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NIAGARA, Wis. -- Autumn is absolutely my favorite season of the year. I am sure it is a favorite time of year for many of us. And I am sure we hold cherished memories of times with family and friends. We never had a camp or a trailer, but we made the most of areas we could get to by car and on foot. Oct. 5 is my husband's birthday so that always gave us an excuse for a regional jaunt somewhere. It was almost always peak color in time for his special day. But, if the colors did not hit exactly right for his birthday, it was fine because he has always been of the mind that October was his "birthday month" so we could celebrate it throughout all four weeks!
When our boys were young, we used to hike a lot at Piers Gorge. That was the natural area we discovered first when we were new to the area. We could not believe our eyes as we watched the river tumble over the rocks and down the gorge; we had never seen anything like it. Back then, there were no signs posted giving visitors any directions or any rules to follow either. We often brought picnic lunches. When my husband's parents came to visit, we had campfire suppers on the shore.
My husband carried in a bow saw to help lop off dead branches, and we gathered dead wood off the ground. Hot dogs on sticks and a can of pork and beans never tasted so good. Of course, we toasted marshmallows too. We were careful and always cleaned up our mess and doused the fire with water before leaving, carefully picking our way down the trail and back to the car as the daylight left us before we were completely out of the woods.
Our final picnic of the year was at Presque Isle Park on the shores of Lake Superior. Some years were quite brisk, and it was a toss up as to what would steal the bread off the sandwiches first -- the sea gulls or the wind. Truth be told, we liked it best when it was blustery. We would walk around "the loop" and spend time on the observation deck. My husband and the boys would follow the break water and the rocks all the way to the end to get to the lighthouse. They only did that when the water was calm enough to be safe, but I still had a hard time watching. It really was a toss-up back then as to who was the bigger kid, my sons or my husband.
Once we arrived to our empty nest and our sons were in college and busy living their own lives, our October jaunts to Lake Superior continued. I have so many snapshots of glorious trees and white capped beaches. I also managed to get pictures that I now have framed in our home. One is of Little Presque Isle beach in late afternoon, another along the banks of Harlow Creek on a brisk Memorial Day, another of waves crashing on the breakwater on Presque Isle, and one in the very early morning in Ontonagon. We also hiked the trails behind Pictured Rocks up in Munising and I managed to capture a shot of the sand on Mosquito Beach. That one is the most unusual. I spotted a little trickle of stream on its way to join the big lake. As it moved along it picked up little stones, leaves and twigs that made the loveliest imprints in the wet sand; the photo I snapped luckily captured its unique beauty perfectly.
During those years, we also discovered the trails off of Marquette County Road 550. Little Presque Isle, Song Bird Trail and Wetmore Landing offered hours of autumn enjoyment. We climbed to the top of Hogback Mountain twice. It is a long hike that must be started early in the day. Too often, hikers would begin in the afternoon; as the day lost its light, they lost their way. Knowing this, we always gave ourselves plenty of time and turned around often to check for landmarks to spot on the return trip. It was well worth the effort as the view from the top is incredible. We also saw our first pileated woodpecker on one of those hikes. What an amazing bird!
We even hiked in February with a ski pole in hand and chains strapped to our hiking boots. I will never forget the three-mile hike along the shore from Wetmore Landing to Little Presque Isle on a sunny February day when an eagle flew out from the trees five times to greet us. It was incredible!
During that same hike, snow came in from Lake Superior and hit the face of the bluff upon which we were standing; it actually snowed up, and it felt as though we were in a cosmic snow globe. And, on another February day, my husband insisted on walking across the ice to the little island off of Little Presque Isle Point. I was so scared, but we made it. We hiked around the entire island before coming back across the ice. Lake Superior looked like an icy patchwork quilt. And the lake made the most demonic sound as the water below the ice crashed against the cliff's rocky face.
We became "leaf peepers" in the Copper Country also, finding the beauty of the Sturgeon River Gorge along the way. As we made our way to Copper Harbor through the tunnel of trees, we looked forward to our stay in a cabin at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge and a hike in Estivant Pines. I had never seen such tall trees; my husband and I joined hands, but we still could not reach around the trunk. The quiet was palpable and demanded respect; it felt as though I was walking through Mother Nature's Cathedral. One year on our way, we were treated to the most glorious display of Northern Lights; I have never seen anything like it since.
Now that we are older, our bones and joints don't let us hike the miles and climb the hills we used to enjoy so much. I am afraid I am cursed with the family genes that have given me arthritis, bulging discs and a tipped vertebra -- my mother's back. But we take long drives now. As soon as October arrives, we hit the rural roads. There are so many routes from which to choose. I regularly drive County N and County 101 as far as the buffalo ranch and then past Keyes Lake and home down U.S. 2 and Pine Mountain Road. It is a colorful loop. We will soon take one last drive to Marquette, then up to Big Bay and hope to get there while there are still leaves left on the trees. We settle for a sub sandwich from Togos on a picnic table alongside Lake Superior instead of the view from on top of Hogback.
