NIAGARA, Wis. — Yet another school shooting has added an additional chapter to the difficult history through which we are living. Our hearts go out to the parents who have lost their children, and as our minds seek to find some understanding of this incident, we feel our stress levels rise. I came across an article that provides several quotations from a variety of people offering advice on how to control stress. I found many of their words comforting and important reminders that stress can, and should, be managed and that in order to do this effectively, it is important to know its root cause.

A certain amount of stress is good. It keeps us motivated to achieve and to live an orderly life. When I was working, my job provided me with enough stress to be productive. I could not function successfully unless I had a schedule and a task list with assigned deadlines. Back then I enjoyed the challenge of staying on top of everything. Then, the biggest challenge was carving out enough time for myself so I could relax and recharge. Once retirement arrived, I realized quickly that I needed to create a schedule for myself to maintain order in my life. Granted, the task lists were very different and much shorter, but I learned that in order for me to maintain any level of organization at home or feel that I still had a purpose, I needed to establish a new routine. I was finding it way too easy to simply say, “Well, there is always tomorrow.”

But there can be too much stress in our lives. Instead of being productive, we feel overwhelmed and actually begin to shut down. We may feel confused, not knowing what to do first. In the moment, we may not realize the exact nature of our difficulties. We begin experiencing sleep problems, headaches, and concentration difficulties. Prolonged stress at this level sets up a continuous inflammatory state within our bodies which can lead to high blood pressure, increased heart rate, high blood sugar, anger, depression and anxiety. It is absolutely critical to our physical and mental health that we learn how to recognize and control the level of stress in our lives.

Alone time is important. Introverts know this, but extroverts — those who love being around people and in the thick of things — may need to remind themselves that a little quiet is a good thing. Writer, Anne Lamott, states that “almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, even you.” And poet, Mary Oliver, wrote “Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift.”

Living in the moment is similar. I had a habit of worrying about things just as I was trying to fall asleep. My husband would always ask me, “Is there anything we can do about it right now?” And I always answered in the negative. His response was always the same, “Then let’s deal with it tomorrow.” Spiritual teacher, Amit Ray, reminds us that “if you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.” And Oprah encourages the same when she says, “Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” We need to allow ourselves to appreciate the quiet of those singular moments that life offers.

Scheduling tasks in priority order has been an organizational tool touted for decades. But this habit really does not diminish the length of our to do list; one can still be over scheduled and over worked. Author, Stephen Covey, had it right when he said, “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” Give yourself some time to sort out your priorities; in retirement, some things become more important while others can drop off the to do list entirely. Spend your precious time doing — and thinking about — what is now most important to you.

It is also important for us to accept the fact that we simply cannot control every moving part of our lives; and that applies to both our personal lives as well as the times in which we live. In the words of Kahlil Gibran, “Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it.” We can prepare to meet the challenges of our own lives from day to day. Beyond that, we need to trust that we will be able to take care of whatever happens when it happens.

Too many of us at this stage of our lives ruminate about what happened years ago. Now living with the results of our past actions, we may regret that we did not do things differently. But now, there is nothing we can do to undo a poor decision that led to less than desirable consequences. We made the best of it at the time and moved on; that is all anyone can do. We all make mistakes so we need to be kind to ourselves; no one is perfect. Sometimes people we have wronged are still living, and we can strive to make amends. But if our efforts are not accepted, or if those we believe we have hurt have passed away, we need to forgive ourselves and let it go. I found two quotations I especially liked that address this. Alexander Graham Bell said, “When one door closes, another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” And writer and activist, Najwa Zebian commented, “These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb.” Sometimes all we can do is let go of the past.

There are those who advise that stress can be used in a positive way. Indian spiritual leader, Dada J. P. Vaswani, says “a good way to overcome stress is to help others out of theirs.” My mother always used to tell us that if everyone were to put their troubles and challenges in a big basket, we would most certainly take our own right back out after we saw what everyone else’s life looked like. Helping others through difficult times puts our own challenges into better perspective. Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski provides the following wise words: “I think that we have to realize that times of stress are also times that are signals for growth, and if we use adversity properly, we can grow through adversity.” Simply put, when we use our trials as teachable moments in our lives, it is possible to emerge stronger on the other side of the problem. In the same vein, Albert Einstein said, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

These past few years have been very challenging to say the least. We may feel sad and helpless, or frustrated and angry. Sometimes it helps me to remember that we are all moving through a challenging piece of our collective history, and our world has been through troubling times before; we found a way through those dark times, and we can again. Many of our current issues are global and completely out of my hands. I can only do my own personal best to survive this tumultuous time. I can pay attention to the issues, participate in the democratic process and vote my conscience; I cannot afford to be apathetic nor can I afford to get so embroiled in issues over which I lack any control that I damage my health. It is definitely a balancing act.

