NIAGARA, Wis. — In searching for a topic for this week’s column, it seemed that everything I opened up in my online mailbox dealt with man’s quest for happiness. I can only believe that this topic is a popular one right now because it is a challenge to find happiness in troubling times. It certainly feels like we live in a world with more problems than solutions — at least solutions upon which we can agree. But, as I read the articles and the quotations, I began to feel a little more optimistic so I share some food for thought on this topic with you today.

Finding happiness, as it turns out, is completely under our control. It is not something that we can passively sit by and wait to happen to us. Daisaku Ikeda, a modern-day Buddhist philosopher, spent 50 years writing a collection of essays titled “Hope is a Decision.” He stresses that we can take it upon ourselves to maintain hope even in tumultuous times. If we choose to be hopeful, we will be, and we are helped in our quest for a hopeful life when we help others to be happy. This choice will “illuminate our final years with dignity.”

As it turns out, one does not have to be a Buddhist philosopher to believe that hope can be found by helping others along their road to personal happiness. Roger Ebert, an American film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, film historian, journalist, screenwriter, author and Pulitzer Prize winner held similar beliefs. He said, “I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do.” Robert Greene Ingersoll echoed the same sentiment when he said, “… happiness is the only good: the time to be happy is now, and the way to be happy is to make others so.”

Happiness is also found through authenticity. Mahatma Gandhi said it simply and best, “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. “We cannot be happy when we are not being our authentic selves. Sadly, this happens a lot in our American culture. Perhaps we find ourselves in a job that requires us to “go along to get along,” and we are not working in a career that fulfills us. We may find ourselves married to someone we hardly know any longer because rather than growing together, we have grown apart. We may look around and see that we have met all of our goals except our own happiness. This is commonly called the “mid-life crisis;” some of us survive it, some do not and our lives turn upside down as we look for something we missed along the way.

Happiness can be found by having a goal but also in the appreciation of the many moments, within the many steps, taken along the path toward reaching that goal. My husband remembers to this day what was taught to him in high school: “Success is the active realization of a pre-determined goal.” We may not yet have reached the finish line, but as long as the journey has brought us steps closer and in the right direction, we are heading toward fulfillment in life and eventual happiness. Others have also found this to be true.

“Be happy for this moment — it is all life is.” — Omar Khayyam, Islamic scholar

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

Finding happiness is also a solo undertaking and an individual responsibility. Without a doubt, no one else can “make us” happy. Certainly, others can help by being a friend when we need one, but finding our happiness, in large part, is our job. Consider the following wise words.

“Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it.” — Elizabeth Gilbert

“Enjoy life. Accentuate the positive, not the negative. It sounds so trite, but a lot of people will pick out something to complain about rather than say, ‘Hey, that was great!’ It’s not hard to find great stuff if you look.” — Betty White

“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.” — Anne Frank

“The bottom line is that becoming happy is up to you. No one else can make you happy. And true happiness can never be built at the expense of others.” — Tina Turner

I was most pleased to find a Monday Morning Memo by Roy H. Williams that dealt with this topic of finding happiness by using a metaphor I had used in my own marriage and when talking about marriage to our sons in their college years. So often I felt that my husband and I shared a yoke as we pulled through the hardships and challenges of our early years together. And I used that image when I advised our sons to find a girl who was willing and able to pull as hard as they were to get through life’s difficult times. Williams used that same image when he defined a yoke as “a wooden implement used to unite a pair of horses, or mules or oxen so that they might be able to ‘pull together’ and accomplish things that neither of them could have done alone.” He further explains that there are many people in our lives to whom we are yoked: husband, wife, sister, brother, life partner, business partner and co-worker.

Regardless to whom we are yoked, the partnership can be strengthened by doing two simple things. First, make a list of all the things you admire about your partner and focus your attention on their talents and their skills. Second, celebrate your partner by telling people about the wonderful things you have seen them do. This is a simple exercise and an easy habit to develop. Focus on the positive. Your partner will be happier. And you will be happier. Why? Because when you focus on your partner’s good qualities and tell happy stories about things you have seen your partner do, you will remember how lucky you are to have that person in your life.

Williams continues as he explains that if we are frustrated with our partner, it is probably because we have been noticing their weaknesses and complaining to others about them. We have been telling the wrong stories. He reminds us that feelings follow actions. Instead of telling the negative truth about your partner, look for those things your partner does well and begin telling a different truth — one that is positive and affirming. Your feelings will change, and your partner’s will too. And your life just got happier!

You are the captain of your ship. You can steer that ship anywhere you want it to go. Choose the route that makes you happy and sail on.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Group activities are ongoing, and doors are unlocked for visits. They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; word search, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; coffee chatters, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Horse racing, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; art/crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Bible study, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; spell it, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Fifties Theme Day; ’50s trivia, 10 a.m.; guess the item from the ’50s, 10:30 a.m.; party the ’50s way, noon.

