NIAGARA, Wis. — As I write this column this week, I have come to the end of my birthday; I just turned 71 on June 1. I had a very nice day. I received cards or phone calls from my siblings, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, and my sons. My husband and I had a nice breakfast, and he did the dishes without any help from me. I also got a call from our best friends, Peggy and Darrel. And about an hour later, Darrel arrived to hand-deliver a mocha and a raspberry scone. I treated myself to a mani-pedi. We finished the day with “happy hour” on the deck and an easy supper.

Last year, upon entering this 70th decade of my life, I felt I needed something to turn to that would make me laugh or give me some perspective at having arrived at this point in my life. So, I bought the book titled “I’m Too Young to Be 70.” Written by Judith Viorst, it takes a comedic look at making it to this milestone event. So, this year I turned to it once again to get a good laugh and found the following verse.

“In the life that I’m living I’m too young to be 70. The woman I see in the mirror is not the real me. When I elevate my chin, when I suck my stomach in, when I throw my shoulders back, when I tighten all that’s slack, I can’t be any more than 61. And a half? 62? Okay, 63. As long as we can agree I’m too young to be 70.”

While this certainly did give me a chuckle, it really only dealt with the physical appearances of arriving to this threshold of old age. I found another quotation awhile back that seemed to speak to this particular time in a little different manner. I do not know the author or whether I even found it in a book or heard it on a television show; it was just a note scribbled on a piece of paper in my “content ideas” folder.

It read: “There’s more to the cliff than the edge… you need to step back and enjoy the view once in a while.”

We could certainly argue that this stage of life indeed seems like a cliff’s edge. There is not a lot of space left on the edge of anything. And, there is not a lot of life left when we realize that more years lie behind us — are over — than remain ahead to be lived. It is a daunting feeling. We may begin to question if we have enough time to take the Jamaican vacation, or to drive around Lake Superior. Will we have enough stamina to hike once more to the top of Hogback Mountain? The cliff’s edge is, after all, a finite place. It does stop … as does life eventually and very definitely. We don’t like to think about that narrow edge for too long.

We could also interpret the edge of a cliff with the moment in time in which we find ourselves. At this age, that present moment may now include a lot of physical or mental limitations. Many of us may have already been grappling with these limitations for years. Life may not look too full of promise beyond the edge of the present.

But, the quote counsels us that we need to step back from that very narrow and limiting edge and appreciate the view. In other words, spend time remembering and appreciating all of the years we have already lived. The older we get, the more memories we have and the more experiences we can recall. There is a great deal of enjoyment to be had from reminiscing.

My siblings and I reminisce a lot about growing up, the fun times on our grandparents’ farm, our crazy high school years, and our own weddings. My husband and his siblings do the same. We share the memories and our different recollections of events; it always amazes me how we all grew up under the same roof yet have such different perspectives about those early years.

My husband and I tend to break down our life together by decades. During our 20s, we moved six times in seven years as we finished college and sought to establish our careers. Then we spent our 30s raising the kids we had in our 20s. Our 40s saw them leave for college and leave us with an empty nest — which we enjoyed a lot more than we thought we would. We saw them graduate with their degrees, and we witnessed their first loves and their weddings. Our 50s saw our grandchildren born. We helped them move to and from dorms, into and out of first apartments, then into first homes. Each decade brought new challenges and new joys. Our 60s brought retirement and a few health challenges; so far, nothing that could not be fixed.

So, on this my 71st birthday, I am taking a vow to spend a lot less time worrying about that cliff’s edge. Oh, I will not forget it is there, but I am not going to dwell on it. Instead, I am going to broaden my vision and look out over the horizon — and all around — to find greater appreciation of the many years that have passed. Of all the challenges that have been overcome. Of all of the moments that were celebrated. Of all of the people who have shared in those moments. And of the person I have grown to be as a result. And I can now bask in the wisdom gained … and realize, “Not bad. Not bad at all. In fact, pretty darn good.”

——

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

Monday: Let’s tell a story, 10 a.m.; lunch trivia, 11:30 a.m.; shut the box, 2 p.m.; baking group, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Outside group, 10 a.m.; lunch music, 11:30 a.m.; Uno, 2 p.m.; group chat, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee clutch, 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 Roadshow,” 6 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; trivia, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 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.; bonfire, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass video, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; “Animal Kingdom,” 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; trivia, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; getting pretty, 1:30 p.m.; men’s club, 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: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; wii fun, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/room visits, 9 a.m.; reminisce, 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 the visit.

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: Book club, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; Whammo, 2 p.m.

Monday: “You be the Judge,” 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo and ice cream, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Protestant service with Pastor Dave, 9 a.m.; devotionals, 10 a.m.; courtyard campfire, 2 p.m.

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

Friday: Pictionary, 10 a.m.; happy hour with entertainment by Jim D, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10 a.m.; courtyard Yahtzee, 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.; root beer floats on the porch, 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.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Jim Edberg, 1:30 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: Phase 10, 10:30 a.m.; sensory, 2 p.m.

Monday: Outside social, 10 a.m.; “Family Feud,” 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Bus ride, 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.; casino outing, 2 p.m.; trivia, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Cookout, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; reminiscing, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Pictionary, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

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

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: Liver or sausage, potatoes and carrots.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken sandwiches, browned potatoes and baked beans.

Wednesday: Sloppy Joe, potatoes and green beans.

Thursday: Beef chop suey, rice, Oriental vegetables and fortune cookie.

Friday: Poached eggs, toast, hashbrowns and sausage.

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 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: Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Barbecue chicken and rice pilaf.

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: Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, pea salad, chips and banana.

Tuesday: Wet burrito, Mexican rice, cornbread, salsa and sour cream.

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo, broccoli and cheese and dinner roll.

Thursday: Beef chop suey, rice, applesauce and fortune cookie.

Friday: Brats, winter blend vegetables, macaroni and cheese, 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:

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

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

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 4 p.m. 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: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn and coleslaw.

Tuesday: Cheeseburger, potato chips, baked beans and salad.

Wednesday: Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots and salad.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, squash and fruit.

Tuesday: Baked fish, sweet potato puffs, carrot salad and fruit.

Wednesday: Biscuits and sausage gravy, hashbrown patty, corn, fruit and pudding.

Thursday: Father’s Day meal — Baked ham, cheesy potatoes, broccoli and strawberry shortcake.

Friday: Chicken patty on a bun, baked beans, potato salad 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. 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. Contact the center for menu and services.

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: Country-fried steak, mashed potatoes, gravy and mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Tater tot casserole, green beans and dinner roll.

Wednesday: Turkey wrap, chips and cottage cheese.

Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs, cauliflower and dessert.

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

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

The center is open, with dinner served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Due to staffing shortages, the Red Brick Inn will prepare and deliver all meals to the center. 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: Barbecue pork sandwich, tater tots, broccoli slaw and dessert bar.

Tuesday: Egg bake sausage, hashbrowns, fruit muffin and juice.

Wednesday: Roast pork, sauerkraut, glazed carrots, dinner roll and lemon bar.

Thursday: Fish fry, twice-baked potato casserole, coleslaw, rye bread and 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: Soft shell taco, vegetable toppings, corn, and rice.

Tuesday: Shepherd’s pie, biscuit and mixed vegetables.

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

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

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: Shepherd’s pie, broccoli and mixed fruit.

Wednesday: Roast beef, egg noodles, peas and peaches.

Thursday: Pasta bake with meat sauce, mixed vegetables, pears and garlic bread.

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