NIAGARA, Wis. — There is no shortage of problems and challenges in our world today and no hesitation on the part of reporters and journalists to share all of the details with us through news broadcasts that seem to go on ad infinitum.

While it is certainly important for us to know what is happening, I find that personally I cannot expose myself to every detail of every event and every deep dive into its historical precedence and potential future impact. For me, it soon becomes information overload, and it is just too depressing.

So, how do we stay informed while keeping our sanity as we all make our way through this troublesome period of our collective history?

First, decide just how much news you can tolerate and determine the time of day you want to hear about national and world events. Also, select a source for your news that you find reliable. Personally, I do not like to begin or end my day hearing the news. I prefer to access news broadcasts late afternoon around supper time or read newspaper articles over lunch. That way I avoid thinking about it all day and do not take it to bed with me in the evening. I will only listen to the TV news broadcasts for 20 minutes once each day on CBS. I trust that network and the professionalism of its journalists. While I need to keep abreast of current events, I do not need the exhaustive coverage found on other news outlets given by broadcasters whose personal opinions are being shared along with the events of the day.

But, we are all different and have various tolerance levels. My husband, for example, has a “need to know” so great that he will consume news morning, noon and night, both via television newscasts and in print. He can immerse himself in the events of the day without those events weighing on his mind. He certainly cares, but he doesn’t carry it around with him as he goes through his day. Each of us will have to determine our tolerance level for ourselves, but do be aware of how your news consumption is affecting your mood and your ability to sleep. If the news is negatively affecting your health, you need to adjust the amount of your exposure.

One reason I think that the news is so difficult for me to hear is because I have a deep need for control over my life. I am, and always have been, a planner. I do not like to be surprised by the unpleasant and unexpected, and I do not like to be unprepared … for anything. But, as we all know, we cannot control everything that happens in the world — far from it. Heck, we cannot even depend on it actually being winter in February! So, how do we cope when life blindsides us as it so often does?

The answer to that million-dollar question is attitude. We all need to strive for an optimistic attitude as we make our way through this life. This is a big ask; especially when our experience has been filled with a lot of upsetting surprises. Optimism is the commitment to an attitude of hopefulness and a belief in the potential of positive outcomes, whether brought about naturally or through effort and determination. We have been encouraged to look on the bright side of every challenge, to find the silver lining of every cloudy situation, to always strive to make lemonade when life hands us lemons.

There are good reasons for developing an optimistic spirit. Research shows that people with an optimistic outlook on life are more resilient to stress and are able to develop better coping strategies compared to those with a more negative perspective. Now, this doesn’t mean we turn a blind eye to life’s challenges or deny certain natural fears and misgivings for that is known as toxic positivity and can, in itself, be harmful as we end up living in a state of denial. Healthy optimism means we acknowledge our more unpleasant and uncomfortable feelings while believing in, and working toward, a better future. We need to confidently accept that life will not always unfold smoothly, and the future — no matter how thoroughly we plan it — will quite frequently be unpredictable. And, for those of us who are planners by nature, that is most surely a bitter pill to swallow.

Optimism is best cultivated through work. As Melinda Gates states, “Optimism isn’t a belief that things will automatically get better; it’s a conviction that we can make things better.” Lucille Ball adds, “One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.” And Lee Iacocca echoed this same sentiment when he said: “In times of great stress and adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive.”

In our search for an optimistic attitude, we do well to remember that the very nature of life on this Earth and in our world is one of difficulty. Simply put, whatever goodness you get from life will only come through continued effort because life’s very nature is complex. It is not an easy path to follow or a simple world to navigate. Hills and valleys along with many wrong turns are to be expected, and it is that way for everyone — not just you. As Walt Disney said, “I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter.”

It is also important to realize that both good and evil exist side by side in this life. Optimism comes when we believe that the good will prevail. Helen Keller expresses just such a sentiment when she says, “My optimism … does not rest on the absence of evil, but on a glad belief in the preponderance of good and a willing effort always to cooperate with the good, so that it may prevail.” And Herbert Kretzmer said most succinctly, “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”

Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us that there is always hope. “We must accept the finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope.” His life certainly embodied that belief.

I conclude today’s column with words from Cory Booker, Democrat and U.S. senator from New Jersey. “Hope confronts. It does not ignore pain, agony, or injustice … You can’t have hope without despair, because hope is a response. Hope is the active conviction that despair will never have the last word.”

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV/resident self-activities, 10 a.m.

Monday: Art, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; dice club, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; shut the box, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Nails, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; dining music, 11:45 a.m.; movie, “Pretty Woman,” popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Resident Council meeting, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; resident choice, 1:30 p.m.

