NIAGARA, Wis. — One of the biggest decisions most of us will need to make during our retirement years is where we will spend our lives as we age. Will we stay in our current home or downsize and move into something smaller? Will we stay living in our current city or take a final fling to experience that adventure about which we have always dreamed? We wonder what our later years will look like and hope we will be healthy enough to enjoy them wherever we decide to live. This past year our siblings made those decisions, and it was exciting to see the results. And, recently I read a helpful article in AARP magazine that addressed this very topic and the steps one needs to take if a home sale lies ahead.

My sister and her husband had lived in the high desert outside of Los Angeles for over 40 years. They had long ago decided they would not retire in California because of the high cost of living; they wanted their retirement savings to go for more fun things than taxes. They retired at the end of last year and eight months later had sold their beautiful home, moved to a retirement community in Tucson, Ariz. and are building a new, smaller home. They were happy to view California in the rear-view mirror. They are now living only 90-minutes away from our youngest son, formerly of Minnesota, who will be moving into his new home in Queen Creek, Ariz. at the end of this month. With one flight, we will be able to visit both of them every year.

My husband’s sister and brother-in-law finally sold their very large home in which they had raised all three of their children and that had seen many a fun sleep over for their grandchildren. It was a very difficult decision for them as they had so many memories and ties to their neighborhood. They moved into a new, smaller home only 10 miles away still remaining close to their kids and grandkids in the Minneapolis suburbs. Their home is part of a retirement community which offers many amenities and full maintenance of the exterior grounds. They can now spend their time in retirement doing more enjoyable things than yard work.

Unlike our siblings, my husband and I made the decision years ago that we would stay in our Niagara home until one of us was carried out; hopefully, we have many more years here. In 2004, we completed a home renovation that allowed us to do all of our living on the main floor so stairs could be kept to a minimum in our later years. Now, nearly 20 years later, we are confronted with making the exterior of our home easier and safer to enter. We live on a hill and have concrete stairs and walks that need a redesign that will involve a major replacement as well … and we have a retaining wall that is in desperate need of a rebuild for it has aged along with us.

For those of you who have made the decision to sell your home and relocate, AARP offered a very helpful and practical step by step guide to follow beginning one year in advance of leaving your current home. I share it with you now to help you get ready to take this next big step in your retirement years.

1. One year: Plan for storage. Find a place to store bins, extra furniture and other stuff you will be keeping. Declutter: Plan one day per room, and be tough with yourself. Honestly answer the question, “What do I really need to keep?”

2. Nine months: get a home inspection. Getting this done early by a reputable company will give you the time you need to fix problems and boost your home’s value. Modernize: focus on red flags such as leaky faucets and stained ceiling tiles. Also concentrate on bathrooms and kitchens as potential buyers focus the most on these two rooms.

3. Six months: Search for a realtor. The longer you prep and market your home jointly, the better.

Gather paperwork such as land surveys and deeds as well as owner’s manuals and warranties on any item that will be staying with the house. Good home sellers have these well-organized.

4. Four months: Have a month-long sale of items you have decided not to keep. Skip the garage sale approach and use the internet instead. Then donate whatever is left to various charitable organizations.

5. Three months: Fill out the seller’s disclosure. Be honest; hiding problems you know about is illegal. Then hire a contractor to fix the issues that need repair. Improve the exterior curb appeal of your property as it is what potential buyers will see first, and it will form their first impression. Paint the front door, trim trees and shrubbery, and plant flowers. Then ask a friend who has never before seen your home to critique it honestly.

6. Two months: Make final sales plans with your realtor.

7. One month: It’s photo shoot time for the on-line slide show. Empty counters and bookshelves by half, add flowers, strive for a light and bright appearance in each room.

8. Three weeks: Book a moving company.

9. Two weeks: Hire specialty cleaners to do windows, exhaust fans and exterior power washing. Make plans for the care of any pets on home showing days.

10. One week: Do one final cleaning. Stash all valuables off site. Firm up the price based on the latest market information provided by your realtor.

11. The night before: Do one final top to bottom check of your home’s appearance and plan to treat yourselves to a nice dinner or short day-trip while your home is being shown.

AARP also offers the following five universal truths when selling your home.

