Suzanne Killian

NIAGARA, Wis. — The moon means many things to different people. For the adventurous, it represents a trip that must be taken someday; they have a need to visit it themselves. For the romantics, it is a welcome addition to an evening walk with a loved one providing just the right ambiance.

For the most practical of men, it provides the balance that is needed to keep the world spinning as it should — let’s not mess with Mother Nature. And, alas, for the overworked, “too busy folks,” it is barely noticed.

I did a quick internet search and learned the following 10 facts about our moon.

— If you set a green pea beside a nickel, you would have a good representation of the moon’s size compared to Earth.

— The moon is earth’s only natural satellite and is about 239,000 miles away.

— The Earth and moon are tidally locked, and their rotations are so linked that we only see one side of the moon.

— The moon has a solid, rocky surface that has been pitted and cratered by the impacts of collisions with asteroids, meteorites and comets.

— The moon has a very thin atmosphere called an exosphere that is not breathable.

— The moon has no moons.

— The moon has no rings.

— More than 105 robotic satellites have been launched to explore the moon. It is the only celestial body beyond Earth that has been visited by man.

— The moon’s thin atmosphere and lack of liquid water cannot support life as we know it.

— Apollo astronauts brought back 842 pounds of lunar rock and soil.

So how necessary is the moon? Could we survive without it? Humanity and most current life on earth would not survive without the moon. Its gravitational effects stabilize Earth’s axial tilt, which prevents extreme climate changes, and its pull on the oceans creates tides that regulate climate and are essential for many marine ecosystems. 

Without the moon, Earth’s axis would wobble erratically, leading to dramatic and likely uninhabitable temperature swings, and a significant reduction in tides would disrupt ocean currents and the life cycles of many species.

We recently experienced a “supermoon,” which is a full moon that occurs when the moon is at or near its closest point to Earth in its orbit. Because it is closer, a supermoon appears larger and brighter than a typical full moon, though the difference can be subtle to the naked eye.

The moon’s orbit is not a perfect circle, but an oval-shaped ellipse. This means the distance between the Earth and moon varies throughout its orbit. The point in the orbit where the moon is closest to Earth is called perigee. The point where it’s farthest is called apogee. When a full moon happens at or near perigee, it’s called a supermoon. This makes it look bigger and brighter than a full moon at apogee. A supermoon has a slightly stronger gravitational pull, which can lead to slightly higher tides, but this effect is very small. There are usually three or four supermoons a year. 

Many cultures around the world have names for the moon and its phases. In the U.S., the names of the full moons come from a mix of European and Native American traditions and have been popularized by the Farmers’ Almanac.

— January is the Wolf Moon. Other names include Moon after Yule, Old Moon, and Ice Moon. The first full moon of the year was named after the wolves that howled near villages, searching for food. The proximity of the wolves led some Native American tribes to call this moon the “Stay-at-Home Moon.”

— February is the Snow Moon. Other names include Black Moon, Hungry Moon, and Bear Moon. February is the snowiest time of the year in the northern hemisphere, and the moon’s name reflects this. Alternative names refer to the scarcity of food due to the weather and to the harsh hunting conditions. Because February is the shortest month of the year, it sometimes lacks a full moon, a phenomenon known as a “Black Moon.”

— March is the Worm Moon. Other names include Spring Moon, Snow Crust Moon, and Sore Eye Moon. As the snowy weather recedes in March, the first signs of spring start to appear. The odd name for this moon comes from the appearance of worms in the thawing ground, a sign that better times are ahead.

— April is the Pink Moon. Other names include Budding Moon, Peony Moon and Sprouting Grass Moon. Wildflowers start to appear in April, inspiring the name of this moon, especially moss pink and creeping ground phlox, two of the earliest wildflowers. Alternative names for the April moon also refer to new growth.

— May is the Flower Moon. Other names include Mulberry Moon and Milk Moon. If the first sprouts inspire the April moon, by the time of the May moon, flowers are everywhere. Alternative names for this moon refer to the mulberries that have ripened in the trees and the cattle being moved to pastures.

