NIAGARA, Wis. — My page-a-day calendar contained the following quotation by President James A. Garfield, “If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should never grow old.” My husband and I found this to be a most interesting thought and did a little brain storming on how one could accomplish keeping the spirit young as the body aged. I also wondered what kind of person President Garfield had been and what was going on in the country during his very short-lived presidency; he was assassinated only 200 days into his presidential term.

Garfield hailed from Ohio and had come from very humble beginnings — the last of the log cabin presidents. He managed to acquire an education and graduated from Williams College in 1856. He was a classics professor at Hiram College and became its president after only one year of teaching. He served as a brigadier general and then a major general during the Civil War. He won election to Congress in 1859 where he served nine terms and was very influential in helping to coax the seceded states back into the union. Sadly, he was killed by an embittered attorney who had been denied a coveted political appointment.

So, how do we follow Garfield’s advice and prevent our spirits from aging as we notice more and more wrinkles on our face and in our aging skin? Here are a few suggestions.

First, take the extra time and energy to maintain your physical health. Do not skip your annual physical exam with your family doctor. These exams get more and more important as we age; we simply need to keep a closer eye on our changing health. Regular lab tests to monitor cholesterol and blood pressure checks done by a medical professional who is trained to spot early signs of trouble are extremely important. Don’t be afraid to ask questions as you notice changes yourself. And be prepared to change those habits that are causing you to have less than stellar health. Without good general health, it is hard to keep a positive attitude and a youthful spirit.

Remain willing to try new experiences. It doesn’t matter if you are 70 years old and have not taken a cruise. If you get that opportunity, take it. Or if that extensive of a trip sounds a little too much for you to handle, or if you are like me and you just don’t like being around water that much, settle on a road trip that keeps you closer to home. Anything is better than spending another day following the same routine at home day in and day out. And one of the best things about retirement is that you can take a trip any day of the week; you don’t have to channel everything into a weekend when the rest of the world is also out and about. Besides that, motel rooms are cheaper in the middle of the week! Simply put, it is important to get out of your routine once in awhile to keep your spirits young.

Stay involved with life. Make an effort to keep in touch with your grown sons and daughters and build relationships with your grandchildren when they are little — before they hit those challenging teen years. Keep in touch with people with whom you used to work. Granted, maybe you will learn that the only thing you had in common was the job. But, then again, you may be surprised and find that a friendship that began on the job gets even better when work pressures are out of the picture. Start by picking up the phone and making a lunch date — or maybe just a 4:05 beer like the old days. And look for ways to meet new people. Now you have the time to join that study group or that book club in which you were always interested but could not afford the time while working.

Keep a positive attitude as much as possible. Granted, there will be those “gray days” when nothing seems right or the way it used to be. But as my mother used to say, “any day above ground beats the alternative.” Develop ways to beat the blues. Find places within nature to which you can retreat for a while. Spending an hour beside the Menominee River at Niagara’s boat landing lifts my spirits when I am down. Listening to the wind in the trees and watching the water drift by has a way of taking my cares with it. Or listen to music. Or have an extended conversation with the neighbor. At the very least, turn off the television for a while and resist logging into social media sites. Staying current is one thing, but too much news these days can really suck the joy right out of you.

Remain open to new ideas and ways of living. This can be a tough one. As much as we would like life to remain the way we are used to having it be, our culture changes with each new generation. What was socially unheard of “back when we were young” has now become pretty ordinary. Lifestyles change, but it doesn’t mean they are wrong. Social customs that were once taboo have a way of eventually becoming acceptable. Again, changes in our culture become more difficult to understand as we age, but we need to keep our mind open to the fact that just because something is different from “the way we did it” does not make it wrong. We lived our lives. We need to allow the next generation to live theirs.

Finally, we must never allow ourselves to believe that just because we have added more than a few years to our lives we no longer have anything to offer. There are lessons that we have learned that are timeless and experience that we have acquired that is now worth sharing. We need to stay open to the fact that it is because of our longevity that we still do have wisdom that could help someone else. And we need to look for ways to share our knowledge and experience — indeed to share ourselves — with those who could benefit from our insight. Of course, it goes without saying that we need to be tactful in how we offer those insights. It cannot come off sounding like, “I am right, and you are wrong so do this my way.” Simply realize that you do have life experience that can make someone else’s life a little easier and find a tactful way to help them.

