NIAGARA, Wis. — Our much-anticipated summer is now in full swing, and with it comes all manner of fun in the water. Our beautiful northern region provides us with many lakes and rivers, so opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking and swimming abound and have created lots of fun memories for many.

My memories of water, however, are far from fond. I have always had a fear of the water, and never learned to swim. If there is any truth to the commonly held belief that there are “sinkers” and “floaters,” I am definitely of that first category.

I grew up in Ripon, Wis., in the middle of farm country. The hot, humid weather combined with some of the richest soil in the state to grow the best corn and peas ever canned by Green Giant. My siblings and I were always anxious to go swimming. With no community pool in our little town, our only option was Green Lake — a quick 6-mile drive from our front door.

We often jumped on the school bus that regularly took kids from town to Hattie Sherwood Park that offered entry to a lifeguard-patrolled swimming beach for only a quarter; the bus ride was free. There we joined the throngs of overheated grade schoolers in pursuit of the ever-elusive “raft.” That was a destination that could sometimes be reached without knowing how to swim. But most often only the tallest kids, or those who could swim the final couple of feet, could grab the ladder and climb onto its surface. It really was a kind of summer version of “king of the hill.”

On weekends, my mother would drive us, along with a picnic supper, to the Inlet Road. This was not an established swimming beach but rather a well-known area of the lake that was shallow and easily accessible. There was a small parking lot and a few picnic tables scattered alongside the road for public use. We liked going there because it was not crowded. My mother, not a strong swimmer herself, was always concerned about us going out too far and getting into a situation from which she would be unable to save us. So to control her group of four rambunctious children, she told us stories about “what would happen if we went out too far away from shore.” I was the oldest of four so believed every word she said.

I walked tentatively into the water, fearing the hole that would all of a sudden appear and into which I would sink and most assuredly drown. And I knew that the evil musky, about which we had been warned, would most definitely drag me by my toe around that lake to my death. My siblings never believed a word of her warnings and had a great time while I stood waist deep in one spot, crying and afraid to move any further into the lake. Such are the memories of a fearful 10-year-old.

I was fortunate to be in one of the first classes to use the newly built high school. It had a wonderful auditorium and a beautiful library along with a band room with risers built right into the floor. It also had a swimming pool … not my favorite place. As part of the physical education curriculum, I had to take swimming. There was no escape. When I wanted to skip a band lesson for which I was unprepared, I could hide in the library among the shelves of books. Where could I run to in a swimming suit? No, I was a stuck in that pool, and the gym teacher was stuck with me. I tried to learn the front crawl in the shallow part. I was so concerned with turning my face out of the water in order to catch a breath that I threw my head with such force, I rolled right over on my back. My teacher was not at all impressed. I can still hear her screaming, “Don’t ever let me see you do that again!” If she only knew what was yet ahead of her in her efforts to teach me to swim.

We eventually had to go into the 10-foot area of that pool. On day one, she just wanted us to push off the side and float on our backs. I floated for a bit until I let myself think about the 10 feet of water beneath me. I sank like a stone and floundered awhile as I tried to get back to poolside and safety. No such luck. My teacher had to jump in and get me — fully clothed.

A few days later, back to the 10-foot part we went, this time to tread water. Nope, not having it. Once again, I sank like a rock, and once again my teacher got wet. Then the big day came where each of us newly taught swimmers had to walk out to the end of the diving board, jump in and swim to the edge of the pool. I was the very last one to go, and I stood at the end of that board for the longest time. I visually assessed the distance from the middle of that 10-foot section to the side of the pool and really hoped I would be able to make it. Finally, I had no choice but to jump.

