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NIAGARA, Wis. -- I have written in previous columns how living this far north was a real adjustment for me. My husband and I had driven up for his interview and then drove back up again to try to find housing after he accepted the job offer. We had stopped to ask directions and after several attempts at directing us using landmarks of people's homes who were unknown to us, the man directed us to "drive past the third stand of trees and turn right." We did not want to take up any more of his time -- or to look any more clueless than we already were -- so we thanked him and got back in the car. We looked at each other and simultaneously asked, "What's a stand of trees?" We have since become "Yooperized" and now, for so many reasons, cannot imagine living anywhere else.
I have always loved autumn more than any other season. Winter is just too cold and now that I am older, I am afraid of falling or sliding into the ditch while driving. Spring is a bit messy and a real tease as it gives me little tastes of the beautiful days to come and then blasts me back to yet another snow storm. Shortly after we moved up here, it snowed 10 inches in May. I was in such a bad mood that I went to bed. Summer is too hot and humid for me. Fall is just right, and the panoramic color is unlike anything I had ever seen in any other place I had lived.
Living in Niagara, I also fell in love with the Menominee River that runs right through the center of town. During the COVID pandemic, I got into the habit of spending a lot of time at the boat landing -- especially in the early mornings when no one else was there. I have continued that practice. I watch the sun rise over the river and the mist clear to welcome the day. This past summer I watched a family of geese -- mom and dad and their seven "children." I watched them from the time they were fuzzy little goslings to the time they were teenagers following each other in between their parents -- dad out front and mom bringing up the rear to make sure they all stayed in line.
The river and its habitat tell the story of each season. Each time of day has its own character. While I prefer the very early morning, late afternoon as dusk is falling is also beautiful. I came across a quote recently that was said by the character of Norman Maclean in "A River Runs Through It" that describes the end of the day on a river. He says, "In the slanting sun of late afternoon the shadows of great branches reached from across the river, and the trees took the river in their arms." I find great comfort in watching the river flow by, and I do all my best thinking in the quiet along its banks.
Since that river is the only thing that separates me from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, I consider myself a Yooper. I now take offence whenever I feel that the U.P. does not get the respect it deserves, and we have reminded our family who live near Jackson that northern Michigan is definitely not the northern part of the lower peninsula; "true north" is Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It has its own distinct culture; one that has been born from a rugged people who had the courage and fortitude to settle this northern wilderness on the shores of the most beautiful of the Great Lakes. The land where miners and loggers have thrived and introduced the pasty to the rest of the civilized world.
I recently came across some advice for anyone moving to Upper Michigan. As we move into autumn and begin to think about getting ready for what we know will soon be upon us, it will provide us a reminder of why we live where we do and give us something to laugh about.
-- Save all bacon grease. You will be instructed later on how to use it.
-- If you do run your car into a ditch, don't panic. Four men in the cab of a four-wheel-drive with a 12-pack of beer and a tow chain will be along shortly. Don't try to help them. Just stay out of their way. This is what they live for.
-- Get used to the phrases, "It's not the heat, it's the humidity" and "You call this hot? Wait'll August."
-- If you think it's too hot in the summers, don't worry. It'll cool down in December.
-- Don't tell us how you did it somewhere else. Nobody cares.
-- A Mercedes Benz is not a status symbol; a tractor, a Chevy, Dodge or Ford is.
-- If someone says they're "fixin" to do something, it doesn't mean anything is broken.
-- Every 30 miles or so you will find a Dollar General or a Subway.
-- If you see a slower moving vehicle on a two-lane road pull over onto the shoulder, that is called courtesy. If you don't understand this, reconsider moving to a rude state.
-- Hunting and Packer games must be taken into consideration for weddings, funerals, and divorces. Don't plan anything on these days.
-- Everything is better with ranch dressing or ketchup, and grilling is a necessity -- no matter what the weather.
-- Do not honk the horn at us to be obnoxious; we will sit there until we die.
-- We pull over and stop for emergency vehicles to pass.
-- The index finger wave from the steering wheel is done to everyone you pass on a country road.
-- If you hear your family or friends talk about "hotdish" or "casserole," sit down and take notes.
-- Around every corner you take, you will see a lake, a river, or a pond.
-- We do say "UFDA" -- don't judge us.
-- Just because there are a lot of trees along the road doesn't mean you are driving through a state forest. And… there are probably more deer living there than people.
-- And, last but not least … the phrase "driving for deer" has absolutely nothing to do with a car.
As my husband and I watch the news about forest fires out west, flooding along the eastern seaboard, hurricanes down south, and drought across the southwest we are so very thankful to be living where we live … in a quiet little town where you can drive a few blocks to watch the river run by as the sun comes up to welcome another beautiful day.
