NIAGARA, Wis. — One of the gifts that comes with aging is the ability to look back over the years and decide if we have made the right choices. We have that broader perspective given by our life’s experiences. We know the results of our key decisions having travelled down the paths those choices have led us. Sometimes we may wonder what might have happened if, in that crucial moment when a decision had to be made, we had chosen differently. How would our lives have changed? Would we be a different person than the one who looks back at us every morning from the bathroom mirror?

My husband and I have played this little “what if” game many times throughout our marriage. He was very happy as a little boy to repeat kindergarten. No, he was not held back for not playing well with others. His family had moved to Freeport, Ill. for a brief time. His father had received a job offer that was too good to pass up, but it meant they had to move away from Menasha, Wis. and all things familiar to them. Long story short, their home exploded when a gas line was hit while their street was under repair. Remarkably, no one was hurt which is the first thing his mother told his father when she called him at work. She finished that sentence saying “… but the house blew up.” They made the cover of the Rockford Times. After 10 years of marriage and four children, they moved back home pulling all of their worldly possessions behind them in a small trailer. Because the laws in Wisconsin that determined the appropriate age for a child to begin school were different than those in Illinois, my husband’s October birthday led to a second year of kindergarten. Decades later during the Vietnam war years, as student deferments ended followed by an end to the draft, that extra year as a kindergartner kept my husband out of the war.

I have often replayed the night we met. If I had not come down with mononucleosis after my freshman year in college, I would have been working two jobs that summer and certainly would not have been out with my girlfriends in Oshkosh on a Friday night. I would have been waiting tables in Ripon and would have never even met my husband. There have been many other instances when, but for different timing or different choices, our lives would have yielded very different results. During these discussions, we always ask ourselves, “if we had it to do over again, would we change anything?” We agree that we would only go back accompanied by the wisdom we have gained from living our current lives.

In a recent Monday Morning Memo, Roy H. Williams asks a similar question and offers an important recommendation. He proposes that we have the opportunity to go back in time to any moment in our lives to begin anew. His offer states, “you can return to any day in your past to begin reliving your life differently, but you must do it without knowing what you know now. You will have a second chance at a different outcome, but you must return to that day with no memory of what you did in your first life or how it turned out.”

It is a powerful question with many potential ramifications. The second time around may be easier, more successful, more fun … or it might not. Whenever my husband and I entertain this question, we agree that having the challenging early start we did required us to lean on each other right from the start. We learned very early on that we were better together and that we could work through any challenge that presented itself. Had we timed things differently and married later, our lives may have been easier, but we may not have learned how to lean on each other and work together as a team. Who knows where an easier path may have led us? So, here we are, nearly 51 years later, still thankful for having met when we did and for living the lives we were given.

Williams takes this “what if” game a step further when he suggests that today is, indeed, the beginning of our second chance at life. He states, “You have been given the opportunity to return to any specific day in your past, and this is the day to which you have chosen to return. Everything that originally happened after this moment has been erased. Your second chance has now begun.” Take a moment and ponder the changes you will now make going forward. Maybe you will choose to forgive someone for a wrong done long ago. Maybe you will make that long overdue medical appointment. Maybe you will finally take that trip … or write that book … or let go of the regrets of your past. The key take-away here is that it is never too late, and we are never too old, to begin anew — to right a wrong, to make a fresh start — that will positively affect the second half of our lives.

Williams concludes his memo with a sober reminder and some sage advice. He reminds us that “with every decision we make, we pass a point of no return and wonder what might have been.” And states, “Go. Live your life. Quit second-guessing yourself. Remorse is not where you want to live.”

Yes, it may require that we make a change. And change is not for the faint of heart. Author, Ann Patchett, states “Just because things hadn’t gone the way I had planned didn’t necessarily mean they had gone wrong.” Her words remind us that our path in life is always changing, but the unexpected curveballs can actually be a positive thing for they offer some of our greatest lessons and joys.

Finally, I leave you with words of wisdom from Confucius. Born in 551 BC his wisdom is still pertinent today. He stated, “At 15 I set my heart on learning, at 30 I knew where I stood, at 40 I had no more doubts, at 50 I knew the will of Heaven, at 60 my ears were attuned, and at 70 I followed my heart’s desire.” He is telling us that new insights and understanding can be achieved at each stage of life. Each new chapter brings a new role to play and a new chance to grow.

