NIAGARA, Wis. — I love the beginning of a new year. I have always tried to usher out the old year by letting go of any events that may tend to linger as difficult memories, keeping only the lessons learned as a result of struggling through them. I also try to add goals for the coming year; I call them goals as the term “resolution” sounds too strict and demanding. And, quite honestly, New Year’s resolutions have a bad reputation as things that are only made to be broken. A goal can be made, really, as an open-ended promise to oneself to simply try to do better in the coming year. But that is just me; I am most of you have your own way to approach a new year. As it turns out, traditions of “ringing out the old and ringing in the new” abound worldwide.

Growing up, New Year’s Eve was a night we stayed home as a family. In fact, the only reason I could leave was if I had a babysitting job; babysitting on this holiday was way too lucrative to turn down. Quite often families who were going out together brought their kids to one location, and I was paid by each family so “made out like a bandit.” My mother made an easy supper, and then later we had a little party of all of our favorite snack foods. If I was babysitting, she would always pack up and send along my favorite snacks: cucumber sandwiches and pickled herring. My ancestry is pure German so pickled herring had to be eaten on New Year’s Eve. At midnight, my brother would throw open the back door and holler “Happy New Year” to the entire neighborhood. And, of course, we watched the ball drop in Times Square on TV. On New Year’s morning we watched the Rose Bowl Parade.

New Year’s Eve was a rather quiet affair in my husband’s family, but New Year’s Day was always spent at his mother’s cousin’s home; he remembers playing ping pong in their basement rec room. As he and his siblings grew old enough to go out, each made their own plans and had a good time.

Once we were married, we developed our own tradition of celebrating this holiday night. I tried to introduce my husband to the joy of pickled herring, but the taste just did not agree with him. Although, while he blamed the herring for his ill feelings on our first New Year’s Eve together, I believe it had more to do with the number of Southern Comfort Manhattans he was drinking.

While our kids were growing up, we had little home parties with them. Once they were old enough to go out, they did. We have a few fond memories of each son arriving home in “less than optimum condition” after celebrating with friends while home from college. My husband helped one son untie his tennis shoes in the nick of time, sparing their laces from our son’s scissors. Our other son arrived home before we did and left every light in the house on and the door open — to welcome us home, I am sure. As we made our way upstairs, we noticed the wreath in the hallway was gone. Upon entering our son’s bedroom there it was — on top of his tennis shoes and jeans, and he was sound asleep.

Once our sons no longer came home for this holiday, we began going out of town with friends every year to celebrate with a night of fine dining and an overnight stay at a really nice hotel. We have driven to Duluth, Bayfield, Green Bay, Appleton and quite often to Marquette generally on roads that were not the best. Marquette is fun because it is not far, and they always have a ball drop downtown. It started as a chicken wire contraption wrapped in white lights; this year it was much more hi-tech and the music was wild! The most memorable trip was the year we encountered the white-out blizzard in Ironwood. We had not driven in anything like it before — or since; it was truly a harrowing experience. Until that memorable trip, I never realized how snow could simply swallow up a car that had been in plain sight just moments earlier.

Not surprisingly, New Year’s Eve traditions abound around the world. Following are a few of the most unusual.

— In Spanish-speaking countries, people observe a custom that has been in existence since the end of the 19th century. The Twelve Grapes Tradition requires that one grape be eaten for each bell that rings in the new year. As they eat each grape, people make a wish they hope will come true in the coming year.

— In Scotland, they observe Hogmanay — a word that means “last day of the old year” — on January first and second. Most often it includes gift exchanges, but sometimes it involves a very unusual ceremony. In parade-like fashion, the Scottish locals walk through the streets swinging fireballs — chicken wire enclosures filled with flaming material — above their heads to ensure that any bad spirits might be burned away before the start of the new year.

— In Southeast Asia, folks douse each other with water as they walk through the streets as a gesture of good luck and a wish for blessings throughout the coming year. Since this time of year is the hottest in that part of the world, the water provides a most appreciated cool shower.

— Greek families observe a tradition that dates back several centuries; they hang a few onions on their doors. In ancient times, onions were believed to increase fertility. Today, they are believed to bring renewal, good luck and personal growth in the coming year.

— If you arrive in Columbia on New Year’s Eve, you will not be the only one carrying luggage. People in Columbia carry empty suitcases up and down the street to ensure travel and leisure in the coming year and as a happy reminder of the many adventures the new year might hold for them.

— Part of the New Year’s Eve celebration in Russia involves burning a piece of paper, upon which is written a wish for the coming year, in a champagne glass. At midnight, Russians drink the champagne — ashes and all — while thinking of their wishes for the coming year.

— In China, people exchange ornately decorated red envelopes containing cash along with their best wishes for a prosperous new year. The color red symbolizes happiness and good luck in Chinese culture.

— Italians apparently also like the color red, although in an entirely different form. In Italy, it is a New Year’s Eve custom to wear red underwear as a way to cultivate good fortune throughout the coming year. For the tradition to actually work, the red underwear must be disposed of after being worn only once for this special holiday observance.

— Not all New Year’s Eve traditions are noisy affairs. In Bali, the new year is called Nyepi and is celebrated in March with a day dedicated to silence and meditation. It begins at 6 a.m. and continues a full 24 hours during which the Balinese deeply commit themselves to self-reflection and fasting. Most shops are not open, the only airport remains closed, and the Balinese are not allowed onto the beaches or streets.

So, there you have it. No matter in what corner of the world you may find yourself on New Year’s Eve, rest assured there is a unique celebration happening. Whether jubilant or more contemplative, the new year holds special meaning for many cultures. Let’s join in celebration of what is most meaningful for us as we bid farewell to the old year and welcome in the new … with whatever challenges and rewards it may have in store for us all.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV/resident self-activities, 10 a.m.

