NIAGARA, Wis. — We are living through what Roy H. Williams terms an “inflection point.” In his most recent Monday Morning Memo, he explained how the ancient Greeks viewed time. Their view is very applicable to today. A discussion of Kronos and Kairos will help us to understand our present-day challenges and why we feel so stressed.

Kronos is chronological time. It is sequential and makes sense to the left side of our human brain, which is very regimented and orderly. Left brained people tend to be very organized and methodical. They like to be able to predict their future and believe their actions will create the life they envision for themselves. But, as we all know from our vast years of experience, life has a tendency to throw a wrench into things. When the unexpected happens or when change happens too quickly, most of us are uncomfortable and seek to “right the ship” as soon as possible with whatever means we have at our disposal. Sometimes all we have is our heels, as we dig in to try to at least slow the change process.

Kairos is an inflection point, a time-window of unknown length, that is qualitative and important. The right hemisphere of the brain generally picks up on them sooner. Right brained people — those creative types who find their way out of an escape room because they look in unusual places for clues while the rest of us search for a key that will be an exact fit for the lock — are more comfortable with them. Williams explains that “the thing about moments of Kairos is that you can see them most clearly when they are behind you. We make decisions every day, and with every choice we make we reach a point of no return, and wonder what might have been.” So, in what escape rooms do we find ourselves at present? Within what rooms do we risk becoming captives in the near future?

First, we were confronted with a medical issue. Back in 2019, where much of this disruption has its roots, we entered a pandemic that was strange territory for all of us. Science came to our rescue with a vaccine followed by booster shots. Many were afraid; they did not understand what might be in this vaccine so kept looking for a different key. They chose to follow suggestions found on the internet that they found easier to understand. The pandemic continued until the majority of the population felt more comfortable with the vaccine. Science eventually prevailed, but viruses will continue to mutate and will demand vigilance and evolutionary treatment.

Second, we passed through a very contentious election in which a large segment of our population did not want to believe that their favored candidate lost. We are still trying to find our way out of this political debacle as we watch congressional hearings sort through the events of an uprising at our Capitol on Jan. 6 that threatened our Democracy.

Third, too many of us do not want to believe climatologists when they tell us that there must be a dramatic shift in our lifestyles to slow climate change. The health of our environment is essential for our planet to continue to support all of us. Yet, we persist in trying to find a different key — one that would allow us to continue to use fossil fuels despite the forest fires, floods and other weather catastrophes that are Mother Nature’s cries for help.

Fourth, sociologically there still exists too much discrimination against those we perceive as “the other;” people of color, people with religious and ethnic differences, the LGBTQ community all experience feelings of being “less than” because there still remains a resistance to diversity. When we marginalize segments of our population and refuse to allow for cultural differences to enrich our society, we limit our potential as a nation. We are better and stronger together.

Fifth, the recent decision by the Supreme Court, which reversed a prior decision about abortion in this country, has set the stage for dissension in every state across our nation. Again, some of us see it as a moral issue while others view it as a personal medical decision between a woman, her family and her physician.

Sixth, gun violence has reached epidemic proportions as media reports almost daily occurrences of mass shootings in churches, schools, grocery stores and concert venues. In large urban areas and rural towns, too many lawns are filled with memorial bouquets and pictures of loved ones lost to violence.

Finally, we face economic challenges. Gas and grocery prices have climbed exponentially in recent months. Supply chain issues, caused initially by the pandemic, still have not been completely corrected. Inflation is increasing. These specific issues are all occurring against the backdrop of an ever-widening wealth gap between the richest and poorest citizens of our nation creating a climate ripe for revolution.

We find ourselves in choppy waters right now and are living through a period of disruption in our nation’s history. Williams believes that we are all swimming in Kairos moments in 2022, and will continue throughout 2023, and 2024. The decisions that will be made during this period will be very consequential for our collective human history. We have all lived long enough to understand that history does, indeed, repeat itself. Will we be able to allow ourselves to follow creative pathways to clues that unlock surprising solutions? Or will we stubbornly continue to look for the same keys, in the same places they have always been. I think we need to realize that time has changed the locks. We desperately need to agree upon new keys … sooner rather than later, while there is still time to find pathways to a safer, healthier, and happier future for all of us.

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

Monday: Coffee time, 10 a.m.; lunch trivia, 11:30 a.m.; shut the box, 2 p.m.; hall visits, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Current events, 10 a.m.; lunch music, 11:30 a.m.; story making, 2 p.m.; trivia, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Current events, 10 a.m.; lunch trivia, 11:30 a.m.; lucky 7, 2 p.m.; hall visits, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 10 a.m.; lunch music, 11:30 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.; bingo, 4 p.m.