And when I get too old to drive, I will be able to close my eyes and remember the trees, the colors, the smells, the lake and the eagle flying out to greet us as we walked. And I will be grateful for the time spent with my husband as we walked together among the quiet of the forest during his birthday month.
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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.; self-activity packet, 1 p.m.; "Antiques Roadshow," 6 p.m.
Monday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; shut the box, 1:30 p.m.; room visits, 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; travel back in time to Morocco, 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; trivia,11:45 a.m.; lucky 7, 1:30 p.m.
Thursday: Coffee chatter, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; happy hour, 1:30 p.m.; room visits, 2:30 p.m.
Friday: Father Joe, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.
Saturday: Word search, 10 a.m.; color fun, 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.; tail gate party and Packer game, 12:30 p.m.
Monday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 6 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.; action movie, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; spelling bball, 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.; travel film,1:30 p.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; happy hour with music, 2:30 p.m.
Friday: Costume prep, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; wii fun, 2 p.m.; web browsing, 2:30 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.
Saturday: ICMCF word search/room visits, 9 a.m.; you be the judge, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.
ProMedica (formerly ManorCare)
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.
Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; gaudy bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.
Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; batty craft, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; who are you, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.
Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; manicures, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; birthday party 2 p.m.
Friday: Baking group, 9 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.
Saturday: Men's social, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bowling, 1 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.; rummage bingo, 2 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.; resident council, 2 p.m.; bingo, 2:30 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Scrabble, 10 a.m.; mini pumpkin decorating, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.
Thursday: Uno, 10 a.m.; rosary/communion, 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.; Packers vs. Jets, noon; Bible study, 1:30 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.; music with Pastor Jim, 1:30 p.m.
Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; bingo 2 p.m.
Friday: Juice time, 10; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; music with Jim Edberg, 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: Cards, 10:30 a.m.; reminiscing, 2 p.m.
Monday: Resident council, 10:30 a.m.; Oktoberfest, 2 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.
Tuesday: Tea party, 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.; decorating, 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, 10:30 a.m.; "Price is Right," 2 p.m.; fish fry outing, 4:15 p.m.
Saturday: Trivia, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
SENIOR CENTERS
Alpha-Mastodon Center
906-875-3315
Amasa Center
906-822-7284
The center remains open. The center recently welcomed a new cook is preparing meals on site.
Tuesday: Lasagna, garlic bread and salad.
Wednesday: Baked chicken, stuffing, mashed potatoes and carrots.
Thursday: Boiled cod, pasta salad and coleslaw.
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: Pasty pie and mixed vegetables.
Tuesday: Chili and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Wednesday: Cabbage rolls and chef choice vegetable.
Thursday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn.
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 on Mondays and is 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 --
Monday: Beef burgundy and egg noodles.
Tuesday: Sloppy Joes, tater tots and baked beans.
Wednesday: Roast turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing.
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 week --
Monday: Swedish meatballs, noodles and California blend vegetables.
Tuesday: Chili, cornbread, salad and dressing, and Jell-O.
Wednesday: Tuna bake, beets and tater tots.
Thursday: Sloppy Joe, wax beans, French fries and ketchup.
Friday: Egg salad sandwich, cheese stick and pudding.
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 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: Turkey sub sandwich, chips and coleslaw.
Tuesday: Stuffed shells, garlic bread and salad.
Wednesday: Night Meal: Beef roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, broccoli bake and dessert.
Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
(ADRC) of Florence County, Wis.
715-528-4890
Director: Tiffany White
Menu for the week --
Monday: Cook's choice -- entrée, vegetable and fruit.
Tuesday: Pasty, three-bean salad, fruit and cookies.
Wednesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, cranberry spinach salad, bread stick, fruit pie and ice cream.
Thursday: Homemade pizza, dark green salad, fruit.
Friday: Cheese burger, baked beans, sweet potato fries 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: Egg bake, French toast bake, peach sauce, fruit and milk.
Tuesday: Chicken parmesan, Italian vegetables, garlic bread, fruit and milk.
Wednesday: Egg salad sandwich, side salad, cottage cheese, fruit and milk.
Thursday: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, stewed vegetables, 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 most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.
Monday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, tossed salad, garlic bread and fruit pie.
Tuesday: Cubed steak, oven brown potatoes, mixed vegetables and sherbet.
Wednesday: Kielbasa and sauerkraut, parsley buttered potatoes, carrots and angel food cake with topping.
Welcome Red Hatters.
Thursday: Chicken, broccoli, winter squash, fruit and cookies.
Join us for Bingo on Wednesday this week.
Norway Center
Director: Joyce Olesky
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 divan over noodles and broccoli.
Tuesday: Turkey burger, wedges and cheesy cauliflower.
Wednesday: Two meal day: 11 a.m., chef salad with vegetables, meat and a breadstick; 4 p.m., barbecue ribs, mashed potatoes, vegetables and soup.
Thursday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles and vegetables.
All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.
Board meets on Thursday at 1 p.m.
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 parmesan, broccoli and pineapple.
Wednesday: Beef tips, mashed potatoes, green beans and applesauce.
Thursday: Pizza breadstick, carrots and mixed fruit.
All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.