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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.; Uno, 1:30 p.m.; room visits, 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; gardening group, 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; trivia,11:45 a.m.; horse racing, 1:30 p.m.
Thursday: Resident Council meeting, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; happy hour, 1:30 p.m.
Friday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 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.; story telling, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.
Monday: Cooking, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; DT luncheon, noon; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; cocoa and cookies, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass (video), 10 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; garden club/reminisce, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Coffee social/high rollers, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.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.; happy hour with music, 2 p.m.
Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; Rob's camp, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; you be the judge, 2 p.m.
Saturday: No information available.
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: War, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; funny jokes, 1 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 2 p.m.
Monday: Johnny Appleseed social, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.
Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; manicures, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; porch time, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-O, 2 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 3 p.m.
Thursday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 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: No information available.
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: 1980's 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.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; Protestant service, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 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/monthly birthday party with music by Jim D., 2 p.m.
Saturday: No information available.
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.; birthday party, 1:30 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 Jim Edberg, 1:30 p.m.
Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; craft class, 1:30 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.; Phase 10, 2 p.m.
Monday: Movie, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; cards, 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.; room visits, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Scattegories, 10:30 a.m.; "Family Feud," 2 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; room visits, 6 p.m.
Thursday: Bingo, 10:30 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; baking group, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.
Friday: Catholic Mass (multi-purpose room), 10:30 a.m.; social circle, 2 p.m.; fish fry outing, 3:30 p.m.
Saturday: No information available.
SENIOR CENTERS
Alpha-Mastodon Center
906-875-3315
Amasa Center
906-822-7284
This center remains open. They welcomed a new cook, who will be preparing meals on site.
Tuesday: Chicken breast sandwich, potato wedges, broccoli, fruit and milk.
Wednesday: Chicken dumpling soup, loaded baked potato and dessert.
Thursday: Lemon pepper cod, pasta salad, coleslaw and dessert.
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: Spaghetti, meat sauce, green beans and garlic bread.
Tuesday: Beef stew, biscuits and stewed tomatoes.
Wednesday: Liver or sausage, parslied potatoes and carrots.
Thursday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes and peas.
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: Grilled cheese burgers, tater tots and baked beans.
Wednesday: Chili mac casserole and corn bread.
Note: Beginning Oct. 3, this center will be serving meals on Mondays too.
Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency
DICSA
Iron Mountain
906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235.
This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home delivered meals only -- call to make arrangements. Menu for the --
Monday: Scalloped potatoes and ham, Brussel sprouts and cranberries.
Tuesday: Chili, corn bread and spinach side salad.
Wednesday: Cabbage rolls, bun with butter, peas and carrots.
Thursday: Broccoli and chicken casserole, bun with butter and fresh fruit.
Friday: Chef salad, pudding cup, grape salad 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.; 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: Chili, toasted cheese and apples.
Tuesday: Beef stroganoff, noodles and carrots.
Wednesday: Pizza, salad and chips.
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: "Lazy" pierogi casserole, spinach orange salad, bread sticks and fruit.
Tuesday: Meatloaf, baked sweet potato, vegetable medley and fruit.
Wednesday: Amish breakfast bake, dark green salad, fruit salad and applesauce spice cake.
Thursday: Chicken strips, tater tots, baked beans and fruit.
Friday: Beer battered fish, potato salad, copper pennies 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
Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program for those who are homebound is available.
Contact the center for weekly menus.
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: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, fruit and milk.
Tuesday: Chicken breast sandwich, potato wedges, broccoli, fruit and milk.
Wednesday: Egg salad sandwich, side salad, cottage cheese, fruit and milk.
Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs, wax beans, dinner roll, 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 those 60 or younger. Bingo played on Wednesdays. Transportation is available.
Monday: Chicken soup, ham sandwich on a dinner roll, fruit and cookie.
Tuesday: Beef stroganoff with noodles, green beans and fruit muffin.
Wednesday: Sliced ham, scalloped potatoes, peas and strawberry shortcake.
Thursday: Baked chicken, rice pilaf, cauliflower and broccoli and pudding.
Norway Center
Director: Joyce Oleksy
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: Lasagna, bread stick and broccoli.
Tuesday: Shepherd's pie, biscuit and mixed vegetables.
Wednesday: Liver or burger and onions, mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans.
Thursday: Bourbon steak over noodles and Italian blend vegetables.
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
Open for dine-in eating -- call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week --
Tuesday: Biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs and muffin.
Wednesday: Chicken parmesan, egg noodles, broccoli and tropical fruit.
Thursday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn and Mandarin oranges.
All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.