Friday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Color in spring and crossword puzzle.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; “Name that Tune,” 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; reminisce, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 9 a.m.; storytelling, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; getting pretty, 1:15 p.m.; men’s club, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Alvin senior center, 10 a.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.; garden club, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: “Price Is Right” and Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare (formerly Manor Care/ProMedica)

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: Men’s social, 9:30 a.m.; reminiscing, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; trivia, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; “Price Is Right,” 2 p.m.

Wednesday: First Lutheran church service, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Leisure cart, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; manicures, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; balloon ball, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; leisure cart, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Earth Day planting craft, 1:30 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: Crafts, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; baking, 10 a.m.; “Price Is Right,” 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.; tic tac trivia, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; creative art, 10 a.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Shut the Box, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: History of the jelly bean, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

(formerly Golden Living Center)

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 this time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; 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.; Tasty Tuesday, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Catholic Mass, 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.

Friday: Juice time, 10; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Jim Edberg, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; manicures, 2 p.m.

Monday: Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; painting, 2 p.m.; karaoke, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Menu committee, 10:30 a.m.; resident council, 10:45 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; mind joggers, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Bus ride, 10:30 a.m.; wine and cheese, 2 p.m.; Sorry, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Manicures, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; word search, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Ladder ball, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

The center, at 415 Main St., is open four days a week, serving soup and sandwich meal from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Their new cook prepares meals on site.

Tuesday: Smoked chicken sandwich and potato salad.

Wednesday: Beef tips over noodles, green beans and salad.

Thursday: Cheese ravioli, meatballs, vegetables and garlic bread.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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: Pork chop, rice and mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Beef stew and biscuits.

Thursday: Fish, potatoes and coleslaw.

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 an 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 phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Spaghetti with Italian sausage and garlic bread.

Tuesday: Chicken pot pie and biscuit topping.

Wednesday: Chop suey and steamed rice.

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: Smothered pork chop, mashed potatoes and green beans.

Tuesday: Tomato and rice soup, grilled cheese sandwich and fruit.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour pork, rice, oriental blend vegetables and Mandarin oranges.

Thursday: Liver and onions, roasted potatoes and carrots.

Friday: Italian sub sandwich, macaroni salad, pickled beets and Jell-O.

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:

Monday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Les Artistes’ art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 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

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

Monday: Meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy and mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Submarine sandwich, chips, chicken and rice soup.

Wednesday: Evening meal — meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and winter blend vegetables .

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Smothered pork chop, mashed potatoes and green beans.

Tuesday: Tomato and rice soup, grilled cheese sandwich and fruit

Wednesday: Sweet and sour pork, rice, Oriental blend vegetables and Mandarin oranges.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

(ADRC) of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef chop suey over rice, Oriental vegetables, spinach salad and fruit.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken, potato wedges, tomato salad and fruit.

Wednesday: Hot pork sandwich, mashed potatoes, Harvard beets, fruit and birthday cake.

Thursday: Split pea soup, toasted cheese sandwich, side salad and fruit.

Friday: Homemade pizza, broccoli 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 is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Bourbon steak, coconut rice, rutabagas, garden salad and fruit whip.

Tuesday: Spaghetti with meatballs, garlic bread, corn, coleslaw and pears.

Wednesday: Chicken tenders, oven potato, stewed tomatoes and pineapple tidbits.

Thursday: Pot roast with gravy, red potato, carrots and fruit cup.

Friday: Turkey rice vegetable soup, tuna sandwich, cucumber salad and mixed fruit.

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 and gravy, peas, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Italian wedding soup, submarine sandwich, yogurt, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Chili, cornbread, applesauce, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Roast chicken, stuffing, gravy, winter blend 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 $5 for those older than 60 and $7 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Cheesy onion burger with a bun, hash brown potatoes, vegetable and fruit dessert.

Tuesday: Beef stroganoff with noodles, corn, dinner roll and fruit muffin.

Wednesday: Chicken filet, sweet potatoes, broccoli, dinner roll and cake.

Thursday: Turkey and cheese sandwich, cheesy potato bacon soup and Mandarin oranges.

Join us for Bingo on Wednesday this week.

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: Cheese ravioli, bread stick and vegetable.

Tuesday: Chicken patty on a bun, tater barrels and vegetable.

Wednesday: Two meal day — 11 a.m.: Chef salad with vegetables and meat, breadstick; 4 p.m.: Barbecue ribs, mashed potatoes and vegetable,

Thursday: Chicken chop suey, rice and Oriental 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 906-563-5587 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 sandwich and applesauce.

Wednesday: Spare ribs, baked potato, corn and applesauce.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles and broccoli.

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

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Smothered pork chop, mashed potatoes and green beans.

Tuesday: Tomato and rice soup, grilled cheese sandwich and fruit.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour pork, rice, Oriental blend vegetables and Mandarin oranges.