NIAGARA, Wis. — One of the biggest challenges of aging, I think, is dealing with change. It’s one of the reasons why the past couple of years have been so difficult. We’ve had to deal with a pandemic and its accompanying feelings of isolation, the loss of loved ones, supply chain disruptions, increasing costs, and the never-ending media reports on the entire mess. We no sooner seemed to get past that before becoming witnesses to the terrible ongoing atrocities unfolding in Ukraine that nightly provide accounts of man’s inhumanity to man, which we have not seen since World War II. We face ongoing gun violence, ever-deepening political divisions, disagreements over what should be taught in schools, and shake our heads at “the slap heard ’round the country” on Oscar night. I find myself wondering sometimes if I have been transported to a foreign land; some days I hardly recognize the country in which I am living.

I have always been a person who needed to feel in control of my situation. I think that feeling began for me when I was a young girl. Being the oldest of four, I was given a lot of responsibility at a very young age. My mother depended upon me to keep my siblings in line and our home together until she returned from working all day. The afterschool period was not bad, but summer vacations were next to impossible. I grew into a perfectionist, and had to work very hard to first understand the “affliction” and then to gradually ease up on the reins of my life in general. For anyone who has not fallen victim to becoming a control freak, I can only explain it by saying life becomes a never-ending, exhausting attempt to predict every possible scenario so that any potential pitfall can be avoided. It sucks the spontaneous joy out of living.

In a recent Verywell Mind newsletter, the joys of relinquishing control were outlined. First, a deeper sense of peace and relaxation are possible when one is not trying to control every moment of every day. Ironically, as we let go of our pursuit of perfection, we have the best chance of experiencing what we are seeking. Second, we are better prepared for the unexpected when we allow ourselves to “go with the flow.” We will naturally rise to the occasion and be able to respond in the moment if we have not scripted everything in our minds ahead of time. Finally, we are able to connect more freely with others and experience better relationships when we are more relaxed about our expectations. We lose that hyper critical nature that often accompanies perfectionism.

Throughout the history of mankind, adaptability has allowed us to survive as a species. As Charles Darwin noted, “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” And make no mistake about it, adapting to change is a frightening process. But fear is a part of life. Who among us has not ever been afraid? No one can say they have lived without experiencing fear. As poet and novelist Erica Jong states, “I have accepted fear as part of life — specifically the fear of change … I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says: turn back.”

One of the greatest causes of change is failure. We have put together a plan, executed it to the best of our abilities, and we still fail. At that point in time, we have a choice: we can throw in the towel and quit trying or we can come up with a new plan and try again. Bill Gates states quite profoundly, “It’s fine to celebrate success, but it’s more important to heed the lessons of failure.” How many times in each of our lives have we experienced failure, a setback? What would have happened to us had we simply thrown in the towel? Robert Frost, one of my favorite poets, has advice to offer us when we encounter life’s unexpected disappointments. He says, “The best way out is through.” And again, “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.” Researcher Leslie Gordon adopted the following attitude upon learning that her son had a premature aging disease: “What do you do when there’s nowhere to turn? You drive straight ahead.” Consequently, she became the founder of the Progeria Research Foundation, which continues to reach promising milestones in the search for a cure to this terrible disease.

At this point in our lives, most of us can look back and pinpoint those critical “forks in the road” where we were presented with a choice. In the moment, we may have had a sense that it was an important decision, but given the perspective we now have we fully realize just how critical a juncture we had faced. Back then, we did not know what was ahead or what the results of either decision would be. We only knew we had to do something; we had to make a choice. I think Tom Hiddleston, a British actor best known for his roles in the Marvel movies “Thor” and “The Avengers,” described life quite succinctly when he said, “You never know what’s around the corner. It could be everything. Or it could be nothing. You keep putting one foot in front of the other, and then one day you look back and you’ve climbed a mountain.” I think that we can all agree that by this time in our lives, we have climbed several.

But there will be more mountains to climb because life keeps happening. We are never free of the need to adjust. We may think we are getting too old to make those adjustments, to change course, or to accept the way our lives have ended up. We’re tired. We may believe that we lack the energy that change requires. Years ago, I came across a bit of wisdom on a card written by an unknown author. I have it framed where I can see it each day. It reads: “When you come to the edge of all that you know, you must believe in one of two things: there will be earth upon which to stand, or you will be given wings.”

So, when life is moving too fast for us or is speeding in what we perceive to be the wrong direction, remember the wise words shared by so many in this column today. Somehow, we have all made it this far. We have found a way. And we can continue…

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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.

