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Appreciating the ever-changing seasons of our lives

NIAGARA, Wis. — We are all familiar with the seasons we experience in nature. Each very different from the next, we all have our favorites for a variety of reasons. We build our lives around them having developed traditions associated with each one. A recent “Monday Morning Memo” from Roy H. Williams dealt with the seasons of our lives that gave me a way to understand life in a manner that I had not previously considered.

Back on July 3 of 2020, I wrote a column about the seasons of our lives. Then the inspiration had come from a song titled “Turn, Turn, Turn” that had hit number one on the pop charts back in my college days. Written by Pete Seeger and sung by a British group called The Byrds, it had been based upon a collection of verses from the Bible — Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3. Years later, I had found a greeting card with those verses printed on it, and I had framed it. To this day, it continues to inspire me. So, I am not surprised that Williams’ memo spoke to me as well.

Williams explains the seasons of our lives in three very distinct ways. First, financially: we go from survival to acquisition to distribution. Most of us can remember our survival days quite vividly as we recall how it felt when we made that break from home to go do it alone for the first time in the big world. The first apartment my husband and I rented was unit number 10 in a row of 12 units; it looked like an inexpensive motel. At only $100 per month back in 1972, it backed up against the 12th hole of a golf course. We could see the back door from the front entry, the refrigerator was under the kitchen counter, and the bedroom closet also housed the hot water heater. Our first furniture was an eclectic assortment that had come from my grandmother’s parlor — sofa and chair, my mother-in-law’s attic — kitchen table and chairs, my husband’s grandparent’s porch — a tiny television, and my younger brother’s industrial arts class project — a lovely coffee table that lasted for decades. Many of us in these survival years lived on soup and ramen noodles; for my husband and I, it was tuna casserole, canned Dinty Moore stew, and free pizza for every night we worked at the Pizza Hut. Eventually, and very gradually, we accumulated our own furniture based upon our own taste, a collection of framed art accumulated slowly from years of art shows, a decent car — and then two, and a much healthier grocery budget. Now, at this stage of life, we are discussing how to fairly distribute our belongings — the accumulations of a lifetime — to family members when the “time comes.”

Williams also explained the seasons of life relationally: seeking, finding, and celebrating. We all have stories of how we used to go out with friends when we were younger and in that seeking phase. My friends and I drove over to Oshkosh every weekend because our hometown of Ripon only had two teen gathering places — one when the local college was in session and the other over the summer months.

My husband went out to a different place every night of the week since he lived in the heart of the Fox Valley. Our meeting was entirely by chance and was based, in no small part, on the fact that I was taller than my girlfriend. We still enjoy remembering the details of the night we found each other. We also enjoy celebrating our anniversary every year and remembering all of the events that have brought us to where we now find ourselves 51 years later. For a long time, our anniversary celebration was the one time each year we actually splurged and went out for a “fancy dinner.”

Williams also described how our professional lives throughout our working years have seasons: learner, doer, teacher. We begin as learners where, if we are lucky, we find a mentor who shows us the ropes and works with us until we are proficient enough to become the doer. I have very fond memories of the woman who helped me so much on my first full-time job at a local construction company. I was an English major now working in an accounting type position responsible for the data preparation that would result in a paycheck for every employee. She had seen my potential and hired me. She also had the patience of a saint and was instrumental in building my self-confidence in a professional environment. As a doer, I moved to a different employer and worked through several positions before finding the fit that would see me through to retirement. Prior to retirement, as a department manager, I was able to become the teacher. I strived to be as patient and fair minded as my very first mentor had been with me.

So, at what season do we now find ourselves? Now that we are retired, are there any defining stages left to our life? Funny you should ask … there just so happens to be three! A friend recently emailed them to me: “go-go,” “slow-go,” and “no-go.” In the early years of retirement, we are generally filled with excitement over our new-found freedom, and we are energized. We no longer have to answer to any bosses, there are no longer any deadlines, and we no longer have to set that morning alarm clock or do all of our living on the weekends. We have plenty of energy to do all of the things we have wanted to do but were too busy with work to do them. Whatever activity we had postponed we are now free to do. Once we get through the first five years — or longer if we were able to retire at a younger age — we slow down a bit. We still may do some travel, but maybe only regional jaunts instead of cross-country flights or cruises. If we were tearing through our homes before to remodel or reorganize every drawer and cupboard, we slow down to smaller projects. Then, eventually, we reach a point where we are simply satisfied to stay home and spend time with friends and family … and lightly clean the house once a month.

As we reach the final season of our lives, we can still take a lot of pleasure in remembering back to all of the living that comprised the previous seasons. My husband and I enjoy remembering the struggles of our early years and take pride in how far we have come together. As much as we enjoyed our respective careers — once we found them — we are happy for the time we have now to rest and take life a little slower.

As Williams points out, we have now arrived to the most fulfilling season of our lives. We have entered the celebration and distribution phases of life and have become the teachers. We are now at a point where we can help make a difference in the next generation. We have both the time and experience. Don’t wait to be asked for advice. Look around. As E.W. Howe advises, “When a friend is in trouble, don’t annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it.” We have a tool box full of knowledge and experience … it’s time to share it.