Monday: Dining room fun, 10 a.m.; dining music, 11:45 a.m.; dice club, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Hair, 10 a.m.; dining music, 11:45 a.m.; movie/popcorn (“Grease” with John Travolta and Olivia Newton John), 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; dining trivia, 11:45 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.

Friday: Love of hair, 10 a.m.; dining music, 11:45 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Resident choice; color a nice picture, 1 p.m.; CNBC “Undercover Boss,” 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; Riddler, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Book Club, 9:30 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; Dollar General, 12:30 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; throwaway bingo, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/travel club, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; trivia, 2:30 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

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

Friday: Hawaiian crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Hawaiian luau, music and fun, 2 p.m.; island movie, dress tropical, 6 p.m.

Saturday: “Price Is Right”/pass the prize, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

(formerly ManorCare/ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: File and style, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; po-ke-no, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; resident council, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; stretch it out, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; “Price Is Right,” 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; “Who’s That,” 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; “Jeopardy,” 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Sunday: Coffee and tic-tac trivia, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; romance movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Bob Larson, 10:15 a.m.; resident council, 2 p.m., Scattegories, 2:30 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; baking cupcakes, 10 a.m.; Scrabble, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Monthly birthday coffee clutch, 10 a.m.; C & R happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Morning mingle/spelling bee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Crochet and knitting club, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Resident Council, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Exercise, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; social/coffee, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Communion, 10 a.m.; popcorn and movie, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Independent activities.

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 and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Jim Edberg, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; tenant meeting and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Communion with Deacon Don, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Pastor Jim, 1:30 p.m.

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

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; church service, 10 a.m.; cranium crunch, 11:15 a.m.; movie, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; karaoke, 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 1:30 p.m.; balloon toss, 4 p.m.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; bunco, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; short stories, 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; what’s in the bag? 11 a.m.; “Jeopardy,” 2 p.m.; cards (Crazy 8’s), 4 p.m.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Who am I? 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; take out, movie, 2 p.m.; men’s group, 4 p.m.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; chair exercises, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 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. Thursdays, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes with gravy, mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Chicken tender wrap, baked beans, potato salad, pudding cup.

Thursday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, candied baby carrots, dinner roll.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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: Meatloaf, baked potato, buttered corn.

Tuesday: Meat ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian blend vegetables, breadstick.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, candied carrots.

Thursday: Goulash, buttered peas, dinner roll.

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

Serving meals for dine-in or takeout Monday through Wednesday – 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 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: Spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Beef stew, brown rice, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes.

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

Monday: Fish sandwich, french fries, baked beans, fresh fruit.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe casserole, dill carrots, biscuit.

Wednesday: Broccoli cheese soup, side salad, Jell-O cup, dinner roll.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meatballs, winter blend vegetables, garlic bread.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235

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

Monday: Fish sandwich, french fries, baked beans, fresh fruit.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe casserole, dill carrots, biscuit.

Wednesday: Broccoli cheese soup, side salad, Jell-O cup, dinner roll.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meatballs, winter blend vegetables, garlic bread.

Friday: Chef salad, cottage cheese, yogurt.

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: 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.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

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

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday: Cards, smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

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

Monday: Chili, grilled cheese, sandwich, Jell-O with fruit cup.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans.

Wednesday: Salisbury steak, potato wedges, Brussel sprouts.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Fish sandwich, french fries, baked beans, fresh fruit.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe casserole, dill carrots, biscuit.

Wednesday: Broccoli cheese soup, side salad, Jell-O cup, dinner roll.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Mushroom Swiss burger, baked beans, sweet potato fries, fruit.

Tuesday: Chicken strips, potato salad, broccoli, fruit.

Wednesday: Spaghetti and meatballs, dark green salad, garlic bread, fruit, birthday cake.

Thursday: Boiled dinner (ham, carrots, cabbage, potatoes), breadsticks, cookies.

Friday: Baked cod, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, 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, served at 11:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday.

Reservations for a meal onsite need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

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, 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: Scalloped potatoes, baked ham, Brussel sprouts, fruit cup, whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Beef noodle casserole, peas, carrots, cooked apples, fruit cocktail.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken, brown rice, oriental vegetables, wax beans, tropical fruit.

Thursday: Tomato basil soup, ham and Swiss sandwich, whole wheat bread, three-bean salad, fruited pudding.

Friday: Hobo dinner, green beans, warm fruit cup, whole wheat breadstick.

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: Chili cheese dogs, baked beans, potato wedges.

Tuesday: Salmon patty, mashed potatoes, cream-style corn, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Hearty beef stew, cornbread, applesauce.

Thursday: Chicken marinara, spinach bake, garlic bread.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

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 $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo is played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available to the center.

Tuesday: Oriental chicken, rice, vegetables, chow mein noodles, dessert bar.

Wednesday: Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas and carrots, dinner roll, fruit with topping.

Thursday: Chicken noodle soup, sandwich, chocolate pudding.

The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski. 

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar is 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: Chicken cordon bleu, baked potato, vegetables.

Tuesday: Cod, scalloped potatoes, vegetables.

Wednesday: Beef chop suey, rice, oriental vegetables.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, 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

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

Tuesday: Chili, cornbread, cheese sticks.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, carrots.

Thursday: Lasagna, toasted garlic bread, Italian mixed vegetables.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Fish sandwich, french fries, baked beans, fresh fruit.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe casserole, dill carrots, biscuit.

Wednesday: Broccoli cheese soup, side salad, Jell-O cup, dinner roll.