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Sharing high school memories over lunch

NIAGARA, Wis. — This past summer, I shared memories of my high school years after attending my 50th class reunion. It seems that my memories sparked memories for Arletta Johnson Meysembourg as well; I recently received a call from her looking for a way to organize a lunch for classmates who graduated from Kingsford High School in 1947. As a result, I spent part of an afternoon with Arletta and her friend, Nora Hanson. We thought that sharing some of their high school memories may get classmates interested in gathering for a lunch in the near future, before the snow starts to fly.

No matter the era, the high school years are very formative for all of us. Friendships made in high school seem to be stronger than any made in later life. We tend to hang on to high school memories longer as well — probably because those events occur when we are at such vulnerable ages ourselves. We are all passing through the tumultuous years of adolescence, and events are surrounded by a lot of emotion and teenage angst. Additionally, some high school years also are shaped by the historical periods in which they occurred. For Arletta and her classmates, World War II made its indelible mark, and for me, the Vietnam War will forever loom large.

Arletta and Nora, both 90 years old now, have been friends a long time. They share the same birthday — Aug. 18, 1929 — and graduated from Kingsford High School in 1947. Both girls married, had daughters and ended up living as next door neighbors in Park Ridge Mobile Home Park for 35 years. They share many of the same memories of their high school years.

Times were more difficult in 1947. The country had just passed through the challenge of World War II, and both can remember the shortages of food staples and the rationing that took place because of them. As high school boys turned 18, they left school to fight in front lines far from home before they graduated from high school. They returned after the war to finish their education. One of their most vivid memories was the long walk to school and back each day; Arletta remembered the distance for her as being three to four miles one way. There was no busing for the kids who lived in the City of Kingsford. Students were bused in from Pine Creek, Breitung Township, East Kingsford, Quinnesec, Twin Falls, Merriman and Homestead and Aurora, Wis., so their class was large at about 200 students. They took their lunch to school in a paper bag. Upon returning home, there were chores to do, which made for very full days for the high schoolers of the 1940s.

Arletta’s walks to school and back were through open fields because there was no Grede Foundry, and none of the retail businesses or restaurants existed. There was no mall walking because Birchwood Mall had not yet been built. There was, however, the Ford plant and its smokestacks … and the whistle that blew daily, to which the townspeople adjusted their own clocks.

The Ford Motor Company’s impact on Kingsford, as well as on the war effort, were a source of city pride. An entire photo booklet honoring the industry’s economic impact on the area was prepared for their 50th reunion. Following is an excerpt:

“We did not know it at the time, but many of our families helped to make the building of the Ford Motor Company a success — we were thankful for:

“– The twin smoke stacks to lead us home.

“– The Ford Dam and the special fishing holes.

“– The Ford Airport to dream of flying like the Fontana brothers.

“– The Ford Plant whistle to set the clocks.

“– Looking for dad at the gate.

“– The Ford Dam and the Ford Store.

“– The Ford Fire Department.

“– The Glider and the ‘Woody’ station wagon.”

Of course, life was not all work. Arletta and Nora remember wearing “anklets, saddle shoes, poodle skirts, ribbons in our hair and dancing to ‘In the Mood’ and the jitterbug.” Long brown stockings replaced the anklets when it turned cold. While there was lots of rivalry among students from the various areas of Kingsford — East Kingsford, Breitung and the Heights — they paled in comparison to the rivalry with Iron Mountain. Those football games were epic! These were also the early days of the Pine Mountain Ski Slide, and Arletta and Nora remember having lots of fun watching the competitions.

Graduation comes to all of us, and we get busy with making a life. Few were able to acquire a college education back then, but most were able to earn a living in the post-war years. Marriages took place, families were built, and life continued. Changes to your home town happen slowly: long-established industry closes its doors and other industry moves in to take its place; schools are demolished and new ones are built; and shopping malls, restaurants and gas stations fill the once-empty fields. Change happens slowly, over time, and then the day comes when you realize how much is different.

And the changes are not only in the physical surroundings but in the fabric of society. Both Arletta and Nora readily admit that life has gotten easier in many ways. But there are too many “things” now that occupy family time. Technology, while wonderful in some ways, has taken over the interpersonal communication that helped to form the fabric of the community and the family. Everyone seems to be “plugged in” to devices, instead of enjoying each other.

Both Arletta and Nora have tried to keep pace with the times while still staying connected to family and friends. Arletta has learned to use a cell phone and a computer. She enjoys writing her memories and has put together the family tree for everyone. Nora and her husband, John, while he was still alive, visited the Breen Center almost daily for meals and camaraderie. Nora still enjoys the center, along with keeping up with current events over coffee at the nearby Holiday Station.

The years pass by in the blink of an eye, and before you know it, you are planning and attending reunions. Arletta and Nora would love to hear from any classmates who are still in the area and would like to get together for an informal lunch to share memories. Anyone from the Kingsford High School graduating class of 1947 interested in meeting for lunch should call Arletta Johnson Meysembourg at 906- 774-9652. Once she knows how much interest there is, she will schedule a lunch date and location.

——

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.; brouhaha, 11 a.m.; library cart, 1:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; ice cream social, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Crochet, 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.; Bible study, 1:15 p.m.; pokereno, 2 p.m.; “Lawrence Welk,” 4:30 p.m.

Friday: What’s cooking? 11 a.m.; parlor games, 1:15 p.m.; jigsaw puzzles, 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.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 2 p.m.; Church of Christ, 3 p.m.