To get older does not mean to stop living. We can be getting on in years without losing our youthful spirit along the way. I think my husband put it best this morning over breakfast when he said, “We need to have a willingness to serve rather than to be served.” And there are any number of organizations out there that would welcome a volunteer with some life experience to share. As long as we continue to be useful and to participate in life, “wrinkles on our brow” will be meaningless for our spirit will remain forever young.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Freeman’s has resumed small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly, with screening and COVID testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal; however, they are all looking forward to a great get-together when it is safe to do so.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

No information currently available.

Manor Care

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Limited visitation has resumed for family and friends. Appointments must be made in advance by calling the center.

Maryhill Manor

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Church services are held five days each week. Please note that scheduled visits are in the front living room or outdoors and are by appointment only. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; coffee and “Family Feud,” 10:15 a.m.; tailgate party, Packers vs. Washington, 2 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Protestant service, 9 a.m.; help your neighbor, 10:15 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Men’s breakfast, 7 a.m.; rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; pumpkin decorating, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30; penny ante, 10:15; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; Uno, 10:15 a.m.; tailgate party, Packers vs. Cardinals, 2 p.m.

Friday: Bowling, 10:15 a.m.; Halloween party with Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Derby Day and coffee, 10:15 a.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Golden Living Center

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed in designated seniors only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. Residents have resumed some small group activities.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Packers vs. Washington, noon; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; left-center-right, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; crosswords, 2 p.m.; Packers vs. Cardinals, 7:20 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Jim Edberg, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Mass (channel 66.1), 11 a.m.; king’s corners, 2 p.m.

Monday: Bus ride, 10 a.m.; decorating pumpkins, 2 p.m.; bunco, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Bingo, 10:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; room visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Omelets, 8 a.m.; spa treatments, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; baking group, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Bingo, 10:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Coffee social, 10 a.m.; Halloween treat, 2 p.m.; trivia, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; room visits, 3:30 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11:30 a.m. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Ham, scalloped potatoes, Brussel sprouts and corn relish.

Wednesday: Poor man’s lobster, oven brown potatoes, peas and coleslaw.

Thursday: Chili, bean salad and corn muffins.

Note: All meals include milk, bread and butter, fruit and dessert.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at noon. Carry-out meals also are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pulled pork, potato wedges and baked beans.

Tuesday: Cheeseburger, baked beans and potato wedges.

Wednesday: Liver or sausage, parslied potatoes and peas.

Thursday: Chili and chicken salad sandwiches.

Friday: Baked fish, seasoned potato wedges and cauliflower.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

906-875-6709

The center is now open and is once again serving meals for dining in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place your order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include salad bar, homemade desserts, coffee, tea, or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pick up for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Italian chicken, potatoes and vegetables.

Wednesday: Beef stroganoff with noodles and vegetables.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235.

Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Grilled chicken sandwich, baked beans and spiced peaches.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, baked potato with sour cream, beets and salad with dressing.

Wednesday: Pizza burger, tater tots, Key West blend vegetables and cake.

Thursday: Omelet, country blend potatoes, French toast and syrup.

Friday: Split pea soup, cottage cheese, ham and cheese sandwich and Halloween cookies.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carry-out meals also are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Stir fry, rice, carrots and bread.

Tuesday: Cheesy potato casserole, biscuit and California blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Restrictions have lifted at some centers. Menu for the week —

Monday: Parmesan chicken breasts, baked sweet potato, roasted Brussel sprouts and fruit.

Tuesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, western baked beans, broccoli salad and fruit.

Wednesday: Liver and onions or chicken breast, mashed potatoes, cauliflower and pumpkin crisp.

Thursday: Broccoli cheese soup, ham sandwich with lettuce and tomato and fruit.

Friday: Spooky goulash, dark green salad, vampire garlic bread, creepy cookie, bars and fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980 — RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Now open — serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Tipler Town Hall

715-674-2320 – RSVP for meals

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

715-589-4491 – RSVP for meals

Same as ADRC menu. Now open — serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Soft tacos, refried beans, Spanish corn, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Corned beef, cabbage, cheesy potato roll, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Chili, corn bread, salad, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Cheese ravioli, Italian blend vegetables, breadstick, dessert and milk.

Norway Center

Director: Michelle DeSimone

906-563-8716

Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Menu for the week —

Monday: Finnish pancake, sausage, hashbrown potatoes and strawberries.

Tuesday: Roast beef over bread, mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and carrots.

Thursday: Cod, cheesy potatoes and green beans.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas and peaches.

Wednesday: Ham, scalloped potatoes, carrots and pears.

Thursday: Roast pork, mashed potato casserole, corn and pineapple.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.