NIAGARA, Wis. — Every New Year’s Eve, my husband and I celebrate the coming of the new year with our best friends. We used to travel out of town to make the weekend really special and enjoyed picking a new destination each year. Now that we are older, and after a snow-filled trip to Bayfield that was way too exciting due to white-out conditions in the Ironwood area, we stay home and take turns preparing a special meal in our own kitchens. We spend a pleasant evening reviewing the old year, looking ahead to the new one and trying to stay awake long enough to actually welcome it in; this year we opted to join the celebration in the Eastern time zone.

We had high hopes for 2022 — so much so, in fact, that my husband and I had decided this would be the year that we could travel to Jamaica to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary at Swept Away resort. We had purchased our passports, and they had arrived; all that remained was a discussion with the travel agent. We believed, foolishly as it turned out, that life would be back to normal. Then the news was once again full of nothing but stories of travel delays due to terrible weather conditions, disgruntled passengers making any kind of air travel dangerous, and challenges for the entertainment industry due once again to the rise of COVID — this time in the form of the omicron variant, which is proving to be much more contagious. So, we have placed our travel plans on hold once again. Yes, 2022 has begun looking much like 2020 and 2021, and I wonder if we did indeed turn the calendar page to a new year.

I wish sometimes that I could look into the future and know just how long life was going to be like this. How much longer do we have to wait until the virus is brought under control? How much longer before we take climate change seriously and actually make positive strives toward saving our planet? How much longer before the factions in our country can compromise instead of continually digging in their heels even deeper? If only there was a big crystal ball that could answer those questions.

These feelings bring to mind the trip to Arizona my husband and I made with our son and his family in 2019 to see grandson Kevin graduate from Arizona State University. Our son, Rob, took us on a day trip to visit Sedona because he knew we would enjoy the beautiful mountains along the way. He also told us that there was quite a community of mystics in Sedona. As he explained it, “There is something about the environment up there that attracts fortune tellers and tarot card readers.” My husband, of course, scoffed at that notion, but my ears perked up as the idea of palm reading and tarot cards has always intrigued me. I cannot explain this fascination at all because ordinarily I consider myself a very practical person grounded in facts. But I tell myself that just maybe there is something that can be learned about myself and life using a deck of cards; something that remains to be figured out or a puzzle that needs a solution that my own life experience has been unsuccessful at resolving thus far.

So when we arrived in Sedona, we started poking around in the many shops. And sure enough, there was a tarot card reader. I had already told my husband that I was going to get a reading if I found one so off I went into her little office located within a candle shop. We only exchanged first names. She began turning up cards and telling me about myself, and then I turned up random cards and she interpreted those. I only remember that she said that writing was a big part of my life and my preferred method of communication — right on there. We both kept turning up angel cards, and she said that my loved ones who had departed were safe and happy. My mother passed the evening we were on our way home from the airport, and I felt a great deal of comfort as I remembered those angel cards.

I often write about different subjects discussed on “CBS Sunday Morning.” This past Sunday, Steve Hartman was featured asking a clairvoyant for a tarot card reading for our country. She explained that it is not at all unusual in times of great uncertainty for people to look in new directions for answers. As she turned over the cards, her consternation and hesitancy in what she saw were almost palpable. Not to be completely discouraged, Steve Hartman found a silver lining like he always does. He posed the question of whether our country’s future was fated or whether it was divined by choosing love. With each challenge cited, he chose to see a solution in the resiliency of the many people who had chosen love as an answer. While stranded in an airport, one woman had decided to practice her ukulele, much to the delight of those around her. While stuck in the terrible weather induced traffic jam out east, one bread delivery truck driver had chosen to distribute his cargo to those stranded in the snow without food. And one couple in Colorado, after losing everything in a wildfire, told how people from across the country totally unknown to them had sent them money and care packages to help. Hartman concluded that the future of our country is, indeed, under our control and depends upon how we choose to treat each other.

So, to help us through another year of challenges — many of them due to issues way beyond our individual powers to solve — let’s resolve to show kindness wherever we can. Let’s choose hope over despair. Let’s choose activity — no matter how small — over paralysis. Let’s choose resiliency over defeat. Our collective new year’s resolution needs to be one of determination for we are as strong as we will ourselves to be. And, in case you were wondering, the final tarot card turned over in the reading for our country was, indeed, the card that represented love.

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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.; trivia teasers, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Memory books, 9 – 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; reminisce, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; getting pretty, 1:15 p.m.; men’s club, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social / animal kingdom, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; wildlife film, 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.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; United Lutheran, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Cooking, 9 – 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits / mystery ride 1 p.m.; throwaway bingo, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: “Price is Right” / room visits, 9 a.m.; hangman, 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. Please note that scheduled visits are done 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.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; hot cocoa and book club, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; kick ball, 10:15 a.m.; monthly birthday social with popcorn, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Men’s breakfast, 7 a.m.; rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Scattegories, 10:15 a.m.; nickel jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Bowling, 10:15 a.m.; happy hour and entertainment with Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10:30 a.m.; Netflix movie and popcorn, 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.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 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.; Pictionary, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

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

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; left-center-right, 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: Cards, 10:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.

Monday: Resident council, 10:30 a.m.; ice cream social, 2 p.m.; bunco, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

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

Wednesday: Soup cook-off, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.; room visits, 6 p.m.

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

Saturday: Tic-tac-toe, 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: Ham, baked potatoes, peas, coleslaw

Wednesday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, corn

Thursday: Beef stew, lettuce salad, dinner roll

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: Pasty pie, stewed tomatoes

Tuesday: Ribs, fried potatoes, carrots

Wednesday: Liver or sausage, twice-baked potato, California blend vegetables

Thursday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, chef choice vegetables

Friday: Fish or chicken nuggets, oven-browned potatoes, chef choice vegetables

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: Baked ham with sweet potatoes, oven-browned potatoes, vegetables, salad bar, homemade dessert

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meatballs, garlic bread, vegetables, salad bar, 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: Taco salad, sour cream, tortilla chips

Tuesday: Hamburger soup, spinach salad, crackers

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mixed vegetables, baked potato, sour cream

Thursday: Corn dog, wax beans, tater tots

Friday: Lemon pepper fish, coleslaw, broccoli, dinner roll

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: Barbecue pork, oven-browned potatoes, coleslaw

Tuesday: Spanish rice, corn, garlic bread, salad

Wednesday: Evening meal — Beef roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, winter blend vegetables

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

Tuesday: Cook’s Choice – entree, vegetable, fruit

Wednesday: Chicken parmesan with spaghetti and sauce, spinach salad, breadsticks, fruit, pineapple spice cake

Thursday: Liver and onions or chicken breast, mashed potatoes, squash, fruit

Friday: Stuffed pepper casserole, dark green salad, biscuits, 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: Polish sausage, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, green beans

Tuesday: Ham and scalloped potatoes, peas and carrots, dinner roll

Wednesday: Chili, cornbread, side salad

Thursday: Ham and cheese omelet, French toast sticks, hashbrowns

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: Chicken divan over noodles, broccoli

Tuesday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, spinach

Wednesday: Spaghetti or polenta, garlic bread, Italian blend vegetables

Thursday: Turkey burger, potato wedges, sugar snap peas

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

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

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

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, fruit

Wednesday: Spare ribs, mashed potatoes, California blend vegetables, fruit

Thursday: Grilled ham and cheese sandwich, hearty lentil soup, fruit

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