I remember to this day how it felt as I clawed my way up from the depths of that pool to the surface; I can still see the air bubbles and everyone’s feet safely perched on the side of the pool. I can remember going under again, and hearing my teacher yell, “Come on, you can swim.” She sent in a student to save me, and I promptly climbed all over her. And then my teacher had to jump in once again to save me — completely soaked a third time. The only way to get out of that class was to swim four lengths of that pool using any stroke. So, I swam them on my back using the frog kick and elementary back stroke. I am sure she was as glad to see me do it as I was; I got a D minus-minus for at least showing up for class!

I met my husband over summer vacation after completing my freshman year in college. He had driven the 40 miles from Menasha on a hot summer Sunday, and we planned on going to Green Lake County Park. He had absolutely no idea I could not swim and since I had suggested the beach, had no reason to even wonder. Also, he was a strong swimmer, having grown up close to Menasha’s city pool. Not only had he learned to swim, he had passed senior lifesaving. As it turned out, that was a very good thing.

As we walked out into the lake on our way to the raft, he gave me a ride as soon as the water was deep enough for me to wrap my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck. His back was to the lake, and I was focused on the distance to the raft. Suddenly I noticed his feet were treading water, and I asked him, “You can still touch bottom, can’t you?” to which he responded that no, he could not. In sheer disbelief, I exclaimed, “You’re kidding, right?” He replied, “No, see!” and let me go. Imagine his surprise when I sank like a stone and came back up in a state of instant fear. He let me struggle as I climbed all over him in my panic and then, as he had been taught, hoisted me up on his hip and side stroked us safely to shore. I sat there embarrassed and trying to hold back tears, and he was so apologetic. I could not be mad at him because he did not know, and he spent the rest of the day trying to make it up to me. The day ended up being a lot of fun, and to this day we still have that laughable memory of him nearly drowning me.

I enjoy watching the ducks and geese along the Menominee River or marveling at the power and vastness of Lake Superior. I love the water … as long as my feet are planted firmly on the shore. I am forever destined to be a land lubber.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Group activities are ongoing — 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.; resident choice, 2 p.m.; try out the new games in south lounge, 6 p.m.

Monday: Daily report, 10 a.m.; jam workout, 10:15 a.m.; lucky 7, 10:30 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; gardening, 1:30 p.m.; coffee chatter, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Pastor Steve, 10 a.m.; cold coffee,10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bowling, 1:30 p.m.; ball toss, 2 p.m.; ice cream, 7 p.m.

Wednesday: Daily report, 10 a.m.; devotions, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 11:30 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; take a walk, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Daily report, 10 a.m.; crafts, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; Mandala art, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Daily report, 10 a.m.; tap to the beat, 10:15 a.m.; odd word out, 11 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Throw darts, 10 a.m.; resident choice, 1 p.m.; check out the game room, 6 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; jokes and coffee, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Memory books, 9:15 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; bonfire, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; picnic to Gibson, 10 a. m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; garden club, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; Animal Kingdom, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; current events, night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; Bible study, 1p.m.; happy hour with music, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/reminisce, 10 a.m.; geri gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

(formerly Manor Care ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Morning mixer, 9:30 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.; manicures, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Bob Larson, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; resident council, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; patio bowling, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; “Family Feud,” 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; just jokes, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Patio hangman, 1:30 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

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

Saturday: Morning mixer, 9:30 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; po-ke-no, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Sunday: Coffee and corny jokes, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.; prayer service, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; yard Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; resident council, 2 p.m.; courtyard cabana — root beer floats, 2:30 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; flag day events, 10 a.m.; courtyard campfire — s’mores, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; exercise, yoga, 10 a.m.; bocce ball, 2 p.m.; Bible study, 3 p.m.

Friday: Horse visits, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Morning mingle/trivia, 10 a.m.; courtyard cabana, popsicles, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

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.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Pink Lassies on the porch, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Communion with Deacon Don, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; bingo and refreshments, 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Phase 10, 10:30 a.m.; reminiscing, 2 p.m.

Monday: Spa treatment and manicures, 10:30 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Baking group, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; Scattegories, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Tea party, 10:30 a.m.; bunco, 2 p.m.; trivia, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; sensory, 6 p.m.

