Jeannie Winselman and Audrey Clough
SAC’s Enrichment Center
May Day is Monday, May 1. How did May Day start? Originally, it was an ancient pagan holiday to celebrate the beginning of summer. As time went on, different groups adapted the celebration to their specific beliefs. Europeans and Americans often celebrate with maypole dancing and crowns of flowers. In May, the southern hemisphere is getting ready for winter, so May Day as a seasonal celebration is in the northern hemisphere.
May Day is also a labor holiday in many parts of the world, since it shared a date with International Workers’ Day since the 1880s. Back then, labor movements were fighting about fair work issues such as eight-hour workdays, labor unions, etc.
Modern May Day celebrations in the U.S. vary from region to region. In some parts, May baskets are made and filled with flowers or treats.
The baskets are left on doorsteps, then the giver rings the doorbell and runs away, leaving the receiver guessing where it came from. Dancing, singing, and eating cake are usually also part of the festivities. A popular tradition is the Maypole dance, in which people wrap colorful ribbons around a tall pole. The more dancers there are, the taller the maypole. Flowers are often a big part of May Day celebrations, symbolizing spring and renewal.
What are your plans for May Day? On Monday, May 1, SAC’s Enrichment Center will be celebrating May Day with a special treat for all of our customers. We hope you can join us during our lunch hours from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to celebrate. Happy May Day!
Weekly Events
Thursday, April 27:
Tuna Casserole.
• 9:30 a.m. – Walking.
• 11:45 a.m. – “Branson on The Road.” Trip to Midwest Country Theater.
• Noon – “500” cards.
Friday, April 28:
• 7:30-9:30 a.m. – Breakfast.
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Lunch.
Monday, May 1:
Cheesy Chicken Monterey.
• 8:30 a.m. – Morning Stretch.
• 9:30 a.m. – Wellness Walking.
• 10:15 a.m. – Meet you at the Cambridge movie theater. Three great movies to pick from: The Case for Christ, Promise and Going in Style.
• 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – May Day Treat at Friendship Cafe.
• 1 p.m. – Bridge.
Tuesday, May 2:
Wild Rice Hotdish.
• 10 a.m. – Adult Coloring.
• 10 a.m. – Knit & Stitch.
• Noon – “Hand and Foot” Cards.
Wednesday, May 3:
Cheeseburger/Potato Salad.
• 8:30 a.m. – Morning Stretch.
• 9 a.m. – Cribbage.
• 1 p.m. – Genealogy
Thursday, May 4:
Sauerkraut & Ribs.
• 9:30 a.m. – Walking.
• 10:15 a.m. – “Bunco.”
• Noon – “500” cards.
• 5:30-9:30 p.m. – Refresher course. Driver Improvement. Call 1-888-234-1294 to reserve a spot.
Upcoming Events
• Thursday, April 27: Branson on the Road. Bus leaves Center at 11:45 a.m. for lunch in Sandstone and then program starts at 2 p.m.
• Monday, May 1: Monday movie, 10:10 a.m. Meet at the Cambridge movie theater. Three interesting movies to see but leaning toward “The Case for Christ.”
• Wednesday, May 10: Going back to Midwest Country Theater to listen to Terry Smith. Songwriter of “Far Side Banks of Jordan” and opening acts with Casey Aro and Sharon Lee. More information next week with departure time and dinner stop.
• Trip to the Minnesota Twins game at end of May. More details online and in paper next week.