We need to find the strength to keep the faith… and to remember what my grandmother always reminded me — whatever shall be, will be.

——

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.; crossword, 10 a.m.; self-activity cart, 2 p.m.

Monday: Story making, 10 a.m.; dining room trivia, 11:45 a.m.; Memorial Day services on YouTube, 2 p.m.

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

Wednesday: Resident Council meeting, 10 a.m.; lunch trivia, 11:30 a.m.; lucky 7, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise group, 10 a.m.; lunch music, 11:30 a.m..; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie, 3 p.m.

Friday: Gardening club, 10 a.m.; lunch trivia, 11:30 a.m.; arts and crafts, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Color a flag, 10 a.m.; word search, 2 p.m.; watch “Antiques Road Show,” 6 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; storytelling, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; reminisce outside, 2 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.; throwaway bingo, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/pass the prize, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; “Name That Tune,” 2 p.m.; activity council, 3 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 with Jim, 2 p.m.

Friday: ’70s day/crafts, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; ’70s party with Bobby Bullet and Pam.

Saturday: Room-to-room bingo/room visits, 9 a.m.; story telling, 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 your visit.

Sunday: Uno, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-O, 1 p.m.; movie in lobby, 2 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.: crafting, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Memorial Day party, 2 p.m.; movie in lobby, 3 p.m.

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

Wednesday through Saturday: No information at this time.

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.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10:15 a.m.; Memorial Day social in court yard, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; bingo, 10:15 a.m.; gardening club, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Devotionals, 10 a.m.; court yard camp fire, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Uno, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass with Fr. Albert, 1 p.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Pictionary, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: “Family Feud,” 10 a.m.; court yard kick ball, 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: Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; craft class, 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.; music with Chris, 1:30 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.; games and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Karaoke, 10:30 a.m.; Phase 10, 2 p.m.

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

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

Wednesday: Bus ride, 10:30 a.m.; social circle, 2 p.m.; trivia, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 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: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; “The Price Is Right,” 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; life stories, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Trivia, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; rosary, 3:30 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Due to staffing shortages, this center will close June 1 until further notice. Meals can be picked up from the Iron River Center.

Tuesday: Pepper steak, rice, cauliflower and lettuce salad.

Wednesday: Closed until further notice.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

ow 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: Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Baked ziti with meat sauce, garlic bread and wax beans.

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo over noodles and mixed vegetables.

Thursday: Hamburger gravy, mashed potatoes and corn.

Friday: Fish or grilled ham and cheese sandwich, potatoes 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 phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chili con carne with corn bread and vegetables.

Wednesday: Baked ham, sweet potatoes, oven brown potatoes and vegetables,

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235.

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

Monday: Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Biscuits and gravy, cheesy potatoes and spiced applesauce.

Wednesday: Smothered pork chops, asparagus and buttered noodles.

Thursday: Hamburger gravy, mashed potatoes and corn.

Friday: Tuna melt, beets, string cheese, fruit, Jell-O and treat.

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

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

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week is:

Monday: Spinning spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Les Artistes’ art club, noon to 4 p.m.; wood carvers, noon to 4 p.m.

Tuesday: Cards – Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 4 p.m. Card cost is 25 cents per card, 10 games are played.

Thursday: Cards – Pinochle, noon to 4 p.m.

Friday: Cards – Smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

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

Monday: Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Barbecue pork, chips and coleslaw.

Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy and mixed vegetables.

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: Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, carrots and fruit.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, spinach and strawberry salad, garlic bread, fruit and cookies.

Thursday: Chicken strips, sweet potato fries, baked beans and fruit.

Friday: Chop suey with Oriental vegetables, rice, pineapple tidbits and pudding.

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 Monday through Thursday 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 — Meals available Monday through Friday.

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: Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Fish, macaroni and cheese and peas.

Wednesday: Beef stew, side salad and dinner roll.

Thursday: Chicken parmesan, noodles, broccoli, breadstick and dessert.

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: Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Meatballs over noodles, gravy, broccoli, dinner roll and banana.

Wednesday: Chicken filet, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and strawberry shortcake.

Thursday: Lasagna, green beans and brownie.

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: Closed for Memorial Day.

Tuesday: Spaghetti or polenta, broccoli and breadstick.

Wednesday: Breakfast bake with sausage and hash browns.

Thursday: Bacon wrapped pork loin, mashed potatoes, gravy and squash.

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

Center activity schedule:

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: Liver and onions.

Wednesday: Pork, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables and peaches.

Thursday: Club sandwiches, chips and apple slices.

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