NIAGARA, Wis. — Our year is just about over. As we look back on the preceding months, most of us will have a combination of good and bad, easy and difficult, and happy and sad events that will characterize 2024 for us and live in our memories as such.

We all have memorable years, and others we would just as soon forget. And we all grow as human beings as a result of experiencing these events in our lives. If you were given the assignment to select one word that would best describe 2024 for you, could you come up with one? Interestingly, every year Merriam-Webster staff, the “dictionary people,” do select a word they agree describes the previous 365 days the best. And they have been doing this since 2003 — a total of 21 years and counting. Initially, staff analyzed page hits and popular searches on their website to determine the annual word. Since 2006, however, they have used a combination of the results of an online poll and website visitors’ suggestions to select the word.

So, what was their word choice this year? Keep in mind that it was an election year, and imagine a drum roll here. The word of the year for 2024 is “polarization.” According to Peter Sokolowski, Merriam-Webster’s editor at large, polarization means division, but it’s a very specific kind of division. This word means that we are tending toward the extremes rather than toward the center. This word is most often used to mean “causing strong disagreement between opposing factions or groups.”

This was very apparent as people went to the polls to cast their vote in the presidential election. Voters had a feeling that the opposing candidate was an “existential threat” to the nation; that is one that would change our very culture at its core and from which we could not recover. The Associated Press conducts a poll called AP VoteCast. This survey of more than 120,000 voters showed that about 8 in 10 Kamala Harris voters were very or somewhat concerned that Donald Trump’s views — but not Harris’ — were too extreme, while about 7 in 10 Trump voters felt the same way about Harris — but not Trump. In short, the two groups of voters were about as far apart as they could get.

Polarization embodies an intensity of feeling. It is a word that transcends political connotations to highlight cracks and deep rifts in pop culture, tech trends and other industries. No matter the issue in the past year, discussion of it embodied polarization. Examples include: Taylor Swift’s use of her private jet; the International Olympic Committee’s decision to strip American gymnast Jordan Chiles of her bronze medal after the Paris games; and even light-hearted lookalike contests. We Americans simply could not agree on much of anything … except, ironically, that we disagreed on just about everything no matter the size of the issue.

Following is a list of the other nine words that made Merriam-Webster’s top 10 for 2024, along with a brief description of what may have caused their popularity.

1. Demure. Jools LeBron, popular in the world of TikTok, gave a 38-second workday make-up routine that she described as “very demure and very mindful.” The video was viewed more than 50 million times, which led to huge spikes in dictionary look-ups. Consequently, millions learned that the word means reserved and modest.

2. Fortnight. Taylor Swift released a song with this word as its title. “Swifties” now know that a fortnight means two weeks.

3. Totality. The solar eclipse in April inspired not only curiosity and awe, but taught the nation a word with which they may not have been familiar. Tens of millions of people live along a narrow stretch of land from Mexico’s Pacific coast to eastern Canada known as the path of totality, and many more congregated there to get the very best view of the total eclipse when the moon fully blocked out the sun. The word refers to a sum or aggregate amount — or wholeness.

4. Resonate. This word means to affect or appeal to someone in a personal or emotional way. As AI has entered the world of writing, it overuses this word in an effort to appeal to more people.

5. Allision. According to Merriam-Webster staff, this word was looked up 60 times more often after a ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in March. In case you are wondering, allision — not collision — is used when one moving object and a fixed object collide.

6. Weird. This past summer, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz used this word to describe Republican leaders launching himself into national politics. Though used often, this word is often misspelled — “ei” or “ie” — so folks may have been looking it up for that reason. Nonetheless, it was referenced more often than ever.

7. Cognitive. Whether the word was used to raise questions about President Biden’s debate performance or Trump’s own age, it was referenced often throughout the year. It refers to conscious intellectual activity — such as thinking, reasoning or remembering.

8. Pander. This word was used widely throughout the year — especially by journalists in political news outlets as they described the content of political speeches. It means to say, do, or provide what someone — such as an audience — wants or demands even though it is not a good or reasonable solution.

9. Democracy. This was the very first word Merriam-Webster chose as word of the year in 2003. Of course, it means a representative form of government in which people elect those who will make decisions, policies and laws. Interestingly, it is consistently one of the dictionary’s most looked-up words. Editor at large Sokolowski observed, “There’s a bit of sadness in that. Maybe the most hopeful thing that the curiosity of the public shows is that they’re paying attention.”

The past several years have certainly been marked by upheaval and change; a time when our nation’s bedrock of values has been challenged.

As a people, we have reacted to that by forming our own opinions of how our American life should look. And, we know how very different these opinions have been. Polarization is a very accurate word to define our country today, but it is by no means a comfortable word. Or a desirable one, for that matter.

Ideally, let’s work toward cooperation or collaboration for next year’s word … or maybe four years would be more realistic. No matter the time frame, let’s each make a commitment to listen, to consider, to at least make an effort to understand views that differ from our own.

