common understanding of the important milestones of our personal and collective histories.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Group activities are ongoing, and doors are unlocked for visits. They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents.

Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV/find the difference, 10 a.m.; devotional reading.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; room visits, 1:30 p.m.; coffee chat, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Bible study, 10 a.m.; jam workout, 10:30 a.m.; horse racing, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Gardening, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; Yahtzee, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday: No information available.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; “You Be the Judge,” 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: “Name That Tune,” 9:15 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/Animal Kingdom, 9:30 a.m.; picnic at Gibson, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; faces and places, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday: No information available.

Optalis Healthcare

(formerly ManorCare/ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is open for visitation. Visitors no longer need to call in advance.

Sunday: Table talk, 9:30 a.m.; devotional, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Memorial Day ice cream social, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Leisure cart, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; trivia, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 2 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday: No information available.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Visitation is allowed as long as all infection control guidelines are followed, including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Scattegories, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Morning mingle, 10 a.m.; courtyard cabana — ice cream sodas, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; garden planting, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Uno, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday: No information available.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. There are no group activities at this time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; left-center-right, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Karaoke, 10:30 a.m.; Phase 10, 2 p.m.

Monday: “The Price is Right,” 10:30 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; social circle, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Casino outing, 10 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; social circle, 3:30 p.m.; Uno, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Baking, 10:30 a.m.; social circle, 2 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; trivia, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; social circle, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Reminiscing, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

The center, at 415 Main St. is open four days a week, serving soup and sandwich meal from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

The center’s new cook prepares meals on site.

Tuesday: Rigatoni, corn and salad.

Wednesday: Crunchy flounder, baked potato and broccoli salad.

Thursday: Pork loin, mashed potatoes and gravy and vegetable.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Open for dine-in eating Monday through Thursday, serving at noon. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Liver or sausage, parsley potatoes and mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Chicken stew with biscuits.

Wednesday: Sloppy Joe, browned potatoes and California-blend vegetables.

Thursday: Pork chop, mashed potatoes and gravy and carrots.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Bitsy Peryam

906-875-6709

The center is open on Mondays and is serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Memorial Day — Center is closed.

Tuesday: Tacos with seasoned pinto beans and Mexican rice.

Wednesday: Penne pasta with meatballs and garlic bread.

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA — independent from above menu) —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, noodles and beets.

Tuesday: Chicken enchilada, mixed vegetables and peaches.

Wednesday: Ribs, baked beans, pasta salad and corn-on-the-cob.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, noodles, corn and dinner roll.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels home-delivered program only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, noodles and beets.

Tuesday: Chicken enchilada, mixed vegetables and peaches.

Wednesday: Ribs, baked beans, pasta salad and corn-on-the-cob.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, noodles, corn and dinner roll.

Friday: Egg salad sandwich, cucumber salad, peaches.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Les Artistes’ art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played; Happy Quilters, 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday: No activities at this time.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken sandwich, chips and Jell-O cup with fruit.

Wednesday: Chef’s salad, cottage cheese and dinner roll.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, noodles and beets.

Tuesday: Chicken enchilada, mixed vegetables and peaches.

Wednesday: Ribs, baked beans, pasta salad and corn-on-the-cob.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

(ADRC) of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Sweet and sour pork, rice, Oriental vegetables and fruit.

Wednesday: Chicken cordon bleu bake, peas, fruit and berry cobbler .

Thursday: Mushroom Swiss burger, oven fries, baked beans and fruit.

Friday: Black bean soup, baby carrots, cornbread and fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Open Monday through Thursday, serving at 11:30 a.m.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Monterey chicken, red smashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, fruit pudding and whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Baked ham, sweet potatoes, green beans, tropical fruit and dinner roll.

Thursday: Turkey roll-up, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, peaches and whole wheat bread.

Friday: Fish filet, garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli, fresh fruit and dinner roll.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Open for dine-in eating, serving at 11 a.m. Salad bar is available. No night meals at this time. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Center is closed for Memorial Day: Turkey and cheese sandwich, chips and yogurt — meal will be delivered May 30.

Tuesday: Chili, quesadilla and applesauce.

Wednesday: Chef salad, cottage cheese and boiled egg.

Thursday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, California blend vegetables and full salad bar.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $7 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Chicken salad sandwich, stuffed pepper soup and fresh fruit salad.

Wednesday: Lasagna, salad, breadstick and peaches with topping.

Thursday: Chop suey, rice, chow mein noodles, hot applesauce and dessert bar.

The center will have bingo on Wednesday this week.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski. 

906-563-8716

Open for dine-in eating beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Pork loin, mashed potatoes and vegetable.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken, rice and stir fry vegetables.

Thursday: Salmon, macaroni and cheese and vegetables.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Biscuits and sausage gravy, fried potatoes and asparagus.

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo, buttered noodles and broccoli.

Thursday: Barbecue chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.

Home delivered meals ‚

Monday: Swedish meatballs, noodles and beets.

Tuesday: Chicken enchilada, mixed vegetables and peaches.

Wednesday: Ribs, baked beans, pasta salad and corn-on-the-cob.