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

Saturday: Resident choice; color a nice picture, 1 p.m.; CNBC, “Undercover Boss,” 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; high rollers, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 pm.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; Riddler, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; coffee social/book club, 9:30 a.m.; Norway Senior Center, 10 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; just friends, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 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, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; volleyball, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: “Price Is Right”/pass the prize, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; Camp Batawagama sing along, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: File and style, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 1 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; “Name That Tune,” 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; hangman, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.; file and style, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; shop op, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; “Price Is Right,” 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; po-ke-no, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Sunday: Building insect hotel, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; lunch bunch, McDonald’s, 11 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; bogus bag story telling, 10 a.m.; music with Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; baking, Oreo mini cheesecakes, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; monthly birthday coffee clutch, 10 a.m.; creative art, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Ladies breakfast; red hat social, Denise on guitar, 10 a.m.; C & R happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Scrabble, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information available.

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.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

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

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

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

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; church services, 10 a.m.; chronicles, 11:30 a.m.; movie, 1:30 p.m.; coloring pages.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; who, what or where, 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 2 p.m.; men’s group, 4 p.m.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; reading with NCA Elementary, 10 a.m.; cranium crunch, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; short stories, 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; shopping trip, 11 a.m.; leprechaun, 2 p.m.; Jerry Beauchamp, 4 p.m.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; balloon toss, 4 p.m.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; lunch outing/wacky wordies, 11 a.m.; paint and sip, 2 p.m.; poker, 4 p.m.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; noodle ball, 10:15 a.m.; drinks and trivia, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; activity packets.

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. Thursdays, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Cheese ravioli with meat sauce, Italian blend vegetables, toasted garlic bread.

Wednesday: Grilled chicken honey mustard wrap, wild rice, sweet potato fries, Oreo cookies.

Thursday: Pork loin, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn.

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: Scalloped potatoes with ham, peas and carrots, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans.

Wednesday: Pork steak, baked potato, squash, Oreo cookies.

Thursday: Chicken salad, croissant, roasted potatoes, Jell-O with fruit cup.

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 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: Shepherd’s pie, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken, rice pilaf.

Wednesday: Chili mac, homemade cornbread.

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA — independent from above menu) —

Monday: Cheeseburger, seasoned potato wedges, baked beans.

Tuesday: Wet burrito, rice, refried beans, fresh fruit.

Wednesday: Lemon pepper fish, baked potato with sour cream, broccoli, Oreo cookies.

Thursday: Chicken ala king, buttered noodles, baby carrots.

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: Cheeseburger, seasoned potato wedges, baked beans.

Tuesday: Wet burrito, rice, refried beans, fresh fruit.

Wednesday: Lemon pepper fish, baked potato with sour cream, broccoli, Oreo cookies.

Thursday: Chicken ala king, buttered noodles, baby carrots.

Friday: Ham and cheese sandwich, potato salad, chips, yogurt cup.

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.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

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

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: Grilled ham and cheese sandwich, chips, fresh fruit.

Tuesday: Beef stroganoff over noodles, green beans, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Chicken wings or drumsticks, fries, pasta salad, Oreo cookies.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Cheeseburger, seasoned potato wedges, baked beans.

Tuesday: Wet burrito, rice, refried beans, fresh fruit.

Wednesday: Lemon pepper fish, baked potato with sour cream, broccoli, Oreo cookies.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Goulash, green beans, bread sticks, fruit.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joes, western beans, sweet potato puffs, fruit.

Wednesday: Chicken stuffing bake, squash, broccoli salad, fruit, cookies.

Thursday: Soft shell tacos (lettuce, tomato, salsa), refried beans, corn salad, fruit.

Friday: Garden quiche, dark green salad, breadsticks, 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, served at 11:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday.

Reservations for a meal onsite need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

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: Pork cutlet, sour cream and chive potatoes, mixed vegetable blend, Mandarin oranges, whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Turkey rice casserole, Monte Carlo blend vegetables, whole wheat breadstick, scalloped peaches.

Wednesday: Country fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, Scandinavia vegetable blend, fruit cocktail, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Beef stew, biscuit, sweet potato wedges, scalloped apples.

Friday: Breaded pollack, hamburger bun, tartar sauce, red oven potatoes, baked beans, fruit cup.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

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

Monday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joes, macaroni and cheese, baked beans.

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo, fettuccine noodles, zucchini, Oreo cookies.

Thursday: Italian bake, spinach, breadstick.

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 $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Pork cutlet, sweet potatoes, baked beans, whole wheat bread, blueberry cobbler.

Wednesday: Chicken and spaghetti, corn, warm peaches.

Thursday: Chop suey, rice, chow mein noodles, raw baby carrots, cherry dump cake.

The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

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 is 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: Meatballs, egg noodles and gravy, vegetables.

Tuesday: Soft shell tacos with assorted vegetable toppings.

Wednesday: Pizza burger, sweet potato fries, vegetables.

Thursday: Chicken parmesan over noodles, garlic bread, 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: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, wax beans.

Wednesday: Hot beef sandwich, mashed potatoes with gravy, mixed vegetables, Oreo cookies.

Thursday: Sloppy Joes, seasoned fries, cauliflower with cheese.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Cheeseburger, seasoned potato wedges, baked beans.

Tuesday: Wet burrito, rice, refried beans, fresh fruit.

Wednesday: Lemon pepper fish, baked potato with sour cream, broccoli, Oreo cookies.