— June is the Strawberry Moon. Other names include Honey Moon, Windy Moon, and Rose Moon. The name for this moon comes from the wild strawberry, which at this time of the year is ripe and ready to be harvested. Found across most states, this plant was a spring staple. Alternative names refer to spring storms and other flowering plants.

— July is the Buck Moon. Other names include Salmon Moon and Mead Moon. Come July, young bucks begin growing their antlers rapidly in preparation for the fall mating season. At the same time, salmon start migrating upriver, and it’s time to start fermenting mead.

— August is the Sturgeon Moon. Other names include Moon of the Ripening and Grain Moon. The sturgeon was once an important food source in North America. During August, these fish are abundant and easy to catch. Alternative moon names indicate that summer crops are ready for harvesting.

— September is the Corn Moon. Other names include Autumn Moon and Mating Moon. Corn is still one of the main crops in North America, so it’s not surprising that the full moon during its harvest is named after it. Other names refer to this period as the animal mating season.

— October is the Harvest Moon. Another name is the Hunter Moon. The October full moon rises quickly after sunset, which gives farmers extra light to finish harvesting. This additional light was also helpful for hunters, who used the time to stock up for winter.

— November is known as the Beaver Moon. Another name for this month’s moon is the Freezing Moon. Found in most of North America, beavers start building their lodges around this time of the year. Some say the name of this moon comes from the beaver hunts that happened in the season. Alternatively, this moon is also named after the first frosts.

— December is referred to as the Cold Moon. Other names include the Long Night Moon and the Moon Before Yule. By December, winter has set in, and the full moon is named after the coldest time of the year. Alternative names for this moon make reference to the long winter nights and to the festivities at the end of the year.

— Blue Moon. The Farmers’ Almanac follows the tropical year — from one winter solstice to the next — rather than the calendar year. In addition, the lunar cycle takes about 29.5 days to complete, slightly shorter than a full calendar month. This means that, every two or three years, a year will have 13 full Moons instead of 12. The extra full Moon is called a Blue Moon, which is the origin of the expression “once in a blue moon,” meaning something that happens rarely.

So, now the next time you look up into the evening sky, you will know a little bit more about the moon and our relationship to it.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has a Memory Cafe – a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Visit with your neighbor, 10 a.m.; work on the weekend packet, 6 p.m.

Monday: Walking club, 9:30 a.m.; funny babies YouTube in the dining room, 10 a.m.; dining trivia, 11:45 a.m.; card club, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Walking club, 9:30 a.m.; nail spa, 10 a.m.; dining trivia, 11:45 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Walking club, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Walking club, 9:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; residents’ birthday party, 2 p.m.; bunny/dog visit, 2 p.m.

Friday: Walking club, 9:30 a.m.; chatter with Lisa, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzle packet, 10 a.m.; “The Wall” on Game Show Network channel, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

No information was provided.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Sunday devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; afternoon coffee, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Butter Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; after dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Apple Cider Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; music by “Group Therapy,” 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 2 p.m.; desserts and conversations, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Peanut Butter Fudge Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; spa day, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Gingerbread Cookie Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 1:30 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Scattegories, 10 a.m.; Packers vs. Giants, noon; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; Packers tailgate, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; fly swatter balloon, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; cider making social, 10:15 a.m.; board games, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; fresh homemade bread, 10 a.m.; Thanksgiving fellowship service, 1:30 p.m..; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; wine down Thursday, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; crafting with friends, 5:15 p.m.

Friday: Thanksgiving Day trivia, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Uno, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was available.

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.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

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

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; 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; Bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; Sunday funday, 2:30 p.m.; Sunday night football; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; travelogue, 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 2 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; Monday night football, 6:45 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour/who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; garbage, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; hangman, 11 a.m.; Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles; casino outing.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo, 10:30 a.m.; off to the races, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; Thursday night football, 7 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; pondering prompts, 11:15 a.m.; paint and sip, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; Friday night movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; noodle ball, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; Bible studies, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week –

Tuesday: Chicken bacon cheddar wrap, ranch potato salad.