Friday: Baking, 10 a.m.; lunch trivia, 11:30 a.m.; art, 2 p.m.; hall visits, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Morning chat, 10 a.m.; word search, 2 p.m.; “Antiques Roadshow,” 6 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; spelling bball, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 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: Book Club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass (video), 10 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; garden club, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/animal kingdom, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; strawberry social with Jan and Gino, 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: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; lunch outing, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; heads up, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzle pack/room visits, 9 a.m.; Pictionary, 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.; ice cream sandwiches, 1 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 2 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; porch social, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; manicures, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafting, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; Flip-O, 2 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 3 p.m.

Friday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; move your body, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Saturday: “Family Feud,” 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; porch time, 1 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

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: Tattoo art, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; courtyard ice cream social, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Protestant service with Pastor Steve, 9 a.m.; dance preparation/dresses, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; dance preparation/hair and nails, 10 a.m.; sock hop with Jan and Gino, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; devotionals, 10 a.m.; court yard camp fire, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Cupcake baking, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 1 p.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

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

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10 a.m.; court yard Yahtzee and lemonade, 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.; birthday party, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 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.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 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.; games and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 2 p.m.

Monday: Exercise, 10 a.m.; crafts, 2 p.m.; karaoke, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Lunch outing, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Casino outing, 10:30 a.m.; wine and cheese, 2 p.m.; Sorry, 3:30 p.m.; board games, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Movie, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; room visits, 6 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; mind joggers, 6 p.m.

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

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

This center remains open. The only change is that the Iron River Center will cook and deliver the meals each week.

Tuesday: Chicken parmesan with noodles, cauliflower and breadstick.

Wednesday: Club wrap, chips, yogurt and string cheese.

Thursday: Barbecue pork, hashbrown casserole and spinach.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — serving at noon. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pork chop, potatoes and mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn.

Wednesday: Liver or sausage, parslied potatoes and chef choice vegetable.

Thursday: Fish or deli sandwich, potatoes and mixed 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 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: Chop Suey and steamed rice.

Wednesday: Grilled cheese burgers, oven brown potatoes and baked beans.

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: Egg salad, cheese sticks and bacon-lettuce-tomato pasta salad.

Tuesday: Shepherd pie, dinner roll and spiced apples.

Wednesday: Corn dogs, French fries, wax beans and ketchup.

Thursday: Biscuits and gravy, potatoes and applesauce.

Friday: Ham and cheese sandwich, coleslaw and pudding cup.

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.; woodcarvers, 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: Fish sticks, French fries and peas.

Tuesday: Ham and Swiss sandwich, coleslaw and potato chips.

Wednesday: Evening Meal — Pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy and carrots.

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: Waikiki meatballs, rice, Oriental vegetables and fruit.

Tuesday: Cook’s choice entrée, vegetables and fruit.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fruit and birthday cake.

Thursday: Barbecue chicken, baked beans, pasta salad, corn bread and fruit.

Friday: Tuna salad, creamy cucumbers and fresh 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.

Bingo on Tuesday 12:30 to 2 p.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.

Bingo on Thursday 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Call the center for menu and reservations.

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: Soft taco, sour cream, rice and corn.

Tuesday: Chicken parmesan with noodles, cauliflower and breadstick.

Wednesday: Club wrap, chips, yogurt and string cheese.

Thursday: Barbecue pork, hashbrown casserole and spinach.

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

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon on 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 60 or younger. Bingo played on Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Seafood salad, broccoli slaw, cottage cheese, muffin and fruit.

Tuesday: Open-faced turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and dessert bar.

Wednesday: Nifty ’50s lunch, brat or hot dog, potato salad, baked beans and cookie.

Thursday: Pork chop, Spanish rice with black beans, green beans and fruit fluff.

Special event Wednesday: 11 a.m. to noon , Bob Larson plays acoustic memories — country, music from the ’50s and ’60s and some originals too.

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: Chicken Divan over noodles and broccoli.

Tuesday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles and spinach.

Wednesday: Two meal day: 11 a.m., chef salad with vegetables and meat, bread stick and 4 p.m., barbecue ribs, mashed potatoes, vegetables and soup.

Thursday: Turkey burger, potato wedges and cheesy cauliflower .

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 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: Italian chicken, peas, sweet potatoes and mixed fruit.

Wednesday: Enchilada, corn bread, carrots and pineapple.

Thursday: Fish sticks, macaroni and cheese, broccoli and peaches.

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