Monday: Costume prep, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; sunshine club, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; Mass, 10 a.m.; IR senior center, 10:30 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/animal kingdom, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; wii fun, 2 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.; Presbyterian Church, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Costume prep, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; ghost stories, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/Hangman, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 p.m.; Halloween trick-or-treat party, 1 to 4 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: Who, what, when, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; pokeno, 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday: Who am I? 10:15 a.m.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 2 p.m.; movie and manicure, 5:45 p.m.

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

Thursday: Crosswords, 10:15 a.m.; deal/no deal bingo, 2 p.m.; crazy for cards, 5:45 p.m.

Friday: Manor Care monthly, 10:15 a.m.; Halloween craft, 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: Help your neighbor, 10:15 a.m.; tailgate party – Packers vs. Raiders, 1:30 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m., Christian fellowship, 5:30 p.m.

Monday: Protestant service, 9 a.m.; creative art,10:15 a.m.; nickel jokereno, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Current events, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday: Cards, 21, 10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; concert: Papa Hoot, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday: Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; Scattegories, 10:15 a.m.; religious bingo, 2 p.m.; help your neighbor, 6:15 p.m.

Friday: Casino outing (sign-up in activities), 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:15 a.m.; short stories, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour/birthday party with Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Baking, 10:15 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.; pumpkin carving, 5:45 p.m.

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: Football – Packers vs. Raiders, noon; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Monday: Birthday party, 2 p.m.;

Tuesday: Music with Crystal, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

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

Thursday: Left-center-right, 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. Sunday through Saturday.

Sunday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; football: Packers vs. Raiders, noon; Pastor Miller, 3:30 p.m.

Monday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; coffee and chat, 11 p.m.; pumpkin contest voting, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Halloween goodie bag packing, 10 a.m.; monthly birthday party, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Poppa Hoot and Patti, 10:30 a.m.; Uno, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; coffee and chat, 11 a.m.; music with Larry J., 2 p.m.; social hour, 3 p.m.

Friday: Catholic church service, 10 a.m.; coffee and chat, 11 a.m.; Flippo, 2 p.m.; social hour, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo/family and friends social time, 10 a.m.; coffee and chat, 11 a.m.; trivia, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

Sunday: Grace church, 10:15 a.m.; Packer party, noon; ball toss, 3:30 p.m.

Monday: Life connections, 9:45 a.m.; beauty shop, 10:30 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 p.m.; rosary (2nd), 2:30 p.m.; ball toss, 3:30 p.m.; mind joggers, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Movie, 10 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: Casino outing, 10 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 p.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; “Family Feud,” 3:30 p.m.; rummy, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Baking group, 10 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 p.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 a.m.; Jerry Beauchamp, 2 p.m.; decorating, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Hand massage, 10:15 a.m.; chili lunch outing in Hermansville, 11 a.m.; manicures, 2 p.m.; sensory, 3:30 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: Beef stroganoff, noodles, carrots, and salad.

Wednesday: Barbecue pork, bun, baked beans and coleslaw.

Thursday: Turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, dressing, and cranberries.

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: Pasty pie, and stewed tomatoes.

Tuesday: Chicken alfredo, noodles, and broccoli.

Wednesday: Chili dog, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans.

Thursday: Spaghetti, green beans and garlic toast.

Friday: Salmon loaf or pork chop and roasted potatoes.

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, with 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. Cost is $5 for those younger than 60 years old and a $4 donation for those older than 60.

The home-delivered meal menu for the week:

Monday: Pecan-encrusted chicken, butter noodles and Italian blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Chicken and cheese sandwich, baked beans and carrots.

Wednesday: Apple cider pork chop, potato wedges and spiced applesauce.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and Monte Carlo blend vegetables.

Friday: Taco salad with salsa and sour cream, and chips.

Center-based meal menu for week:

Tuesday night: Apple cider pork chop, potato wedges and spiced applesauce.

Wednesday lunch: Taco bar, chicken tortilla soup 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: Spaghetti with meat sauce, green beans, salad and applesauce.

Tuesday: Chicken noodle soup, egg salad sandwich, dinner roll and grapes.

Wednesday: Philly cheese steak sandwich, cole slaw, chips and tropical fruit.

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: Italian harvest strata, green peas, dark green salad and fruit.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, buttered noodles, broccoli, tomato slices and apple pie.

Wednesday: All Florence County centers closed today for cooks’ training.

Thursday: Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, beets and pears.

Friday: Fish fry — baked fish, oven fries, cole slaw, baked beans and fruit.

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 as 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 by calling 906-774-2256, ext. 235 or ext. 230.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Chili, cottage cheese, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Mushroom cheeseburger, potato wedges, carrots, fruit, and milk.

Wednesday: Chicken alfredo, noodles, broccoli, bread sticks, fruit, and milk.

Thursday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, dessert, 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 are offered at 5 p.m. on the first Monday and third Wednesday of the month, with bingo, prizes and a 50-50 drawing.

Center board meeting on Monday at 10 a.m.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Shepherd’s pie, squash blend, 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.

Puzzles always in the works.

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: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, baked potato, mixed vegetables and applesauce.

Wednesday: Breakfast bake, muffins/pastry, and fresh fruit.

Thursday: Baked fish, roasted potatoes, Brussel sprouts, coleslaw, and Mandarin oranges.

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