Sunday: Church on TV, 9 a.m.; look on the cart in the activity room, 2 p.m.

Monday: Funny story making, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; let’s race horses, 2 p.m.; hall visits, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Exercise fun, 10 a.m.; music/dance, 11:45 a.m.; game of choice, 2:30 p.m.; group chat, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Resident council, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 a.m.; lucky 7, 1:30 p.m.; coffee talk, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise fun, 10 a.m.; music/dancing, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie, “P.S. I Love You,” 3 p.m.

Friday: Coffee/current events, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.; nails, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Relax/color a rainbow, 10 a.m.; let’s do a word search puzzle, 2 p.m.; “Antiques Roadshow,” 6 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; trivia, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; afternoon matinee with snacks, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Cooking, 9 to 11 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; DT lunch, noon; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Riddler, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass (video), 10 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; spelling bball 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/travel club, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; monthly birthday party with music and cake, 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.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; wii fun, 2 p.m.; web browsing, 2:30 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzle pack/room visits, 9 a.m.; storytelling, 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 of a visit.

Sunday: “Family Feud,” 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-O, 1 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 2 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 10 a.m.; manicures, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Gentleman’s Club, 2 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; spring craft, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-O, 2 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; “Name That Tune,” 10 a.m.; reminisce, 11 a.m.; balloon toss, 2 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 3 p.m.

Friday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chips and chatter, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2p.m.; movie in the lobby, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Trivia social, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 1 p.m.; movie in the 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.; Protestant service, 9 a.m.; you be the judge, 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.; Yahtzee, 10:15 a.m.; card club/WAR, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Scattegories, 10:15 a.m.; movie, “Superman,” 2 p.m.

Friday: Pictionary, 10:15 a.m.; happy hour/monthly birthday party with entertainment by Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: “Family Feud,” 10:15; rummage bingo, 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

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.; bingo; 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: Karaoke, 10:30 a.m.; Lutheran service, 2 p.m.

Monday: Coffee social, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

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

Wednesday: Bus ride, 10 a.m.; social circle, 2 p.m.; trivia, 3:30 p.m.

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

Friday: Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 2 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Phase 10, 10:30 a.m.; sensory, 2 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: Pepper steak, rice, cauliflower, lettuce salad.

Wednesday: Poor man’s lobster, oven-browned potatoes, peas, coleslaw.

Thursday: Spaghetti, green beans, garlic bread, 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: Stroganoff, noodles, corn.

Tuesday: Chili, cornbread.

Wednesday: Lasagna, green beans, garlic bread.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, Italian vegetable blend, garlic bread.

Friday: Fish sticks or Italian sausage, fried potatoes, 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 phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Cheese burgers, oven-browned potatoes, baked beans, vegetables.

Wednesday: Chop suey with steamed rice, 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: Taco salad, sour cream, pears, chips and salsa.

Tuesday: Biscuits and gravy, seasoned potatoes, hard-boiled egg.

Wednesday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, wax beans, dinner roll.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread.

Friday: Ham sandwich with mayonnaise, Jell-O cup, cucumber and tomato salad.

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: Ravioli, peas and carrots, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Ham and Swiss sandwich, coleslaw, chips.

Wednesday: Omelet, hashbrowns and sausage.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

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

Monday: Shepherd’s pie, broccoli, fruit.

Tuesday: Cook’s choice – entrée, vegetable, fruit.

Wednesday: Pasty, copper pennies, fruit, birthday cake.

Thursday: Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes, squash, fruit.

Friday: Brat, bun, macaroni and cheese, western baked beans, 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. Open Tuesday through Thursday this week serving at 11:30 a.m.

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

Monday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots.

Tuesday: Chicken a la king, biscuit, peas.

Wednesday: Cheesy broccoli soup, turkey and cheese sandwich, crackers.

Thursday: Meat ravioli, green beans, garlic bread.

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 is played at the center on Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, country blend vegetables, dinner roll, fruit.

Tuesday: Creamy tomato tortellini soup, grilled chicken breast sandwich, dessert.

Wednesday: Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, peas, pie.

Thursday: Turkey and cheese sandwich, cheesy potato bacon soup, cookie.

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: Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots and onions.

Tuesday: Chicken patty on a bun, tater tots, mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Liver or burger with onions, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans.

Thursday: Italian sausage roll-up, breadstick, Italian blend vegetables.

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

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 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: Pasta with meat sauce, mixed vegetables, mixed fruit.

Wednesday: Chicken salad sandwich, chips, fresh vegetables with dip, pineapple.

Thursday: Hamburger casserole, broccoli, peaches.

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