1. It’s not about you. The goal is to allow the buyer to see themselves in your home — not admire your sense of design.

2. Less is always more. Strip down your possessions to beyond what you think is appropriate so viewers have an open canvas upon which to imagine their own possessions.

3. Focus on creating a first impression. You can add thousands of dollars of value by improving the exterior visual impact of your home; a freshly painted front door or porch, flowers, and a healthy lawn all add to your bottom line.

4. Make things spotless. Visible stains and dust balls will lower your home’s value in the eyes of potential buyers.

5. Lighten up. People prefer a bright home. Consider repainting walls and cabinets a lighter color, turn on all of the lights, and let in all the natural light you can when showing your home.

Your home has been where you have spent many happy years. With smart planning and a little elbow grease, the sale of it — when you are ready to move on –will help finance your future plans. In the meantime, a few changes can allow you to stay put for as long as possible.

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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.; baking group, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; trivia,11:45 a.m.; lucky 7, 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.; Yahtzee, 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.; trivia, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass (video), 10 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; cooking club, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/travel club, 10 a.m.; monthly birthday party with music by Bob, 2 p.m.; night bingo with fiesta attire, 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.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; wii fun, 2 p.m.; web browsing, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzle pack/room visits, 9 a.m.; Pictionary, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 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: Yahtzee, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-O, 1 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 2 p.m.

Monday: Pirate social, 9 a.m.; pirate craft, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; pirate 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.; manicures, 2 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-O, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Autumn social, 9 a.m.; autumn craft, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; porch time, 2 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 3 p.m.

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

Saturday: Go Fish, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; on the hunt 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: Book club, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; kids’ football game, 1 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; you be the judge, 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.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; devotionals, 10 a.m.; fall crafts, 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, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 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.; toss across, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Pastor Jim, 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.; left-center-right, 2 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: Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 2 p.m.

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

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

Friday: Catholic Mass (multi-purpose room), 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: Philly steak casserole, green beans, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Turkey and Swiss sandwich, BLT pasta salad, yogurt, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas and carrots, dessert and milk.

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: Pasty pie and stewed tomatoes.

Tuesday: Smoked sausage, boiled potatoes, mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy and California blend vegetables.

Thursday: French toast, sausage and eggs.

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: Baked meatloaf with mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Chicken pot pie with a biscuit topping.

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: Sloppy Joes, baked beans and German potato salad.

Tuesday: Shipwreck stew, dinner roll, butter and apple crisp.

Wednesday: Corn beef Ruben, French fries and wax beans.

Thursday: Omelets, hashbrowns and spiced peaches.

Friday: Italian sub sandwich, macaroni salad, chips 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

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

Monday: Blueberry French toast bake, sausage and hard-boiled egg.

Tuesday: Philly cheese sandwich, chips and three-bean salad.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans.

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: Pizza casserole, dark green salad and fruit.

Tuesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, sweet potato fries, baked beans and fruit.

Wednesday: Spaghetti, spinach salad, garlic bread, fruit and brownies.

Thursday: Ham and bean soup, bread sticks, fruit cup and cookies.

Friday: Soft shell tacos with lettuce, tomato and salsa, pasta salad, refried beans, fruit and cookies.

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.

Bingo on Wednesday

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

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, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

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: Smoked sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and gravy, dinner roll, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Philly steak casserole, green beans, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Turkey and Swiss sandwich, BLT pasta salad, yogurt, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas and carrots, dessert and milk.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

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 age 60 or younger. Bingo played on Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Barbecue beef on a bun, baked beans, chips and fruit salad with topping.

Tuesday: Lemon herb fish, twice baked potato, coleslaw, rye bread and dessert.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, broccoli and cottage cheese with fruit.

Thursday: Liver and onions, parsley-buttered potatoes, corn and apple crisp.

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: Ham, mashed potatoes with gravy and glazed carrots.

Tuesday: Cabbage roll casserole, biscuit, sugar snap peas.

Wednesday: Two Meal Day — 11 a.m.: chef salad with vegetables and meat, breadstick and 4 p.m.: Barbecue ribs, mashed potatoes, vegetables and soup.

Thursday: Soft shell taco, vegetable toppings, corn and rice.

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: Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, corn and mixed fruit.

Wednesday: Beef enchiladas, cornbread, carrots and pineapple.

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

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