This is all good, solid advice for anyone. But, especially for us at our age with fewer years ahead than behind, it is time to “make hay while the sun shines” as my mother always used to say. Keep your mind open to possibilities and new experiences. Let us all make the most of our lives while we are still here to make a difference.

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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: TV church, 9 a.m.; art work, 1 p.m.; “Antiques Roadshow,” 6 p.m.

Monday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11: 45 a.m.; travel to the Yukon and pan for gold, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; walk the plank for staff and residents’ word game, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; trivia all day — ask a resident to fill in the blank, begins at 11:45 a.m.

Thursday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; looking for gold — can’t find any, ask a resident to help — they might know.

Friday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; south vs. west pirate trivia — food and dress up pirate style, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search, 10 a.m.; coloring, 2 p.m.; ice cream with staff, 3 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, 2 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Riddler, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass (video), 10 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; garden club/reminisce, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/animal kingdom, 10 a.m.; lunch outing, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.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.; wildlife 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.; tractor club, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/room visits, 9 a.m.; hangman, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.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: Remembering 9/11, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; root beer floats, 1 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 2 p.m.

Monday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; reminisce, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; porch time, 2 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; manicures, 10 a.m.; Flip-O, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Make a hat, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; entertainment by Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 3 p.m.

Friday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; what’s news?, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Octoberfest craft, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; cookie social, 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: Music trivia, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; help your neighbor, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; entertainment by Bob Larson, 10:15 a.m.; fair fun — games and food, 1 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 9 a.m.; devotionals, 10 a.m.; penny ante, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Uno, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 1 p.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Rummy, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Music trivia, 10 a.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

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, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; music with Crystal, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m., refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; games and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Cards, 10:30 a.m.; reminiscing, 2 p.m.

Monday: Resident Council, 10:30 a.m.; sock hop and movie, 2 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

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

Wednesday: Shopping, 10:30 a.m.; tea party 2 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; cribbage, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Breakfast outing, 8:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; room visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass (multi-purpose room), 10:30 a.m.; cook-out, 11:30 a.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; Yahtzee, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Reminiscing, 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: Barbecue pork on a bun, hashbrown casserole, broccoli, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Chef salad, hard-boiled egg, cottage cheese, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Cheese ravioli, cauliflower, breadstick, dessert and milk.

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: Chili and cornbread.

Tuesday: Steak sandwich, potato wedges and coleslaw.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, baked potato and mixed vegetables.

Thursday: Meat ravioli, green beans and garlic bread.

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 meat sauce and garlic bread.

Wednesday: Beef stroganoff and egg noodles.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235.

Friday meals will be delivered on Wednesdays. Home delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Biscuits and gravy, spiced pears and hashbrowns.

Tuesday: Ham and potato soup, side salad and dressing.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken, Oriental vegetables and fortune cookie.

Thursday: Taco salad, salsa, tortilla chips and sour cream.

Friday: Chicken salad sandwich, chips, 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: Hamburgers, French fries, coleslaw and watermelon.

Tuesday: Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy and California blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Night Meal – surf and turf, pasta, peas and breadsticks.

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: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, squash and fruit.

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

Wednesday: Pasties, beet salad, fruited Jell-O, peanut butter bars.

Thursday: Glazed pork chop, black beans and rice, broccoli, fruit.

Friday: Chicken noodle casserole, dark green salad, bread sticks, 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.

Bingo on Thursday.

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: Chicken soup, string cheese, dinner roll, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Barbecue pork on a bun, hashbrown casserole, broccoli, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Chef salad, hard-boiled egg, cottage cheese, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Cheese ravioli, cauliflower, breadstick, dessert and milk.

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. Suggested donation is $4.50 for those older than 60 and $7 for 60 or younger. Bingo played on Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Beef stew, hot applesauce, dinner roll and cake.

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

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, noodles, gravy, succotash blend, fruit and dessert bar.

Thursday: Ham salad sandwich, tomato basil soup and fresh fruit.

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 you are dining in or picking up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken parmesan over noodles, spinach and breadstick.

Tuesday: Roast beef over bread, mashed potatoes and gravy and stewed tomatoes.

Wednesday: Fish patty on a bun, macaroni and cheese and glazed carrots.

Thursday: Enchiladas, vegetables toppings, rice and refried 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 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: Chicken cordon bleu, mashed potatoes, corn and mixed fruit.

Wednesday: Hamburgers, baked beans, coleslaw and Mandarin oranges.

Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs, mixed vegetables, breadstick and pears.

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