NIAGARA, Wis. — I had a real dose of reality as I began this column today, as I always do, with its date of publication in the upper left-hand corner. Yes, it is the beginning of a new year, but not just any new year. The beginning of this new year is also the start of an entirely new decade, 2020. It sounds so futuristic, doesn’t it? Almost scary, even! While I was still working, any reference to 2020 was always preceded by the word, vision. Vision 2020 doesn’t sound scary or foreboding at all — it sounds exciting and promising. So, going forward, that is how I have decided to view this upcoming decade — through that optimistic lens, because when living life with a vision, we are more likely to see potential. When we see potential, we begin to take positive steps toward fulfilling that potential until it becomes reality. When vision becomes reality, our world is a better place.

Of course, the sticking point is when we try to determine just what that vision for our world should be. Whose vision? What are the priorities? What are those issues that, if addressed, will make the biggest positive difference for the most people? The answers to those questions, for each of us, will determine how we vote in the coming election. And the outcome of that election will determine the future course of our country and the world.

But, for today, each of has the power within ourselves to create a personal vision for our individual lives; a vision of a few changes we could make so we could be happier in the coming year. So, let’s start there. How do we create such a vision? How do we find more happiness? Research has shown that it helps to be an optimistic person, and that if you are not an optimistic person by nature, it is important to understand that optimism can be learned.

In an article about the benefits of optimism, Elizabeth Scott cites research done by Martin Seligman that illustrates the differences in how optimists and pessimists explain the various situations in their lives. Optimists explain positive events as having happened because of themselves. They also see them as evidence that more positive things will happen for themselves in the future and in other areas of their lives. Conversely, they see negative events as not being their fault. They also see them as being isolated flukes that have nothing to do with other areas of their lives or future events. Positive events are cause for personal celebration, and negative occurrences do not defeat them. Pessimists, however, believe that negative events are, indeed, their fault. They believe that one mistake means more will come and that mistakes in other areas of their lives are inevitable because they are the cause. They see positive events as flukes that are caused by things outside of their control and that probably will not happen again. With work, pessimists can learn another way of thinking — a process known as cognitive restructuring — that will help them consciously challenge their negative, self-limiting thinking and replace it with more optimistic thought patterns.

About now, some of you reading this may be thinking, “I am who I am. There is no reason for me to change at this point of my life.” Well, it just so happens that research has shown there are very definite benefits to having an optimistic view of life. Here is some food for thought.

1. Optimistic attitudes lead to better health. One study showed that people who were optimistic at age 25 were significantly healthier at ages 45 and 60 than those with a pessimistic outlook. Studies have also linked pessimistic thinking to higher rates of infectious disease, poor health and early mortality.

2. Optimism leads to greater achievement. Studies of athletes have shown that when both individual athletes and teams believe they can win, they perform better. Companies are paying attention to this research and have begun hiring optimistic thinkers for this reason.

3. Optimism leads to greater persistence. Optimistic people do not allow isolated, difficult circumstances to defeat them. They follow the old adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”

4. In a study of clinical depression, it was found that training a depressed person to think in a different way about their life worked better than medication to improve their overall well-being. Patients who had “optimism training” gained the ability to more effectively manage future setbacks.

5. Optimistic thinking promotes longevity. Research has shown conclusively that people who take a more optimistic approach to life live significantly longer. And studies involving cancer patients have shown that an optimistic approach to their treatment led to better outcomes.

6. Overall, optimistic people experience less stress in their lives. Because they believe in themselves and their abilities, they expect good things to happen. They view negative events as isolated incidents and minor setbacks they can easily overcome. They view positive events as signs of more good things to come. Believing in themselves, they also take more risks, which opens the door to more potential opportunity.

We all have the ability and the power to create the world in which we live. First, we need to believe this to be true. If this does not seem natural to you, start slowly. Begin by taking a look at your life and asking yourself how you feel about it and what, if anything, needs to be changed. If you do not think you can do this objectively, ask a trusted friend or a relative whose life you think looks pretty good. Ask them how they managed to have the level of happiness that seems to be only wishful thinking for you.

And then allow them to help you. Follow their example. You may be surprised to learn that their road has had almost as many bumps and wrong turns in it as yours, but they made different choices along the way. The changes you decide to make do not have to be big nor do they need to cost a lot of money. The important thing is to first decide upon a course of action and then to begin. And, give yourself time. As the old saying goes, “Rome was not built in a day.”

With a little time and effort — and patience — you will soon have your personal Vision 2020 and be on your way to a happier new year.

Next week, will discuss the many ways people can cultivate real happiness in their lives.

——

SENIOR LIVING

FACILITIES

Freeman

Kingsford

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

Sunday: Uno, 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: Craft, 10:30 a.m.; reminisce, 1 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, 10:30 a.m.; Bible study, 1:15 p.m.; Crystal Hogan, 2 p.m.; “Lawrence Welk,” 4:30 p.m.

Friday: What’s cooking? 11 a.m.; parlor games, 1:15 p.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 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.; Pictionary, 10 a.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.; Church of Christ, 3 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; 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.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; getting pretty, 1:15 p.m.; men’s club, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/current events, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; surprise musical concert, 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.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; casino trip, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; faces and places, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: “Price Is Right”/taste test/trivia, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.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.

Lobby activity, 11:15, Sunday through Saturday.

Popcorn Day every Friday.

Sunday: Just jokes, 10:15 a.m.; company’s coming room visits, 1:30 p.m.; Protestant church, 3 p.m.

