NIAGARA, Wis. — With January, along with snow and chest freezer cold, comes the opportunity to set new goals, chart a new course, adopt a new attitude, and maybe even open our minds to new ideas. The entire year stretches out in front of us with all kinds of time to make changes. Our paths are paved with opportunities; we only have to realize that they are there and then take a step or two in a new direction to take advantage of them. But will we? Dare we? Can we? The answers lie within each of us if we have the courage to pursue them. The million-dollar question really is why do we hesitate to change?

First, and I would argue the easiest and most obvious answer, is that change brings us out of our comfort zone. We are so accustomed to doing what we always do in the manner in which we do it that it is simply easier to keep doing those same things in the same way. Learning something new requires that we work a little harder and maybe fail a time or two before we get proficient at this new activity. Or maybe we fear that we will not like this new thing after all. So, we pull back into the familiar and content ourselves with the sameness of our lives.

Second, once we arrive at a certain age and depending upon what the new thing is that we would like to try, we may simply fear that we will injure ourselves or, at the very least, be embarrassed when we realize that, yes, we simply are no longer physically capable of undertaking that adventure. So, we worry and talk ourselves right out of trying.

A third reason, I think, is really the most profound. It afflicts not only people of our advanced years, but can be a problem for all ages. It can be labelled either-or thinking. Some of you may have heard it termed thinking in black and white. We fall into this when we believe that there are only two sides to any argument, only two perspectives for looking at a problem, only two ways to make any change. When we think so simplistically about anything in life, we dramatically limit our options and with it a tremendous amount of potential and possibility for success and fulfillment are missed.

What is it about that middle ground between right and left or the gray area between black and white that prevents us from visiting it once in a while? One reason may be that when we only give ourselves two options to define any given problem, that problem becomes easier to understand and consequently, on the surface anyway, easier to solve. But when we limit our solutions so dramatically, are we really solving anything or just making ourselves believe we have? Also, the color gray has been given a bad rap in that it has come to mean a state of confusion similar to fog. Or it may symbolize trickery or the desire to hide something. In either case, we generally do not like to swim around in it for very long; we begin to feel unsettled. We crave decisive action.

During my working years, those who were in charge of making big decisions for the organization for which I worked subscribed to the phrase “analysis — paralysis.” In other words, the longer we examine a given problem or the longer the list of potential solutions we consider, the greater the chance we have of not solving it at all. My goodness, this always seemed backwards to me. Problems deserve to be completely understood and have as many solutions proposed and analyzed as possible. The more complex the issue, and the more people affected by it, the more time it deserves to be studied so the best solution can be found. Otherwise, it will rear its ugly head another day after it has caused much more damage.

In a recent Monday Morning Memo, Roy H. Williams discussed two distinct approaches to problem solving which can be applied to this discussion of making changes in the coming year. Deductive reasoning, also referred to as the scientific method, applies known facts to any given problem to arrive at a sound solution. The logic follows that if A equals B and B equals C, then A equals C. The analytical thinkers among us have brains that function like this, and problem solving becomes an exercise in logic. Solutions are rooted in fact, can be proven to be viable so can be relied upon as being workable. Inductive reasoning, however, begins with a solution and then searches for information that confirms that our values, beliefs, instincts, and preferences have been right all along. If we happen upon information that contradicts our beliefs, the phenomenon known as confirmation bias kicks in, and we simply dismiss it as false. Inductive reasoning generally does not lead to sound solutions so cannot be depended upon to create needed change.

Whether we are talking about change in our personal lives or change in our broader world, it is imperative to be courageous in the coming year. We cannot afford to be afraid of what we do not know or what we do not understand. We need to accept a couple of new ideas or adopt a few new approaches. We need to venture out of our comfort zones and dare to look at doing things in our own lives a little differently. We need to put any fears of looking silly aside and give whatever adventure we have been afraid of a try. And let’s stop fearing the gray areas. Let’s dive into them instead, swim around in the uncertainties of life, trusting that we will indeed find new information that will clear the fog away and lead to a greater understanding of the changes in our world. We may find that we like some of the new viewpoints to which we are introduced. Our personal lifestyle is not the only viable way of living. There are many paths to happiness, and many do not always take the easiest or safest route but can still lead to a good place.

