NIAGARA, Wis. — Depending upon your age and affinity for romance, Valentine’s Day may bring to mind many pleasant memories, current traditions, or lonely evenings you may wish to simply forget and chalk up to lessons learned — the hard way. While I have mostly pleasant memories of Valentine’s Day with my husband of 50 years, I was curious as to this holiday’s origins. So, I surfed the internet a bit to see just how this holiday came to be.

Not surprisingly, Valentine’s Day has its roots in the church’s efforts to Christianize the pagan celebration of Lupercalia, observed in the middle of February, by establishing the feast day of St. Valentine. Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture as well as to Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. The Roman celebration involved the sacrifice of goats and dogs and included the sharing of the sacrificial blood with both the crops and the women of the village; the idea was to help them both become more fertile. Frankly, I am sure that the chocolates and perfume that came centuries later accomplished the desired end result much more pleasantly.

The holiday did eventually become associated with love. During the Middle Ages in France and England, it was commonly believed that Feb. 14 was the beginning of the birds’ mating season which helped advance the notion that Valentine’s Day should be a day of romance.

In Great Britain, Valentine’s Day began to be popularly celebrated around the 17th century. By the middle of the 18th century, friends and lovers of all social classes began to exchange small tokens of affection as well as handwritten notes. As improvements were made in the printing industry, ready-made cards became an easy way for people to express their emotions at a time when the direct expression of one’s feelings was discouraged.

In America, we began exchanging hand-made Valentine’s in the early 1700s. The first mass-produced Valentines were made available in the 1840s by an enterprising woman, Esther A. Howland, who was known for producing elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures called “scraps.” Today, an estimated 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, second only to the number of Christmas cards that are exchanged.

I was surprised to learn that the Valentine was historically not always affectionate. In the Victorian era, “Vinegar Valentines” were commonly sent to those with whom one was not on good terms or mailed to enemies or unwanted suitors. One such Valentine’s sour message read, “To My Valentine/ ‘Tis a lemon that I hand you and bid you now ‘skidoo,’ Because I love another — there is no chance for you.” Ouch! Valentine’s Day cards became so popular that postal carriers received special meal allowances to keep themselves running during the mail frenzy as Valentine’s Day approached. Nearly half of the millions of cards sent were of the vinegar variety.

The use of the Vinegar Valentine was especially prolific in Great Britain. There one could mail any type of document for a penny due to the passage of Britain’s Uniform Penny Post. Often, the questionable cards would be mailed C.O.D so the recipient had to pay only to find a nasty message. There was an insulting card for just about every person someone might dislike — from annoying salespeople to landlords to overbearing employers and adversaries of all kinds. Some cards mocked specific professions, and the drawings on the cards could be quite grotesque. Some of the 1.2 million cards were confiscated by the post office because they were deemed too vulgar to be delivered! There are even accounts of the cards inciting public unrest causing fights, court cases, suicide and even murder!

Thankfully, by the late 19th century these mean-spirited missives began to fall out of public favor.

I have many fond memories of Valentine’s Day as a child. Throughout grade school, we had a party on that big day. Each student made a little decorated bag to tape to the front of his or her desk. Then we were each to bring a valentine for every member of the class — no one was to be left out. I still remember my mother buying us our supply of Valentines; I spent quite a bit of time picking out just the right one for each classmate. It was a lot of fun delivering them as we were each our own mailman as we went from desk to desk. And on that special day, we had special cookies and chocolate milk — a rare treat.

While we did not give the infamous vinegar valentines, I do recall the grade school custom of the autograph book. I still have mine! They were passed around from student to student — each one writing a special message to the book’s owner. I still remember the boy who wrote ever so sweetly to me: “Roses are red, violets are black, you’d look better with a knife in your back!” I am sure I found a way to get back at him grade school style.

When my husband and I were dating, he sent me the sweetest Valentine I had ever received. I remember getting the box in my college dorm room. Inside was a pair of new mittens. He had remembered that on a recent date I had lost one of my old ones. The card read, “These are to keep your hands warm when I am not there to hold them.” And I paid him back by making him stuffed pork chops in the kitchen we all shared in the dorm. Little did he know at the time that it was the only thing I knew how to make, and that was a detail I did not feel was necessary to mention. He found out soon enough after we were married, and I tried tuna casserole. To this day, he will not eat that dish.

The years flew by and were filled with job demands and child priorities with little time or inclination toward remembering each other in any special way on Valentine’s Day. I used to get upset if I did not at least get a card from him, but I outgrew that. We eventually came to realize that a special card is not needed. We both try to make each day special by showing our love in countless little ways. After 50 years together, we have gotten pretty good at it.