Friday: Escanaba movie, 8 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; “Family Feud,” 2 p.m.; king’s corners, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday: Pictionary, 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: Barbecue pork sandwich, potato salad and fruit.

Wednesday: Hot turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy and mixed vegetables.

Thursday: Lemon pepper cod, loaded potatoes and coleslaw.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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: Beef stew and biscuit.

Tuesday: Brats, potato salad and baked beans.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, potatoes and gravy and mixed vegetables.

Thursday: Goulash 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: Bitsy Peryam

906-875-6709

The center serves 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: Breaded chicken and tater tots.

Tuesday: Meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Chili mac casserole and cornbread.

DISCA home-delivered meals in Crystal Falls —

Monday: Sausage pizza, breadstick and pineapple.

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, dinner roll and California blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo, Brussel sprouts and spiced pears.

Thursday: Taco sub sandwich, Mexicorn and refried beans.

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: Sausage pizza, breadstick and pineapple.

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, dinner roll and California blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo, Brussel sprouts and spiced pears.

Thursday: Taco sub sandwich, Mexicorn and refried beans.

Friday: Egg salad sandwich, chips, Jell-O and banana.

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: 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: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 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: Swedish pancakes, strawberries and sausage.

Tuesday: Beef stroganoff, California blend vegetables and bread.

Wednesday: Fish or Salisbury steak, peas and coleslaw.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Sausage pizza, breadstick and pineapple.

Tuesday: Scalloped potaoes with ham, dinner roll and California blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo, Brussel sprouts and spiced pears.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Glazed pork chop, baked potato, candied carrots and fruit.

Tuesday: Chicken strip basket – chicken strips and french fries topped with country gravy, roasted Brussel sprouts and fruit.

Wednesday: Beef tips over buttered noodles, green beans, fruit, pumpkin dump cake.

Thursday: Chef’s salad (mixed greens, ham, turkey, cheese, egg, tomato, croutons), breadstick, cottage cheese, watermelon and chocolate chip cookies.

Friday: Fajitas (whole wheat tortillas, sweet peppers, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream), refried beans and fruit salad.

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, 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 with rice, carrots, peas and peaches.

Tuesday: Shepherd’s pie, squash, fresh fruit and breadsticks.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken, white rice, Oriental vegetables, wax beans and pineapple.

Thursday: Barbecue ribs, boiled potatoes, Monte Carlo vegetables, fresh fruit and whole wheat. bread

Friday: Bacon-lettuce-tomato wrap, zucchini tomato salad and tropical fruit.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating, serving at 11 a.m. Salad bar is available. No night meals. Carryout meals also are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Club wrap, cheese stick and fruit cup.

Tuesday: Peachy pancakes and ham.

Wednesday: Barbecue pork with bun, baked beans and wedges.

Thursday: Lemon chicken, pasta, dinner roll, vegetable and dessert.

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 $5 for those older than 60 and $7 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Sloppy Joe, potato wedges, baked beans, fresh fruit and salad.

Tuesday: Chicken stir-fry, rice, Oriental vegetables, dinner roll and dessert.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, dinner roll and fruited Jell-O.

Thursday: Seafood salad sandwich, coleslaw, chips and pudding.

The center will have bingo on Wednesday this week.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski

906-563-8716

Open for dine-in eating, 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, scalloped potatoes and vegetable.

Tuesday: Philly cheese steak sandwich, potato wedges and vegetable.

Wednesday: Spaghetti or polenta, garlic bread and vegetable.

Thursday: Salmon, sweet potato fries and vegetable.

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: Sloppy Joe, fries, green beans and mixed fruit.

Wednesday: Chicken parmesan, egg noodles and broccoli.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn and pears.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Sausage pizza, breadstick and pineapple.

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, dinner roll and California blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo, Brussel sprouts and spiced pears.