NIAGARA, Wis. — Many of us look forward to May for a host of reasons. Most years there is a definite shift in the weather. April showers diminish, and we finally see the end of frost and freeze warnings. We begin to “green up” as the winds shift from northwest to southwest, and the days offer us many more hours of sunlight. We mow our lawns and plant our flowers, and our thoughts turn to picnics and backyard fun with friends.

Traditionally, May’s Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer vacation season as another school year comes to an end. When I was a kid, this holiday marked the beginning of a three-month break from the routine and discipline of school. Time seemed to slow to a snail’s pace as the long summer days stretched out before me. I took hikes with friends, spent time on my grandparents’ farm, and explored the shores of Rush Lake at my uncle’s fishing “shack” — comparable to a hunter’s camp up here. I could sleep late and read as much of whatever I wanted. And the buses that had taken us to school every day were now used to transport us to a Green Lake park so we could go swimming; an added bonus of summer vacation! As a family, we enjoyed the simple pleasures of an occasional picnic and frequent evening car rides to Pickett to get a four-scoop ice cream cone for a dime because the owner of the place was a shirttail relative of my mother’s.

But there is a somber significance to Memorial Day as well. I distinctly remember as a kid in grade school pausing for a moment of silence followed by the “Pledge of Allegiance” in honor of all those brave soldiers who gave their lives for the benefit of the rest of us. In high school, I was a band member so we marched every year in the Memorial Day parade.

It ended on the grounds of the city hall for a formal, and very somber, ceremony commemorating the ultimate sacrifice that was made by so many. Our mayor gave a speech, a local minister led a prayer, taps were played by the band member who was the first chair trumpet player, and everyone wore a single red poppy that had been distributed at the local grocery stores.

I did a little research into the establishment of Memorial Day, and it yielded some interesting information. Initially, the day was set aside to honor those who died in America’s Civil War, which ended in the spring of 1865 and claimed more lives than any conflict in our nation’s history. It required the development of our country’s first national cemeteries. By the late 1860s, Americans in various towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.

In the beginning, this special day was called Decoration Day because of the custom of decorating veterans’ graves, and the date was chosen because it was not the date of any particular battle that had taken place during the Civil War. The day eventually became known as Memorial Day and after the devastation of World War I, broadened its observation to include those fallen soldiers as well. Today, we honor veterans of World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well.

I found the history behind the poppy to be very interesting. From 1914 to 1918, World War I claimed more soldiers’ lives than any previous conflict, with some 8.5 million troops dead of battlefield injuries or disease. The Great War, as it was then known, also ravaged the landscape of Western Europe, where most of the fiercest fighting took place. Across northern France and Flanders (northern Belgium), the brutal combat between the opposing soldiers tore up fields and forests, destroying trees and plants and wreaking havoc on the soil beneath. But in the warm early spring of 1915, bright red poppies

began peeking through the devastated landscape of the battle-scarred land. Thanks to the famous poem entitled “In Flanders Fields” and written by John McCrae, this little red flower took on powerful significance. Not only did its color symbolize the blood that was shed, but its staying power represented the resilience and tenacity of the soldiers themselves who persisted against all odds. Their courage and sacrifice ensured the freedoms we still enjoy.

Today, nearly a century after World War I has ended, millions of people in the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand wear the poppy every November 11 (known as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day) to commemorate the anniversary of the ending of World War I. In the United States, the tradition has developed a little differently.

We Americans don’t typically wear poppies on Nov. 11, our Veterans Day, which honors all living veterans. Instead, we wear this little red flower on Memorial Day — the last Monday in May — to commemorate the sacrifice of so many men and women who have given their lives fighting for this country. To this day, it is a powerful symbol of remembrance and gratitude.

If you have not read or heard it recited in a while, here is that poem:

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

So, as we enjoy our month of May with its sunshine and its promise of fun-filled and carefree summer months to follow, let’s not forget to pause for a moment and remember… remember the countless lives given freely — and lost — so we can enjoy our tomorrows filled with picnics and poppies.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

906-774-1530

Freeman’s has resumed small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly with screening and COVID-19 testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal, however they are all looking forward to a great get together when it is safe to do so.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

906-874-1501

Sunday: Morning room visits; exercise, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.; name that word, 2 p.m.; afternoon room visits.

Monday: Morning room visits; bingo, 9 and 10 a.m.; memory books, 1:30 p.m.; afternoon room visits.

Tuesday: Morning room visits; exercise, 10 a.m.; mystery ride, 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; garden club, 2 p.m.; afternoon room visits.

Wednesday: Morning room visits; bingorama, 9 and 10 a.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; afternoon room visits.