Monday: Who, what, when, 10:15 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 2 p.m.; chips and chatter, 2:30 p.m.; lobby activity, 4:15 p.m.; pokeno, 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday: All shook up match, 10:15 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; lobby activity, 4:15 p.m.; movie and manicure, 5:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Sharpen your senses, 10:15 a.m.; Golden Throats entertain, 2 p.m.; lobby activity, 4:15 p.m.; flip five, 5:45 p.m.

Thursday: Crosswords, 10:15 a.m.; K bingo, 2 p.m.; lobby activity, 4:15 p.m.; creative coloring, 5:45 p.m.

Friday: ABC game, 10:15 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 2 p.m.; chips and chatter, 2:30 p.m.; movie, 3:15 p.m.

Saturday: Current events, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie, 3:15 p.m.

Maryhill Manor

Niagara, Wis.

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

Sunday: Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; help your neighbor, 10:15 a.m.; penny ante, 2 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Spelling bee, 10:15 a.m.; “You be the judge,” 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Resident council, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; whammo, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday: Protestant service, 9 a.m.; derby day, 10:15 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; movie and popcorn, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; board game , Scattegories, 10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Exercise, 10:15 a.m.; trivia and hot cocoa, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Pamper and polish, 10:15 a.m.; pizza party, 2 p.m.; bingo, 5:45 p.m.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

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

Exercise, 11 a.m. Monday through Friday.

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

Sunday: Bible study, 2:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Trivia, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

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

Thursday: Music with Gail, 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.; music with Grace and Dave, 2 p.m.; reminisce, 6:15 p.m.

Monday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; coffee and chat, 11 a.m.; uno, 2 p.m.; reminisce, 6:15 p.m.

Tuesday: Flippo, 10 a.m.; coffee and chat, 11 a.m.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 2 p.m.; social hour, 3:30 p.m.; picture look, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday: Trivia, 10 a.m.; coloring, 2 p.m.; reading, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; coffee and chat, 11 a.m.; manicures, 2 p.m.; reminisce, 6:15 p.m.

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

Saturday: Bingo/family and friends social time, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.; reminisce, 6 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

Sunday: Grace church, 10:15 a.m.; current events, 10:30 a.m.; cards, 2 p.m.; board game, Trouble, 3:30 p.m.

Monday: Life connections, 9:45 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 p.m.; worship and communion service, 1:30 p.m.; rosary, 2:30 p.m.; bean bag toss, 3:30 p.m.; Scrabble, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Employee of the Month meeting, 10 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 p.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; Scattegories, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Omelet breakfast, 8 a.m.; Jim Clement, 2 p.m.; cribbage, 3:30 p.m.; room visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 p.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; board game, Sorry, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 a.m.; book cart, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Trivia, 10:15 a.m.; coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; mind joggers, 2 p.m.; manicures, 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: Chicken, mashed potatoes, California blend vegetables and corn relish.

Wednesday: Sausage, mashed potatoes, and corn.

Thursday: Pasties, mixed vegetables, and coleslaw.

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: Pork, sauerkraut, and mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Chili dogs, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and peas.

Thursday: Pot roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, and biscuits.

Friday: Baked fish or smoked sausage, parslied potatoes, and carrots.

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, 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:

Monday through Wednesday: Menu not available.

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.; 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 p.m. 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 to 12:45. Meals cost $5 for those under 60 years old and a $4 donation for those over 60.

Home delivered meal menu for week:

Monday: Mushroom swiss burger, tater tots, and mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Sweet and sour chicken, rice, and winter blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Chili, crackers, cornbread, and spinach side salad with dressing.

Thursday: Night Meal: Smothered pork chop, rice, peas, and carrots.

Friday: French toast, syrup, sausage, and spiced applesauce.

Wednesday: Noon meal: Chili, grilled cheese sandwich, 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: Breakfast biscuits, hash browns, and fried apples.

Tuesday: Sausage stew, biscuit, and coleslaw.

Wednesday: Lasagna, garlic bread, side salad, and peas.

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: Parmesan chicken, black beans and rice, broccoli, and Mandarin oranges.

Tuesday: Biscuits and sausage gravy, squash, fruit salad, and apple juice.

Wednesday: Spaghetti and meatballs, dark green salad, garlic bread, fruit, and birthday cake.

Thursday: Hot turkey sandwiches with gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, fruit and cranberry sauce, pudding and cream.

Friday: Baked fish, green beans, potato salad, and fruit.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

For meal reservations call 855-528-2372

Meal served Wednesday only with the same menu as listed under ADRC of Florence County. Reservations are requested. Cribbage and cards are available.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

For meal reservations call 715-528-4261

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

Tipler Town Hall

For meal reservations call 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

For meal reservations call 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.

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.

Saturday, Jan. 11: Dance 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Salisbury steak, au gratin potatoes, and carrots.

Tuesday: Chop suey with rice, Oriental vegetable blend, and dinner roll.

Wednesday: Philly steak sandwich, and spaghetti salad.

Thursday: Lasagna, green beans, and breadstick.

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 who 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. 

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: Noon meal: Fish patty on a bun, sweet potato fries, peas and carrots, salad bar, fruit, juice, and dessert; 5 p.m. meal: Company chicken dinner, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, soup and salad bar, and dessert.

Tuesday: New Year’s dinner: Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, squash, soup and salad bar, fruit, juice, and dessert.

Wednesday: Liver or burger and onions, mashed potatoes and gravy, capri blend vegetables, salad bar, fruit, juice, and dessert.

Thursday: Chicken chow mein with rice, Asian vegetables, 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: Cheese ravioli, broccoli, tropical fruit, breadsticks

Wednesday: Beef tips, mashed potatoes, green beans, apricots

Thursday: Barbecue pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, corn, mixed fruit