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, vegetables.

Thursday: Pasty pie, coleslaw, fruit cocktail.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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

Monday: Smothered chicken and rice, California blend vegetables, dinner roll, pudding.

Tuesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, macaroni and cheese, corn.

Wednesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots, dinner roll.

Thursday: Night meal, salad bar at 3:20 p.m., with meal at 4 p.m., turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, fruit crumble.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Easton Anderson

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke (Mondays) and Jess Anderson (Tuesdays/Wednesdays)

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an order. All food 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 a phone number. Deliveries to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Spaghetti with garlic bread.

Tuesday: Stuffed pork loin, garlic baby red potatoes.

Wednesday: Boneless barbecue ribs, macaroni and cheese.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

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: Deluxe hamburger, seasoned potato wedges, baked beans.

Tuesday: Chicken bacon ranch over noodles, candied carrots, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, sweet potatoes, green beans, dinner roll.

Thursday: Celebrating all November birthdays — Baked chicken, buttered noodles, dinner roll, cake.

Friday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread.

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 3 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.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.; chess, noon.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Head cook: Joan Wickman, 906-246-3559

Program president: Lisa Casey, 906-282-7899.

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available. Delivery offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Breakfast eggs with hashbrowns and bacon.

Tuesday: Fish basket with fries and coleslaw.

Wednesday: Evening meal – turkey with dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy (evening includes make-a-centerpiece event with Dickinson County Library).

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef and broccoli stir fry, candied carrots, tropical fruit.

Tuesday: Chef’s salad, whole wheat roll, cottage cheese, fruit.

Wednesday: Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, dinner roll, pumpkin cheesecake.

Thursday: Split pea soup, grilled cheese sandwich, side salad, fruit.

Friday: Taco tortellini, acorn bread, side salad, fruit.

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

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Mondays. Wednesdays and Fridays. For reservations, call 715-589-4491. Homebound meals will be delivered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Florence Community Center

Meal site is closed until further notice. Florence homebound meals will be delivered on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon on Wednesdays only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

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: Sweet and sour meatballs, brown rice, diced carrots, chef’s choice vegetable, tropical fruit.

Tuesday: Chicken stroganoff, diced beets, peas with onions, pineapple tidbits, whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Pork roast, loaded mashed potatoes, green beans, whole wheat dinner roll, autumn fruit crumble.

Thursday: Cream of carrot soup, chicken salad sandwich, side salad with cheese and tomato, mixed fruit cup.

Milk available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11:30 a.m., with the meal served at noon. No night meals are available. Meals can be prepared for carryout.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Deluxe hamburger, seasoned potato wedges, baked beans.

Tuesday: Chicken bacon ranch over noodles, candied carrots, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, sweet potatoes, green beans, dinner roll.

Thursday: Celebrating all November birthdays — baked chicken, buttered noodles, dinner roll, cake.

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

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo is played on most Wednesdays. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Tuesday: Pork chop, wild rice, broccoli, romaine side salad, fruit cocktail.

Wednesday: Thanksgiving dinner — sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, green beans, pumpkin pie.

Thursday: Baked fish, baby red potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, rye bread.

Bingo at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:30 a.m. Salad bar available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. Those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Ham and scalloped potatoes, biscuit, candy carrots.

Tuesday: Chicken chop suey, rice, Oriental vegetables, pineapple, Jell-O.

Wednesday: Chef salad with ham, chicken and egg, ham and Swiss slider, apple crisp.

Thursday: Meatballs with mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans.

Board meeting on Thursday.

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 meals served. Salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Dine-in meal is $5 and takeout meal is $6. Reservations are required. Call 906-542-3273 and specify if planning to dine in or take out. Come and enjoy a meal with us — all are welcome — any age. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Lasagna, garlic bread.

Wednesday: Chicken dumpling soup, grilled cheese sandwich.

Thursday: Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings.