NIAGARA, Wis. — We recently spent a weekend in Green Bay visiting our son, Tim, and his family. The visit provided a very nice combination of activities that included a belated Valentine’s Day dinner for us, our grandson’s basketball game, and a community theater production in which our son had a role. He has been active in community theater for over 20 years through acting, directing and writing.

While we have seen him perform in every play, in both big roles and small, this particular production was most enjoyable as it provided a great deal of food for thought. Titled “The Gentleman Clothier” and written by Norm Foster, it tells the story of a more mature man (Norman Davenport) who has finally opened a gentleman’s clothing store, which had been a dream of his for seven years. He is very proud of his accomplishment and sets about running a tight ship. He is a bachelor, quite set in his ways, and is a stickler for the proper use of the English language. We see him hire two employees: a female (Sophie) who works at a coffee shop across the street and has wanted to be a tailor her entire life; and a younger man (Patrick) who simply walks in off the street in desperate need of a job and willing to do anything asked of him — this was the part played by our son. In the play, he is the single father of a young daughter who has recovered from a serious illness, but is in need of dialysis and regular care making it impossible for him to continue his job as a sailor. The story takes place in present-day London. In the course of the play, we are also introduced to Alisha, an attractive, well-heeled woman who plans to buy her husband a suit until she decides to divorce him.

As much as Norman seems to have finally reached his goal of being a shop keeper, he has always wished he had lived in a different era — a simpler time when life moved at a slower pace and was not so complicated. We witness him going about the ups and downs of his business and relationships and understand his frustrations with some aspects of his current life. During a conversation with Patrick, a ladybug lands on the daily newspaper. Patrick reminds Norman that catching a lady bug and setting it free will make a wish come true, and we see Norman test the veracity of this claim.

In the following act, he has indeed realized his dream as he is transported back in time to the much earlier, simpler days of London — when traffic was moving at the rapid pace of 13 miles per hour, people actually walk past his shop, and business is booming. And, the female customer from the future who only wanted to be friends actually takes a shine to Norman in the past. Initially, Norman is tickled pink and cannot believe his good fortune. But then he begins to notice differences that are not so wonderful: his female employee lives in a boarding house and has to be very careful not to divulge the fact that she is a lesbian or she could be sent to prison for such a “crime,” and he learns that Patrick’s daughter died of the disease that would be so treatable decades later. I will not spoil the ending for you. Suffice to say that his longed-for period of history turned out to be disappointing, indeed, and he learned the value of living in the present.

Have you ever longed to be living at a different time in history? Is there a time in history even before you were born that seems appealing? In reviewing the times of conflict through which various presidents lived, I really do not long to go backwards at all. I surely would not have wanted to experience all the politics surrounding the birth of our nation or the horrors of the Civil War. I certainly would not have wanted to live through the Great Depression in my grandmother’s day. She and my grandfather were very self-sufficient on the farm, but life was hard without the modern conveniences we enjoy today. At first glance life looks pretty good and much simpler back in the ’50s when we were little kids, and the economy was booming. But our parents lived and fought their way through a world war for that boom to happen. And women’s rights were still a long way off. Nor would I want to relive the Vietnam War era. No, my husband and I agree that the only way we would want to go back in time was if we could take along the wisdom that we have accumulated by living the last 50 years. Then, maybe, a do-over would be interesting at certain times of our personal lives.

I remember as I was growing up, I always longed for the future. I dreamed of graduating from high school and attending college; I even imagined myself walking through campus, dreamed of the cool clothes I would be wearing, the classes I would attend, the sorority I would join, and the boys I would date. My mother always told me not to wish my life away. As I began to actually live my future, many of my younger dreams came true but certainly not on the five-year plan I had imagined! No, life took much, much longer to work through as Plan A morphed into Plans, B, C, and D. The journey has been fraught with all sorts of unseen hurdles, pitfalls and detours. But, after all is said and done, adjusting to life’s surprises has helped us grow. We are all given lessons to learn — some the hard way — and in the end, the challenges have made us into the people we are today.

Now that I am retired, I certainly do not wish for time to go any faster than it does. I marvel at how quickly each week disappears; on Fridays I think to myself, “What happened to Monday through Thursday?” The obituaries contain too many people I recognize. I realize that I have many more days in the rear-view mirror than I have ahead of me on the road of life.

I suppose it is because I am aging, but the road ahead these days looks a little scarier than it did when I was young. Trepidation has replaced anticipation as I ponder the future. I try not to dwell on the news; most often I allow myself only about an hour’s worth each day. I feel I have very little control over the large events happening in the world. I just pray that we come to our senses, and the bend in the road that will send us in the right direction again comes sooner rather than later.

