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I am aging … but I am not a senior

NIAGARA, Wis. — On a recent visit to see our Minnesota son, we passed a public building in his suburb that was hosting a health fair aimed at the “older” generation. The sign outside advertised “Boomer/Senior Health Fair Today.” My son laughed and asked, “Well, what’s the difference?” I explained to him that my fellow Boomers do not like being called seniors and if the sign had simply promoted a senior health fair, they would not get the demographic they were looking to attract. He looked at me and said, “Mom, you are in a state of denial.” So, in that moment, the topic for this column was born.

Each generation grows up influenced by a variety of factors. Those factors include the values held by the generation immediately preceding theirs — the values held by parents and grandparents. My husband, born in October 1950, and I, born in June 1951, are most definitely Boomers. Our parents, however, came of age during the scarcity of the World War II years and were raised by parents who suffered through the Great Depression so the value of frugality was passed along. “Waste not, want not” was a common phrase. My husband and I, for example, were both raised in homes where food was never taken for granted. Leftovers not only never saw the trash can, but were often transformed into an entirely different meal. To this day, my husband fondly remembers his mother’s “mashed potato cake” on “leftover Thursday.” And the simplest of items were not thrown away because they could always be re-used. We watch even today as both of our mothers very carefully open gifts so the wrapping paper can be re-used. For years my husband and I saved Christmas bows so they could be used again the following season.

Each generation also is shaped by the historical events that happened during the growing-up years as those events created a variety of challenges; the manner in which you met those challenges helped to define your generation. Men returned from the fighting of World War II and started families.

Boomers were born at a rate of 3.4 million per year into a period of stability. It was a time of economic recovery and prosperity, especially since our country did not sustain as much physical damage as a result of the war compared to European countries and Japan. Our parents settled into creating a stable life in which mom stayed home with the kids — typically four per family — while dad went to work. The suburban life came into being complete with well-maintained family homes and manicured lawns. Television shows like “Ozzie and Harriet” and “Father Knows Best” reflected the times.

Also, our parents wanted things for us that were not necessarily attainable for them; they viewed a college education as the key that would unlock the door to the economic stability they never enjoyed as children. Education was accessible and affordable and, in most cases, indeed led to a higher quality of life. As a generation, we Boomers worked hard in part because we were raised by hard-working parents but also because our hard work paid off for us. As a group, we were competitive most likely because there were so many of us that the competition for employment was fierce. Having a job was the key to success so we Boomers are noted for our workaholic tendencies. We had a goal-focused and career-oriented approach to work. Many of us sought to own our own businesses or make our mark in corporate America. Self-definition was derived from our jobs, unlike past generations where it came from family or future generations where work-life balance became more important.

Because of our huge numbers, we Boomers were considered a built-in cure for recession, and consumerism and materialism reigned supreme. We were sought-after consumers at every stage of our lives. From toys like Frisbees and Barbie dolls, to clothing styles like bell bottoms and leisure suits (thankfully short lived), to entertainment from the Mouseketeers of the “Mickey Mouse Club” to the Beatles and music that rivals anything produced today, the Boomers were the market every company wanted to win. This level of courtship from Madison Avenue was pretty heady stuff for adolescents. We came to realize the inherent strength and power we wielded because of our sheer numbers. We grew confident and pulled together as a powerful group; it is no wonder we developed enough confidence to become the social activists that made a difference in our world. The term “Flower Power” was coined to describe us.

The peace won as a result of World War II did not last forever. Our young years were lived while the Cold War with Russia was ramping up and our high school years saw the institution of the draft that sent thousands of young men to their death in Vietnam. Unlike the unifying effects of our parents’ war, our war split the nation apart. We witnessed the Watergate scandal that led to a presidential resignation — both events that shook our belief in the status quo of our parents’ generation. So, we did what kids do — we challenged conventional wisdom with a vengeance.

Because we were raised in a time of post-World War II plenty and had developed an idealistic streak that defined our generation, we realized the strength we had because of our numbers and mobilized it for good. The Boomer generation is credited with the demonstrations that led to the end of the Vietnam War, the strides made in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and the advancement of women’s rights. While our idealism gave us the confidence and willingness to work together to accomplish great things as a group, it has more recently been cited as one cause of the political gridlock that exists today. We have stubbornly held onto our idealism and, it is fair to say, have dug in our heels as political leaders in our country.