As a people, in our great country, most of us want the same things: fairness, opportunity, a chance to build a good life for ourselves and our family, and peace. We just have different ideas about how to make that happen. If we listen, and look a little deeper than we have been looking lately, we will find we have more in common with each other than we think.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

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

On the third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. they host a Memory Cafe – a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program operates on donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; ice cream, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Small group, 10 a.m.; dice club, 2 p.m.; reminisce, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: New Year’s Eve party in the dining room with music, punch, dancing — come join the fun, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday: Happy New Year!

Thursday: Resident council meeting, 10 a.m.; bunny visits, 11 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; small group in activities room, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search, 10 a.m.; family time, 2 p.m.; “Weakest Link” on PBS, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; “Name That Tune,” 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; high rollers, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Throw away bingo, 9:30 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; New Year’s Eve karaoke, 2 p.m.

No information available for the new year.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; leisure cart, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; resolutions, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; New Year’s Eve party, 2 p.m.

No information available for the new year.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Coffee and trivia, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; Packers tailgate, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.; Packers vs. Vikings, 3:25 p.m.

Monday: Rosary and communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; “Family Feud,” 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary and communion service, 9 a.m.; New Year’s trivia, 10 a.m.; New Year’s Eve social, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

No information available for the new year.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Card games, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Music and memories, 10 a.m.; manicures, 2 p.m.

No information available for the new year.

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; off to the races, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; Sunday funday, 2:30 p.m.; snack cart, coloring pages, daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; “Finishers” word game, 11 a.m.; manicures, 1:45 a.m.; Book Club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; name that instrument, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

No information available for the new year.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, candied carrots.

Wednesday: Closed — Happy New Year!

Thursday: Chicken and wild rice casserole, vegetable, croissant.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — salad bar at 11:30 a.m., meal at noon. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Broccoli and ham stuffed potatoes, beets, garlic biscuit, pudding cup with whipped cream.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken, baked beans, baked macaroni and cheese.

Wednesday: Closed – Happy New Year!

Thursday: Meatball soup, vegetable, biscuit with butter.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an order. All food 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 a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Goulash with a dinner roll.

Tuesday: Turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

Wednesday: Closed — Happy New Year!

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

Monday: Chicken strips with waffles, oatmeal, fried apples, syrup cup.

Tuesday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Wednesday: Beef ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread (delivered Tuesday).

Thursday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, carrots, dinner roll, pudding cup.

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: Chicken strips with waffles, oatmeal, fried apples, syrup cup.

Tuesday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Wednesday: Beef ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread (delivered Tuesday).

Thursday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, carrots, dinner roll, pudding cup.

Friday: Brats, carrots, dinner roll, Jell-O with fruit.

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: Hot beef sandwich, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, pudding cup.

Tuesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, fried cabbage, berry and granola yogurt parfait.

Wednesday: Center closed – Happy New Year!

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Chicken strips with waffles, oatmeal, fried apples, syrup cup.

Tuesday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Wednesday: Beef ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread (delivered Tuesday).

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken pot pie, tater tot casserole, spinach cranberry salad, fruit.

Tuesday: Centers closed for New Year’s Eve.

Wednesday: Centers closed — Happy New Year!

Thursday: Garden vegetable soup, ham sandwich, fruit.

Friday: Barbecue pulled pork, whole wheat bun, baked beans, coleslaw, pickle spear, 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

Open Wednesday and Thursday, serving at 11:30 a.m.

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: Potato sausage, boiled potatoes, cream corn, whole wheat bread, fruited pudding.

Tuesday: Center closed for New Year’s Eve.

Wednesday: Center closed for New Year’s Day.

Thursday: Chicken parmesan over pasta, Italian blend vegetables, green beans, whole wheat bread, fruit cocktail.

Friday: Turkey ala king over mashed potatoes with gravy, Key Largo blend tropical fruit.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar begins at 11 a.m.; meal is served at 11:30 a.m. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken and dressing bake, California blend vegetables, cinnamon applesauce.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken, macaroni and cheese, corn, biscuit.

Wednesday: Center closed — pancakes, hashbrowns, applesauce, yogurt (delivered Tuesday).

Thursday: Beef ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic breadstick.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon 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: Center closed for New Year’s eve.

Wednesday: Center closed for New Year’s day.

No additional information available.

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

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar is available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals are 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: Spaghetti with meat sauce, wax beans, garlic bread stick, side salad with dressing of choice, seasonal fruit.

Tuesday: Center closed — Happy New Year!

Wednesday: Center closed for New Year’s Day!

Thursday: Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable, side salad with choice of dressings, homemade cookies.

Birthdays and bingo on second Thursday.

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

Dine-in meals served,.Salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Hot beef sandwich, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, fruit crumble.

Wednesday: Center closed — Happy New Year!

Thursday: Chicken and spaghetti, vegetable, bread, Jell-O with fruit.

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

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Chicken strips with waffles, oatmeal, fried apples, syrup cup.

Tuesday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Wednesday: Beef ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread (delivered Dec. 31).