For now, I am content to concentrate on the present. I do whatever I need to do to stay healthy enough to enjoy to the fullest the years I have left. I try to truly appreciate each new day as a gift to be opened and enjoyed. And I have adopted my grandmother’s philosophy: “Whatever shall be, will be.”

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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, 2 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.; wildlife film, 1 p.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; scavenger hunt, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/animal kingdom, 10 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.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Crazy hat crafts, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; faces and places, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search visits, 9 a.m.; puzzle time, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

ProMedica (formerly Manor Care)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is now open for visitation. There is no longer a need to call in advance for a visit.

Sunday: Go Fish, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-O, 1 p.m.; movie (lobby), 2 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie (lobby), 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafting, 2 p.m.; movie (lobby) 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.; movie (lobby) 3 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-O, 2 p.m.; movie (lobby), 3 p.m.

Friday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie (lobby), 3 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Po-Ke-No, 1 p.m.; movie (lobby), 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Church services are five days each week. Visitation is allowed as long as all infection control guidelines are followed, including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Coffee and short stories, 10:15 a.m.; whammo, 2 p.m.

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

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/delivery of ashes, 8:30 a.m.; Protestant service, 9 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10:15 a.m.; chair exercise, 2 p.m.

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

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

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10:30 a.m.; flower planting, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

(formerly Golden Living Center)

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. 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. There are no group activities at the present time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

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.; ladder ball, 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.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; birthday party, 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.; coffee social, 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.; spa treatments, 2 p.m.; mind joggers, 3:30 p.m.; trivia, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Catholic Mass in the multi-purpose room, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one-visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; ice cream sundaes in the multi-purpose room, 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; reminiscing, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Pictionary, 10:30 a.m.; piano recital, 2 p.m.; rosary, 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. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Meatballs, mashed potatoes, Brussel sprouts and beet salad.

Wednesday: Sausage and sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, corn and lettuce salad.

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

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: Ham and scalloped potatoes and mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Chicken cacciatore, noodles and asparagus.

Wednesday: Sloppy Joes, macaroni and cheese and potato salad.

Thursday: Scrambled eggs, sausage and French toast.

Friday: Fish or chicken nuggets, baked potato and coleslaw.

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 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. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with your phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Rigatoni with Italian sausage, garlic bread and vegetables.

Wednesday: Liver and onions, mashed potatoes 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: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes and California blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Spaghetti and meat sauce, corn, side salad and dressing and garlic bread.

Wednesday: Potato sausage bake, winter blend vegetables and spiced peaches.

Thursday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, buttered peas, dinner roll and butter.

Friday: Honey-baked fish, rice and Brussel sprouts

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: Spaghetti and meatballs, green beans and garlic bread.

Tuesday: Taco salad, corn chips and grapes.

Wednesday: Chicken cordon bleu, mashed potatoes, gravy and mixed 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: Baked chicken, stuffing, baked sweet potato, cauliflower and fruit.

Tuesday: Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes, squash and fruit.

Wednesday: Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, broccoli, fruit and pudding.

Thursday: Pizza casserole, garlic bread sticks, bean salad, fruit and birthday cake.

Friday: Garden quiche, dark green salad, breadstick 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, served 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, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Now open — information coming soon.

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: Barbecue pork with bun, potato wedges, waxed beans

Tuesday: Boiled dinner, cottage cheese, dinner roll

Wednesday: Chef’s salad, hard-boiled egg

Thursday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn

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

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

Now open for dine-in eating — dinner is served at 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $4.50 for those older than 60 and $7 for those age 60 or younger. Bingo played on Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Pork cutlet, sweet potatoes, Brussel sprouts and mixed fruit.

Tuesday: Sweet and sour oriental chicken and vegetables, fried rice, chow mein noodles and poke cake.

Wednesday: Cook’s choice — ham and bean soup, grilled cheese sandwich, pasta salad and cookie.

Thursday: Early serve — biscuit and sausage gravy, hash browns and cherry dessert

Norway Center

Head Cook: Brian Gutkowski. 

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. Let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Shepherd’s pie, biscuit and mixed vegetable.

Tuesday: Cranberry chicken wrap, sweet potato fries and green beans.

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

Thursday: Chicken parmesan over noodles, spinach and breadstick.

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

Barbecue ribs return March 16 — pick up only at 4 p.m. — so order early, as they sell out fast.

Regular activities at the center include:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book Club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

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

Tuesday: Ham and scalloped potatoes and carrots.

Wednesday: Cheese manicotti, broccoli and dinner roll.

Thursday: Turkey and cheese sandwich, chips and coleslaw.

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