Throughout our lives, we Boomers have resisted labels and stereotyping. Yes, we grew to be a socio-economic force of nature, but we also fought for our own individuality along the path to adulthood. Yes, we are aging. Beginning in 2011 through 2030, 10,000 Boomers each day will hit retirement age. We are living longer and want to be seen as vibrant. We still have contributions to make and desire recognition, appreciation and respect. Our sheer numbers will continue to change society in the areas of housing, recreation and, especially, health care. And our stubborn independence will continue to resist being given the all-inclusive descriptive term of “senior.”

My hip-hugger bell bottoms and mini skirts have long ago been traded in for stretchy waist pants, and more sensible shoes have replaced my suede boots. The hair that once grew to the middle of my back is now worn short, and I stopped coloring it once the mousy gray turned to silver. I am aging, like fine wine, but am not old. In fact, I will never be old. I will continue to mature like a “perennial,” grow into my “prime,” become “vintage,” and even make an “encore” … but I will never be a senior.

SENIOR LIVING

FACILITIES

Freeman

Kingsford

Scenes and sounds, 11:30 a.m. Sunday through Saturday.

Sunday: Toss across, 1 p.m.; dunking donuts, 2 p.m.; church, 2:15 p.m.

Monday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; resident council, 11 a.m.; library cart, 1:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; ice cream social, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Crafts, 10:30 a.m.; reminisce, 1:15 p.m.; Kentucky Derby, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; rosary, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie and popcorn, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Reading buddy, 11 a.m.; Woodland trick-or-treat, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass 11 a.m.; parlor games, 1:15 p.m.; sing along, 2:30 p.m.; happy hour, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Meet and greet, 10:30 a.m.; daily newspaper, 11 a.m.; oldies but goodies, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; evening news, 6 p.m.

Iron County 

Medical Facility

Crystal Falls

Sunday: One-to-one church visitors, 8:30 to 11 a.m.; room visits 9 to 11 a.m.; you be the judge, 10 a.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.; Church of Christ, 3 p.m.

Monday: Cooking, 9 to 11 a.m.; DT lunch, noon.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; sunshine club, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: CF library, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; Mass, 10 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; spooky movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/smart shoppers, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; costume prep, 1 to 3 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; employee costume parade, 1 p.m.; Halloween party with Jim Clement, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; penny ante, 2 p.m.; activity council, 3 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Room to room bingo/Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 p.m.; intergenerational social hour, 2 p.m.

Manor Care

Kingsford

Wet your whistle: 9:30 a.m. Sunday through Saturday.

Exercise: 10 a.m. Sunday through Saturday.

Movie: 10:45 a.m. Sunday through Saturday and 3:15 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Popcorn Day: Every Friday

Sunday: Just jokes, 10:45 a.m.; company’s coming room visits, 1:30 p.m.; Protestant church, 3 p.m.

Monday: Did you know? 10:15 a.m.; Marian Linder music, 2 p.m.; pokeno, 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday: Trivia 10:15 a.m.; movie and manicure, 5:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Sharpen your senses, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; flip five, 5:45 p.m.

Thursday: Crosswords, 10:15 a.m.; Halloween party with music by Paula D., 2 p.m.; crazy for cards, 5:45 p.m.

Friday: All about November, 10:15 a.m.; Lucky 13, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Current events, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor

Niagara, Wis.

Rosary, 8:30 a.m. Sunday through Friday.

Sunday: “Family Feud,” 10:15 a.m.; tailgate party, Packers vs. Chiefs, 1:30 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Protestant service, 9 a.m.; baking,10:15 a.m.; chocolate bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Current events, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; pow wow music show, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday: Entertainment with Crystal Hogan, 10 a.m.; Halloween bingo, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; Halloween movie and popcorn, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; Scattegories, 10:15 a.m.; trick-or-treaters, 1:40 p.m.; spooky stories, 6:15 p.m.

Friday: Not available.

Saturday: Not available.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

Juice time, 10 a.m. Sunday through Saturday.

Exercise, 11 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Shopping days: 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, must sign up.

Sunday: Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.; football: Packers vs. Chiefs, 7:20 p.m.

Monday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Birthday party, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Crosswords, 2 p.m.; rosary, 3 p.m.

Friday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

Morning news, 6 a.m. daily.

Beauty shop open Tuesday and Thursday.

Snack cart, 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Sunday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; music with Grace and Dave, 2 p.m.; Football: Packers vs. Chiefs, 7:20 p.m.

Monday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; store open, 2 p.m.; coffee social, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Pastor Doug, 10 a.m.; lunch out, 11:30 a.m.; bowling dice, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Cool Whip painting, 10 a.m.; ghostly word games, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; Halloween bash/elementary school kids, 1 p.m.