One of my favorite stories that I read to my boys when they were little was “Stone Soup.” It described how two soldiers returning from the war came into a village and were hungry. They built a fire and set on a kettle of water to boil, throwing in two stones that they had. The villagers, thinking that the stones would not be very tasty, began giving what they had: a potato from one, a carrot from another, a rutabaga from another. Eventually, each villager had contributed what he or she had in their pantry to the soup. Not only did it feed the soldiers, but there was enough soup in that kettle to feed the entire village. And it was the best soup any one of them had ever tasted!

The strongest societies are those that not only tolerate, but embrace diversity. We need to welcome differences. For each difference in opinion considered, each different life experience embraced, each new solution tried leads to a stronger society and happier people.

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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-19 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

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; puzzle time, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; bingorama, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; hot cocoa and cookies, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Book Club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass video, 10 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; travel film, 1 p.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; scavenger hunt, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:45 a.m.; storytelling, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; current events, 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.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Hawaiian luau, music and treat, 2 p.m.; tropical movie, dress tropical, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzle packet/room visits, 9 a.m.; mandalas, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

ProMedica (formerly ManorCare)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

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

Maryhill Manor

Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Church services are held five days each week. 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 short stories, 10:15 a.m.; tailgate party, Packers vs. Lions, 2 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; you be the judge, 10:15 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

(Continued from 6-A)

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Bob Larson, 10:15 a.m.; resident council, 2 p.m.; bingo, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; guided imagery drawing and tea, 10:15 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Uno, 10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Bowling, 10:15 a.m.; happy hour and music, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Crafts, 10:15 a.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Golden Living Center

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed in designated areas 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. Lions, 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.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 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: Communion with Deacon Don, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; crosswords, 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 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: Ladder ball, 10:30 a.m.; Lutheran service, 2 p.m.

Monday: Movie, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; “Family Feud,” 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Manicures, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; wine and cheese, 2 p.m.; mind joggers, 3:30 p.m.

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

Friday: Baking, 10:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass (multipurpose room), 2:30 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday: Pictionary, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 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: Beef stroganoff, noodles, carrots and broccoli salad.

Wednesday: Pork chop, baked potato, corn and coleslaw.

Thursday: Spaghetti, green beans, garlic bread and lettuce salad.

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. Night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken breast, baked potato and mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and chef’s choice vegetables.

Wednesday: Spaghetti and meat sauce, garlic bread and green beans.

Thursday: Chili and grilled cheese sandwich.

Friday: Quiche, sausages and fried tomatoes.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant cook: Rocky Scarlassara

906-875-6709

The center is now open and is once again serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an 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. Pickup 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: Beef tips with egg noodles, vegetables, salad bar and homemade dessert.

Wednesday: Kielbasa with sauerkraut and parsley potatoes, vegetables, salad bar and homemade dessert.

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: Polish sausage, seasoned potatoes and green beans.

Tuesday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles and four-way vegetables.

Wednesday: Spaghetti, garlic bread and cauliflower.

Thursday: Salisbury steak, rice and peas

Friday: Chef’s salad with dressing and croutons, cottage cheese and dessert

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. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Turkey wrap, coleslaw and chips.

Tuesday: Cheesy bratwurst casserole, green beans and breadstick.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and carrots.

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 — see below. Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef chop suey with Oriental vegetables, rice and fruit.

Tuesday: Chef’s salad, breadstick and cottage cheese with peaches.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fruit and cookies.

Thursday: Pasties, coleslaw, fruit and birthday cake.

Friday: Mushroom Swiss burger, baked beans, sweet potato puffs 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, served at noon on Wednesday 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

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

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., salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken Alfredo, noodles, broccoli and breadstick.

Tuesday: Beef tips, mashed potatoes, winter blend vegetables and roll.

Wednesday: Lasagna, green beans and garlic bread.

Thursday: Cheese ravioli, mixed vegetables and breadstick.

All meals served with milk or juice and a serving of fruit.

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 pickup from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if you are dining in or picking up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Ravioli, breadstick and winter blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Philly steak, potato wedges and green beans.

Wednesday: Salmon, sweet potato fries and creamed corn.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and carrots — birthdays and bingo.

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: Wet burrito with toppings, rice, refried beans and fruit.

Wednesday: Smoked potato sausage, fried cabbage with noodles and fruit.

Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs, green beans and fruit.

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