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NIAGARA, Wis. -- As we move through time, from generation to generation, everyday habits change. As technology develops, we naturally find easier and faster ways of completing tasks. And the longer that "new" technology remains with us, the less expensive it becomes. Take a minute to remember how your grandparents used to complete chores around the house, and then compare it to how you now do those same tasks. Times do change, and with that change come new developments that naturally make our lives easier.
Did you know that the way we communicate also changes with the times? I am not talking about the telegraph, or the telephone or email. I am referring to our actual vocabulary -- the words we use every day to express our thoughts and feelings to family and friends. I recently came across an article written by Bennett Kleinman, "Words Your Parents Used That No One Says Anymore" on the Word Smarts website, https://wordsmarts.com/dated-vocabulary/, that cited several examples of this phenomenon. In fact, it really doesn't take long for language to evolve, Kleinman writes, noting many terms parents and grandparents used have since all but disappeared. Do you remember any of these that Kleinman cited?
-- Hot Diggity Dog: This is a slang expression to show excitement. It was first printed in a 1921 edition of the St. Joseph Gazette in Missouri. Used to express approval, it is close in meaning to similar phrases like "hot dog!" and "hot-ziggety!" The expression "hot diggity dog!" remained popular into the late 1970s, even appearing in Oscar Mayer Wiener commercials from that time. I must say that I was born in 1951, grew up through the 1960s and never heard that phrase. In fact, if I had ever used it in school, I am sure I would have been teased mercilessly. Today, the phrase is rarely heard. However, the song from that Oscar Mayer commercial is still embedded in my brain. We used to sing it outside for recess all the time. It was titled "I wish I were an Oscar Mayer Wiener" and continued "that is what I really want to be. Because if I were an Oscar Mayer Wiener, everyone would be in love with me!" Isn't it funny what sticks in your memory?
-- Hootenanny: This term caught on in the 1940s to refer to "a gathering at which folk singers entertain -- often with the audience joining in." Its origins are unknown, and it's entirely possible that it was simply a silly creation. While I never actually used this term, I do remember a musical variety TV show with that name. The program aired well into the 1960s. I also remember the short-lived program titled "Sing Along with Mitch." As his chorus sang, the lyrics were printed at the bottom of the television screen. My siblings and I sang all of those old tunes along with Mitch and his friends!
-- Dungarees: Blue jeans have never gone out of style, but this term most definitely did. If folks wore a pair of these heavy denim pants prior to the 1950s, they probably called them dungarees. This term came from the Hindi word dungri, meaning "coarse calico." It was widely used among English speakers in the first half of the 20th century, but in the mid-1950s and early 1960s, the term "jeans" emerged to refer to blue denim pants. We Baby Boomers adopted the word jeans to replace "dungarees," and other forgotten terms such as "waist overalls," as the more widely accepted standard.
-- Drop a Dime: The phrase "drop a dime" is most definitely out of date. One reason is because it's hard to imagine anything costing a dime anymore! The expression comes from the former cost of a payphone; since the emergence of cell phones, payphones are widely considered to be totally outdated. But both 10-cent price tags and payphones were common through the 1950s and 1960s when I was growing up. This phrase, which means "to alert the police about another person's wrongdoing" was used in the 1960s when people could actually use a public phone to anonymously report unlawful doings to the police. And, by the way, pay phone booths could be found on street corners throughout cities -- even in my small hometown. Also, the phone booth was an important prop during Hitchcock's movie, "The Birds." Tipi Hedren took shelter in one as flock upon flock of birds crashed into the booth trying to reach her.
-- Ameche: This slang term was even a new one for me. It was taken from, Don Ameche, a talented actor well known during the mid-20th century. While no longer a household name among today's movie goers, he was best known for his starring role in the 1939 film "The Story of Alexander Graham Bell." It was Bell, of course, who invented the telephone, and after the film's release, "ameche" became popular slang for the telephone. Yes, quite a stretch I know.
-- Passion Pit: In an earlier column, I wrote about my memories of the scary movies we used to watch as a family at the outdoor movie theater. "Buck Night" made it cheap entertainment for our family of five. By the time I was old enough to date, I wasn't going to the "outdoor" any longer but preferred the indoor movie theater downtown. Back in the 1930s, "Passion Pit" was the slang term for the outdoor movie theater. These were common spots for teenagers to get away from their parents and canoodle in their cars. Yes, you read that correctly, "canoodle" is also an outdated term and refers to the "amorous embracing" that was done in the privacy of a car at the passion pit.
-- Copacetic: I have heard of this term but have never used it in conversation. Nor is it a part of my usual vocabulary. While, the actual origins of this word remain a mystery, one theory suggests that it originated as African American slang in the 1880s. There's evidence of it in print as early as 1919, meaning "very satisfactory." It was popularized by the tap-dancing legend Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, who starred alongside Shirley Temple in several 1930s films. Later, the Grateful Dead used it in the lyrics of their 1987 song "West L.A. Fadeaway," though by that time the word itself had begun to fade away.
So ends your vocabulary lesson for this week. Hopefully, it brought back some enjoyable memories of your own.
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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: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; have fun with the weekend packet, 6 p.m.
Monday: Puzzle fun packet, 10 a.m.
Tuesday: Communion, 10 a.m.; nails, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: Church, 10 a.m.; coffee visit, 11:30 a.m.; roll it, 2 p.m.
Thursday: Bowling, 10 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.
Friday: Karaoke, 10 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Games in the dining room, 10 a.m.; "The Wall" on the Game Show Network, 7 p.m.
Iron County Medical Care Facility
Crystal Falls
906-874-1501
No information was available.