Friday: Catholic church service, 10 a.m.; coffee and chat, 11 a.m.; chair exercise, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo/family and friends social time, 10 a.m.; music with Jason and Amber, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

Sunday: Grace Church, 10:15 a.m.; trivia, 10:30 a.m.; Lutheran church service, 2 p.m.; reminiscing, 3:30 p.m.

Monday: Life connections, 9:45 a.m.; sensory, 10 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 p.m.; song service, 1:30 p.m.; rosary, 2:30 p.m.; sensory, 3:30 p.m.; Yahtzee, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Bus ride, 10:30 a.m.; busy bee, 12:15 p.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; social circle, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Shopping outing, 10 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 p.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cribbage, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; North Central trick-or-treating, 12:45 p.m.; Halloween party, 2 p.m.; cards, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 a.m.; bunco, 2 p.m.; Trouble board game, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Rummy, 10:15 a.m.; sensory, 10:30 a.m.; social circle, 2 p.m.; manicures, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Note: All centers ask for 24-hour advanced reservations for lunch. Those who have meals delivered who will not be home should notify the Center.

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Meal at noon every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Lunch at noon.

Bingo on Tuesdays.

Free meal drawing on Thursdays.

Menu for the week:

Tuesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes, broccoli and carrots.

Wednesday: Spaghetti, wax beans, salad and garlic bread.

Thursday: Beef stew, roll, green beans and salad.

Breen Center

906-774-5110

Meals Monday through Friday.

Pasty sale every third Saturday of the month, except on holidays.  

Cards and games available 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m. 

Hostess on duty Monday through Friday.   

Treats and coffee, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Center retail store is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday; volunteers and donations are welcome.

Birthdays acknowledged every day.

Evening meals are on the first and third Thursday of the month. Salad bar opens at 4 p.m., with dinner at 5 p.m. Donations are $4 for those 60 and older and $5 for 60 and younger.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Burritos, and refried beans.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe, tater tots and carrots.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, broccoli and chicken-flavored rice.

Thursday: Ravioli, mixed vegetables, and garlic bread.

(Continued from page 6-A)

Friday: Baked fish or chicken, rice and Oriental-blend vegetables.

Soup, salad and dessert are offered with every meal. Reservations for meals are encouraged. Walk-ins are welcomed.

Crystal Falls Center

Head cook: Lucy Korhonen

906-875-6709

The center is not just for seniors — bring a friend.

Suggested meal donations: $5 if older than 60; $6 if younger than 60; $1 extra for take-out.

To reserve meals, call the center by 1 p.m. with name and number of people.

All dinners include the soup and salad bar, homemade dessert, tea, coffee and milk.

Open: Monday through Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. soup and salad bar and 5 p.m. dinner.

Mondays: Basket weaving after dinner — all are welcome for dinner and/or class. Beginners can make their first basket with materials provided.

Menu for the week: Unavailable.

Crystal Lake Center

Christine McMahon

906-774-2256, ext. 235

The center is closed on weekends.

Monday: Woodcarvers, 10 a.m.; mahjong in dining hall, noon; Les Artistes Art Club, noon; Bridge Club, 12:15 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday: Pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: Billiards, 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday: Spinning Spools Quilters Guild, 1 p.m., with crafters, scrapbookers and others also welcome; knitting and crocheting class, 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday: Happy Quilters, 1 p.m.; two-person team cribbage, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Friday: Smear, noon.

The kitchen once again is open and serving meals. A new lunch program is offered every Wednesday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Meals cost $5 for those younger than 60 years old and a $4 donation for those older than 60.

Home-delivered meal menu for week:

Monday: Cheeseburgers, seasoned potatoes, tropical blend vegetables and chocolate pudding.

Tuesday: Ham and cheese omelet, oatmeal and spiced applesauce.

Wednesday: Pork chops with sauteed mushrooms, au gratin potatoes and green beans.

Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread sticks and cauliflower.

Friday: Egg salad sandwich, carrot salad and chips.

Center-based meal menu for week:

Tuesday night: Menu not available.

Wednesday lunch: Tomato soup, grilled ham and cheese sandwiches and salad bar.

Transportation is available from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call Buzzin’ Around Town at 906-282-0492. Rides are $3 for age 60 and older, and $3.50 for younger than 60. 

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Meals served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Wednesday.

Bingo after lunch on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

A congregate jigsaw puzzle is done daily.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Swedish meatballs, noodles, green beans and pear.

Tuesday: Ham, oven-browned potatoes, carrots, roll, and applesauce.