Thursday: Morning room visits; bowling, 9:30 a.m. traveling happy hour, 1:30 p.m.; United Lutheran, 2 p.m.; afternoon room visits.

Friday: Morning room visits; cooking group, 9 to 11 a.m..; current events, 2 p.m.; afternoon room visits.

Saturday: Word game packet; morning room visits; mandala coloring, 9:30 a.m.; yahtzee, 2 p.m.; afternoon room visits.

Manor Care

906-774-4805

Limited visitation has resumed for family and friends. Appointments must be made in advance by calling the center.

Maryhill Manor

715-251-3172

Scheduled visits are being allowed in the facility’s living room. Call ahead to reserve. The weekly Happy Hour and bingo have resumed for residents only.

Sunday: Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; Coffee and “Jeopardy,” 10:15 a.m.; snacks and “Yahtzee,” 2 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Protestant service, 9 a.m.; you be the judge, 10:15 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Church service, 9 a.m.; coffee, cookies and brain teasers, 10:15; resident council, 2 p.m.; bingo, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Church service, 9 a.m.; parachute, 10:15 a.m.; monthly birthday party, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” 10:15 a.m.; nickel jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Bag toss, 10:15 a.m.; happy hour and music/pizza party, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Derby day, 10:15 a.m.; Netflix movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Golden Living Center

Florence

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed in designated areas only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 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. Residents have resumed some small group activities.

Victorian Pines

774-5158

Limited visitation has resumed in resident apartments only.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Coffee social, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass, channel 66.1, 11 a.m.; trivia, 2 p.m.

Monday: Bus ride, 10:30 a.m.; shopping, 2 and 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Bingo, 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Bus ride, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Bingo, 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; “Trouble”, 6 p.m.

Friday: Bunco, 10 a.m.; room visits, 1:15 p.m.; rosary on 66.1, 2:30 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3:30 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

The Amasa Center is a curbside pick-up-only kitchen for now. Call ahead for Tuesdays through Thursdays. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Beef stroganoff, noodles, carrots and broccoli salad.

Wednesday: Sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, corn and tomatoes.

Thursday: Meatloaf, baked potato, peas and lettuce.

Note: All meals include milk, bread and butter, fruit and dessert.

Breen Center

906-774-5110

Call for home delivery or a to-go box. Menu for the week —

Monday: Liver or sausage, potatoes and carrots.

Tuesday: Italian soup and garlic biscuits.

Wednesday: Baked salmon, rice and asparagus.

Thursday: Pork chops, potatoes and corn.

Friday: Beef stew and corn bread.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head cook: Lucy Korhonen

906-875-6709

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-239-0278

Home-delivered meals only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheeseburger, tater tots, peas and carrots.

Tuesday: Sweet and sour chicken, noodles and Oriental blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Tomato soup, grilled cheese and spinach salad.

Thursday: Stuffed cabbage rolls, noodles and California blend vegetables.

Friday: Turkey and cheese sandwich, coleslaw, chips and string cheese.

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

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

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Carry-out only — call ahead. Menu for the week —

Monday: Barbecue pork, oven browned potatoes and salad.

Tuesday: Swedish meatballs, potatoes, gravy and California blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Biscuits and gravy, fried apples and hash browns.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Home-delivered meals only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cook’s choice: entrée, vegetable and fruit.

Tuesday: Pasties, spinach salad and fruit.

Wednesday: Pulled pork sandwich, potato salad, baked beans, fruit and birthday cake.

Thursday: Chef’s salad, bread sticks and cottage cheese with fruit.

Friday: Philly cheese steak casserole, carrots and fruit.

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

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

For meal reservations, call 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

For meal reservations, call 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Tipler Town Hall

For meal reservations, call 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

For meal reservations, call 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Home-delivered meals only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Smoked sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Swedish meatball, noodles, gravy, green beans, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour pork, rice, Oriental vegetables, roll, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Lasagna, cauliflower, garlic bread, dessert and milk.

All meals include 8-ounces skim milk or juice.

Norway Center

Director: Michelle DeSimone

906-563-8716

The center will remain closed; however, takeout meals will be prepared for pick up — those picking up must call ahead and wear a mask.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken pot pie, mixed vegetables and biscuit.

Tuesday: Spaghetti or polenta, breadstick and Italian blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Two meal day: 11 a.m. — Chef salad with vegetables and meats; 5 p.m. — Barbecue ribs, mashed potatoes and gravy and vegetables.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy and sugar snap peas.

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

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Now open with limited seating from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chicken parmesan, egg noodles, broccoli and mixed fruit.

Wednesday: Patty melt, potato wedges, corn and apple slices.

Thursday: Sweet and sour pork, white rice, stir fry vegetables and pears.

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

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