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NURSING HOMES / SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

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

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; trivia, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; afternoon matinee with snacks, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Coffee social/party preparation, 8 to 11 a.m.; mandalas, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; sweethearts’ ball-music and treats, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass video, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1 p.m.; spa day, 1 to 3 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/animal kingdom, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study/wildlife film, 1 p.m.; United Lutheran, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Cooking, 9 to 10:30 a.m..; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; wine tasting, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzle packets/room visits, 9 a.m.; trivia, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

ProMedica (formerly Manor Care)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

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

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Church services are five days each week. 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: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; coffee and short stories, 10:15 a.m.; Super Bowl party, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10:15 a.m.; Valentine’s Day party, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; hot cocoa and book club, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10:15 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Scattegories, 10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Bowling, 10:15 a.m.; happy hour and monthly birthday party with Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10:30 a.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

(formerly Golden Living Center)

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 the present time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; Super Bowl, 5 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Pictionary, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Pastor Jim, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Hoodie Hoo Day and banana splits, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Cards, 10:30 a.m.; Lutheran service, 2 p.m.; Super Bowl party, 5 p.m.

Monday: Valentine bingo, 10:30 a.m.; Valentine’s Day movie, 2 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Baking group, 10:30 a.m.; social circle, 1:30 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Tea party, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; cribbage, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.; room visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Balloon toss, 10:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass (multipurpose room), 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; Yahtzee, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Tic-tac-toe, 10:30 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

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11:30. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Spaghetti, green beans, lettuce salad and garlic bread.

Wednesday: Meatballs, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and beet salad.

Thursday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes, corn and coleslaw.

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

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at noon. Night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Turkey wrap or fish and potato wedges.

Tuesday: Baked chicken or fish, mashed potatoes and chef choice vegetable.

Wednesday: Stew or fish and corn bread.

Thursday: Goulash or fish, green beans and garlic bread.

Friday: Stuffed peppers or fish and oven browned potatoes.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Rocky Scarlassara

906-875-6709

The center is now open and is once again serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place your order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include salad bar, 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 your phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Pork chops in gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad bar and homemade dessert.

Wednesday: Beef and macaroni goulash, vegetables, salad bar and homemade dessert.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235.

Home delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Stuffed peppers, mashed potatoes, Jell-O and dinner roll.

Tuesday: Swedish meatballs, cauliflower and bun.

Wednesday: Ham, sweet potatoes and green beans.

Thursday: Barbecue chicken, corn and French fries.

Friday: Pizza, peas and carrots and breadstick.

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

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

Monday: Beef stew, salad and garlic bread.

Tuesday: Ham and Swiss sandwich, coleslaw and chips.

Wednesday: Evening meal: Steak, potatoes, broccoli and dinner roll.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Restrictions have lifted at some centers — see below. Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef noodle casserole, squash, fruit and chocolate cherry cake.

Tuesday: Stuffed shells with meat sauce, carrots, garlic bread and fruit.

Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, broccoli, fruited Jell-O and brownies.

Thursday: Bratwurst on a bun, oven fries, buttered corn, three bean salad and fruit.

Friday: Barbecue chicken, black beans and rice, spinach orange salad 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. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

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

Now open — information coming soon.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m. — salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Hot dogs, macaroni and cheese and baked beans.

Tuesday: Ham, mashed potatoes, gravy and mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Enchilada casserole, rice and Mexicorn.

Thursday: Stuffed green peppers, waxed beans and breadstick.

All meals served with milk or juice and a serving of fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

Now open for dine-in eating — dinner is served at 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $4.50 for those older than 60 and $7 for those age 60 or younger. Bingo played on Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Beef steaketta with onions and mushrooms, baked potatoes, peas and carrots and cherry pie.

Tuesday: Cheese tortellini with meat sauce, tossed salad, vegetables, garlic bread and sherbet.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, broccoli and bread pudding.

Thursday: Pork and sauerkraut, boiled potatoes, cauliflower with cheese, angel food cake with topping.

Norway Center

Head cook: Brian Gutkowski. 

906-563-8716

Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant style 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 you are dining in or picking up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy and squash.

Tuesday: Brats, potato salad and coleslaw.

Wednesday: Biscuits and gravy, hash browns and sausage links.

Thursday: Chef salad with meats and veggies and breadstick.

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

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

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

Tuesday: Smoked sausage with cabbage, roasted potatoes and fruit.

Wednesday: Pepper steak, rice, green beans and fruit.

Thursday: Turkey pot pie, peas and fruit.

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