Wednesday: Meat and cheese ravioli, sauce and green beans.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Suggested donation for seniors older than 60 is $4 per meal. Residents younger than 60 must pay $7. Reservations and cancellations are needed 48-hours in advance.

The ADRC can assist area seniors and those with disabilities with transportation Monday through Friday. Transportation reservation should be made with meal reservation.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Pork chops, black beans and rice, broccoli and fruit.

Tuesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, spinach/orange salad, garlic bread and fruit.

Wednesday: Meat loaf with gravy, mashed potatoes, rutabagas, fresh fruit and brownies.

Thursday: Chicken cordon bleu bake, Brussel sprouts, side salad and fruit.

Friday: Chicken tenders, sweet potato fries, pea and cheese salad and fruit cup.

Other assistance includes information on aging, benefits specialist and caregiver support.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

Reservations for meal at 855-528-2372

Meal at noon Wednesdays only — same menu listed under ADRC of Florence County. Reservations are requested. Cribbage and cards are available.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

Reservations for meal at 715-528-4261

Home-delivered meals are available. Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. at this center Monday through Thursday, with the same menu listed under ADRC of Florence County.

Tipler Town Hall

Reservations for meal at 715-674-2320

Serving lunch at noon on the second Thursday of the month only, with the same menu as listed under ADRC of Florence County.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

Reservations for meal at 715-589-4491

Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, with the same menu as listed under ADRC of Florence County. Transportation arrangements can be made to and from the meal site.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Meal is at noon Monday through Friday. Suggested donation is $3 for age 60 and older and $7 for those younger than 60. Morning coffee is available daily.

Fifteen games of “fun bingo” are played each Tuesday and Friday, along with a 50-50 drawing.

Tuesday: Bingo, 12:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Cards played in the afternoon. Call ahead to see if a game will be going on.

Friday: Bingo, 12:45 p.m.

Monday through Friday: Walking in the gym, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A treadmill also is available.

Enjoy friendly interaction with other crafters.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Meals served 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; a $4 donation is encouraged from those 60 and older, and a $5 payment is required from those younger than 60. Thursday meal, 3:30 p.m. soup, 4 p.m. salad bar, with dinner 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Home-delivered meals are available — call 906-774-2256 ext. 235 or ext. 230.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Stuffed peppers, mixed vegetables, garlic bread, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Pizza, cottage cheese, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Philly steak sandwich, spaghetti salad, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Beef ravioli, cauliflower, bread sticks, dessert and milk.

Niagara Northwoods Senior Cafe and Center

Meal site manager: Corrie Maule, 715-251-1603

Senior center director: Jill Anderson, 715-251- 4154

Noon meals served Monday through Thursday. Transportation is available to the meal site for those living in the Niagara, Wis. area. Any senior groups that would like to use the meal site as a meeting place are welcome — join us for lunch, then stay for a meeting or social time. Wii games, cards, puzzles and board games are available to play. 

Other activities are in the works — suggestions are always welcome. 

Those who have not been at the meal site/senior center are invited to give it a try. Those who haven’t been here in a while are encouraged to come back.

Norway Center

Director: Susie Slining

906-563-8716

Monday through Thursday: Meals served at noon, with salad bar. Soup also is available at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Milk, juice, bread, fruit, tea and coffee served daily. Meal donation is $5. Reservation for the meal should be made in advance.

Two special-themed meals take place each month on Tuesday, with bingo, prizes and a 50-50 drawing.

Two evening meals offered at 5 p.m. on the first Monday and third Wednesday of the month, with bingo, prizes and a 50-50 drawing.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Lasagna, garlic bread, broccoli, salad bar, fruit, juice and dessert.

Tuesday: Halloween Dinner: Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, soup and salad bar, fruit, juice and dessert.

Wednesday: Baked cod, scalloped potatoes, squash, salad, bar, fruit, juice and dessert.

Thursday: Burger or liver and onions, mashed potatoes and gravy, glazed carrots, soup and salad bar, fruit, juice and dessert.

Cards are played daily after the noon meal.

Craft and exercise classes: Mondays and Thursdays.

Ceramic and art classes: Wednesdays.

Note: File of Life packets available at the center.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Meals: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11:45 a.m. Cards: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Commodities every other month and quarterly commodities are every three months. A puzzle table is available to enjoy. Volunteers are always welcome. 

Menu for the week:

Tuesday: Chicken parmesan, egg noodles, peas, peaches and garlic bread.

Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, pears and bread.

Thursday: Barbecue pulled pork, potato wedges, baked beans and applesauce.

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