Optalis Healthcare
Kingsford
906-774-4805
Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; volleyball, 9:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.
Monday: Labor Day -- Courtyard crew, 10 a.m.; exercise in courtyard, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Just friends, 9:45 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; activities council, 10:45 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; getting pretty, 1:30 p.m.; men's club, 2:30 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Coffee social/current events, 9:45 a.m.; parachute, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Christ United Church, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m.
Thursday: Puzzler, 9:45 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Gayle, 2 p.m.
Friday: Crafts, 9:45 a.m.; mystery ride, 9:45 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; grandparents party with Soundz of Time, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.
Saturday: "Price Is Right"/Storytelling, 9:45 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.
Maryhill Manor Nursing Home
Niagara, Wis.
715-251-3172
Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.
Sunday: Spelling bee, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; church service, 2:45 p.m.
Monday: Labor Day -- Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; bocce ball, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Tuesday: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Rosary/Communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; "You be the Judge," 10:15 a.m.; music with Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Rosary/Communion service, 9 a.m.; left-center-right, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.
Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; crafting -- fall floral arrangements, 2 p.m.
Friday: The Breakfast Club, 7 a.m.; hangman, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.; National Milkshake Day.
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, 11:30 a.m.; church service, 1:30 p.m.; tech time; coloring pages; daily chronicles.
Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; cranium crunch, 11 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 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.; rummy, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles
Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; '70s Pictionary, 11 a.m.; Bible stories, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo/fact of the day, 10:30 a.m.; "Family Feud," 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles
Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic mass, 10:30 a.m.; yarn club, 11 a.m.; oodles of poodles, 11:15 a.m.; bonfire and s'mores, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; ball bounce, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.
SENIOR CENTERS
Amasa Center
906-822-7284
Menu for the week -
Tuesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, vegetable, breadstick.
Wednesday: Ham and cheese sliders, pasta salad, chips.
Thursday: Barbecue chicken, wild rice, vegetable, salad.
Breen Center
Kingsford
906-774-5110
Dine-in eating at noon Monday through Thursday. Carryout meals, soup and salad bar are also available. Friday meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week -
Monday: Closed for Labor Day.
Tuesday: Baked fish with Hollandaise sauce, parsley noodles, green beans.
Wednesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, dinner roll.
Thursday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables, dinner roll.
Crystal Falls Center
906-875-6709
The center serves meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to 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 a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week --
Monday: Oven-roasted pork loin, oven-browned potatoes, gravy.
Tuesday: Reuben sandwiches, chips, pickle.
Wednesday: Chicken broccoli casserole.
Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency
DICSA
Iron Mountain
906-774-2256, ext. 244.
This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only -- call to make arrangements. Menu for the week --
Monday: Labor Day -- Tortellini with meat sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread.
Tuesday: Deluxe cheeseburger, baked beans, corn.
Wednesday: Fish with Hollandaise sauce, parsley noodles, green beans.
Thursday: Stuffed peppers, corn, applesauce.
Friday: Barbecue chicken drumsticks, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables.
Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage
For more information, call Sarah VanMarter at 906-774-2256, ext. 244.
Crystal Lake Center
Iron Mountain
906-828-1776
Schedule for the week is:
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: Closed for Labor Day.
Tuesday: Tuna salad sandwiches, soup.
Wednesday: Spanish rice, salad, dinner roll.
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Florence County, Wis.
715-528-4890
Menu for the week --
Monday: Closed for Labor Day.
Tuesday: Pork chops, au gratin potatoes, Monte Carlo vegetables, applesauce.
Wednesday: Liver and onions or chicken breast, mashed potatoes, broccoli, pear cranberry crisp with whipped topping.
Thursday: Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes, broccoli, fruit, pumpkin bars.
Friday: Taco tater tot hot dish, peas and carrots, cornbread, fruit.
All meals are served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.
Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center
Serving on site Mondays through Fridays at 11:30 a.m. For reservations, call 715-589-4491. Homebound meals will be delivered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Florence Community Center
Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.
Fence Town Hall
Serving at noon 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: Labor Day -- closed.
Tuesday: Barbecue meatballs, mashed potatoes, diced carrots, fruit cup, whole wheat bread.
Wednesday: Chicken parmesan, whole wheat spaghetti noodles, green beans, side salad with cheese and tomato, fruit cocktail.
Thursday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, corn, boiled red potatoes, diced peaches, whole wheat bread.
Milk available at all meals.
Iron River Center
906-265-6134
Lunch served Tuesday and Wednesday at noon, salad bar at 11:30 a.m. Thursday meal at 5 p.m., salad bar at 4:30 p.m. Meals include salad, juice or milk, and dessert.
Monday: Closed for Labor Day.
Tuesday: Tater tot casserole.
Wednesday: Chicken stuffing bake.
Thursday: Cheeseburger, potato salad, corn, pickle.
Niagara Senior Center/Café
715-251-1603
Dinner is served at noon Tuesday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation for the meal is $6 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Transportation to the meal site is available.
Bingo on Tuesday and Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, spinach salad with tomatoes, garlic bread, pears.
Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, broccoli, wheat bread, peach cobbler.
Thursday: Green and Gold Day -- Hamburger on a bun with lettuce and tomato, baked beans, German potato salad, cookie.
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: Closed for Labor Day.
Tuesday: Chicken cranberry wraps, fries, cole slaw.
Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, wax beans.
Thursday: Birthdays and Bingo -- Italian sausage roll ups, garlic bread, peas.
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 are also available. Dine-in meal is $6 and takeout meal is $7. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal with us -- all are welcome, at any age. Menu for the week --
Tuesday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes.
Wednesday: Taco bar.
Thursday: Fried ham steak with scalloped potatoes.