——

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, 10 a.m.; lunch, noon; “Antiques Roadshow,” 6 p.m.

Monday: Work out jam, 10 a.m.; devotions, 10:15 a.m.; trivia, 10:30 a.m.; group reminisce, 2:30 p.m.; room reminisce, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Work out jam, 10 a.m.; devotions, 10:15 a.m.; trivia, 10:30 a.m.; horse races, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee chatters, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 a.m.; shut the box, 1:30 p.m.; bean bag toss, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee chatters, 10 a.m.; music, 11:30 a.m.; arts and crafts, 1:30 p.m.; make a fun story, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Coffee chatters, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; in-room visits, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Coloring for Thanksgiving, 10 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Uno, 2 p.m.; ice cream social, 3 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; hangman, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Memory books, 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, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; big buck bingo, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Hunter’s breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; smart shoppers, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler/bowling, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; United Lutheran, 2 p.m.; happy hour with music, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; throw away bingo, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/room visits, 9 a.m.; scavenger hunt, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

ProMedica (formerly ManorCare)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is open for visitation. There is no longer a need to call in advance of your visit.

Sunday: Trivia, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Bob Larson concert, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; manicures, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; I Spy, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; “Jeopardy,” 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

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

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; what’s news?, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Guess where, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 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: Scattegories, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Rosary and communion, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; tattoo Tuesday, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; bingo, 2:30 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary and communion, 9 a.m.; Scrabble, 10 a.m.; penny ante, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Hot cocoa and Uno, 10 a.m.; rosary and communion, 1 p.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Rummy, 10 a.m.; happy hour with hot apple cider, 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.; Packers vs. Cowboys, 3:25 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.; craft class, 1:30 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.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Packers vs. Titans, 7:15 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 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: Menu committee, 10:30 a.m.; resident council, 10:45; movie, 2 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

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

Wednesday: Spa treatments, 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.; cards, 3:30 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. They recently welcomed a new cook who is preparing meals on site.

Tuesday: Tater tot casserole and corn.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans and salad.

Thursday: Lemon pepper cod, baby red potatoes 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 stewed tomatoes.

Tuesday: Chili dog or hot dog, potato wedges and wax beans.

Wednesday: Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, corn and sweet potatoes.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, 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: Bitsy Peryam

906-875-6709

The center is 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 warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, 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: Chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes.

Tuesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce and garlic bread.

Wednesday: Kielbasa, sauerkraut and parsley boiled potatoes.

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, peas and carrots and spiced fruit.

Tuesday: Chicken noodle soup and lunch meat slider.

Wednesday: Cheese tortellini with red sauce, garlic bread and buttered corn.

Thursday: Sloppy Joe, wax beans and tater tots.

Friday: Smothered breaded pork chop, potato wedges and green beans.

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, starting 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m. Cards cost 25 cents, with 10 games played; Happy Quilters, 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday: No activities at this time.

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: Polish sausage with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and peas.

Tuesday: Ravioli, garlic bread and green beans.

Wednesday: Evening meal — turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and California blend vegetables.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

ADRC

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Sweet and sour pork over rice, Oriental vegetables and fruit.

Tuesday: Hamburger stroganoff, broccoli, tomato salad and fruit.

Wednesday: Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, dinner rolls and pumpkin cheesecake.

Thursday: Waffle sticks, breakfast sausage, hashbrown potatoes, fruit salad and orange juice.

Friday: Tuna noodle casserole, three bean salad 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.

Monday: Sweet and sour pork over rice, Oriental blend vegetables, wax beans and pineapple.

Tuesday: Beef tips over noodles, carrots and peas, coleslaw and peaches.

Wednesday: Turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, dinner roll, cranberry sauce and pumpkin bar.

Thursday: Breaded chicken sandwich, oven potatoes, carrots and apricot cup.

Friday: Fish sandwich, oven potatoes, baked beans and Mandarin oranges.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

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: Hamburger, potato wedges, baked beans, fruit, and milk.

Tuesday: Beef stew, apple sauce, dinner roll, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Chicken wrap, pasta salad, yogurt, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Lasagna, Italian blend vegetables, bread stick, 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 60 or younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Pork cutlet, sweet potatoes, Brussel sprouts, dinner roll and spiced applesauce.

Tuesday: Kielbasa, German potato salad, peas and carrots and Jell-O.

Wednesday: Sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.

Thursday: Chicken filet, rice pilaf, vegetable medley and cookie.

Bingo on Wednesday.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook: Brian Gutkowski

906-563-8716

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: Biscuits and gravy, hash brown potatoes and sausage links.

Tuesday: Salmon, potato wedges and vegetables.

Wednesday: Deluxe salad bar with vegetables, meat, breadsticks and soups.

Thursday: Brats, potato salad and coleslaw.

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: Chicken noodle soup, grilled cheese sandwiches and apple sauce.

Wednesday: Ham, baked potato, corn and apple sauce.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles and broccoli.

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

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