NIAGARA, Wis. — When we were younger and more active, our lives were filled with the moments that make the memories we enjoy today. Now, that is not to say that as we age, we cannot make new memories, but today’s activities and occurrences that form our future memories are most likely not as adventurous. Pleasant, yes, but more likely a little slower paced.

We can think of our memories as little time capsules; each one holds a story of our journey through life. They are the threads that connect us to people, places and moments that have shaped who we are. Thanks to them, every adventure, family gathering and quiet conversation becomes etched in time, reminding us of the bonds we’ve forged and the experiences we’ve had through the years.

Our memories can be both a blessing and a curse. We certainly enjoy remembering the pleasant times and people we have loved for they offer us comfort and remind us to slow down and cherish the moments that truly matter. But memories of sad times or unresolved conflicts are difficult and may not be as welcome. If they cause us problems in our lives, we need to seek help in coming to terms with them.

Memories can be so stubborn … refusing to emerge from their well-kept secret hiding places like petulant children at bedtime. No amount of coaxing or effort can bring them forth. Others will not leave us alone despite our best efforts to keep them buried deep within our souls. They sometimes take center stage with such command that they steer us away from our intended paths — our life’s entrances and exits no longer a matter of our own choosing. They have their way with us, taking us back to times and events we’d like not to recall. They may linger in the wings of our lives waiting to appear with only the slightest cue to spoil a day, ruin a moment, cloud what could have been enjoyable. Like morning mist off the river, they drift above the current of our lives never allowing the sun’s brightness to fully permeate. Our full potential stunted as we try to build a life … as we try to discover ourselves … or to even find the beginning of a path that will take us out of the fog and into a hope of a brighter future.

One would not believe that the ethereal could have such power; that the mist above the river could create such an impact; that a wisp of memory have such force as to deter growth or sway life’s direction. Yet it is its ethereal quality that gives its power. It can sift into any place, creep into any opening, fill any room, fit into any solitary moment.

The only way to overcome the power of unwanted memories is to open wide the doors to the past. Allow the mists to surround your body and permeate your soul. Only then will you learn that you have become the person you are today not only despite them but because of them. You have wandered through the cloudy confusion to find the pathways through life that were right for you. You have taken a few confusing detours but, as the sun rose on that day, the right path was made clear. A better choice was made. A new way was found. A good life was built.

I recently found these quotations that dealt with memories and their power and influence in our lives. Enjoy… maybe some will speak to you.

“Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it.” — L.M. Montgomery

“People’s memories are maybe the fuel they burn to stay alive.” — Haruki Murakami

“Memory is an autumn leaf that murmurs a while in the wind and then is heard no more.” — Kahlil Gibran

“Memories are the invisible threads that keep us tied to the people we love.” — Unknown

“Memory is the way we keep telling ourselves our stories.” — Alice Munro

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” — Abraham Lincoln

“Good times become good memories, and bad times become good lessons.” — Unknown

“Take the time to make memories today, for tomorrow is never promised.” — Unknown

“One of the best ways to make yourself happy in the present is to recall happy times from the past.” — Gretchen Rubin

“No one can ever take your memories from you — each day is a new beginning, make good memories every day.” — Catherine Pulsifer

“Take care of all your memories. For you cannot relive them.” — Bob Dylan

“We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they’re called memories. Some take us forward, they’re called dreams.” — Jeremy Irons

“Life is a collection of moments, and we are the sum of all of them.” — Unknown

“The darkest moments of our lives are not to be buried and forgotten, rather they are a memory to be called upon for inspiration to remind us of the unrelenting human spirit and our capacity to overcome the intolerable.” — Vince Lombardi

“It’s the little moments that make life big.” — Unknown

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.” — Dr. Seuss

“Cherish your yesterdays, dream your tomorrows, but live your todays.” — William A. Ward

“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” — Robert Brault

“There are memories that time does not erase … Forever does not make loss forgettable, only bearable.” — Cassandra Clare

Memories are powerful and become even more so when shared with family and friends. As we live our lives, it is important to consciously make memories for those who will continue on after we are gone. In this way, we continue on in their lives.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has a Memory Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; work on weekend packets, 6 p.m.

Monday: Groundhog fun, 10 a.m.; 5000 dice game, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; yarn club, 11 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; early bird bingo, 1:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee chat, 10 a.m.; no sixes, 10:30 a.m.; Bible verse, 11 a.m.; LCR dice game, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Shuffle board, 10 a.m.; resident council meeting, 11 a.m.; door Valentine craft, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Chair workout, 10 a.m.; Loretta music, 10:30 a.m.; Bible verse, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Work a puzzle in the Lounge, 10 a.m.; “The Wall” on the Game Show Network, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; Scattegories, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Valentine attire selection, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; storytelling, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; Pictionary, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Penny ante, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 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 Jim, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts with Bea, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Valentine attire selection, 1 to 2:30 p.m.; balloon toss, 2:30 p.m.; activity council, 3 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Room-to-room bingo/name that word, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.  

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Sunday devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits/Groundhog Day predictions, 11 a.m.; afternoon coffee, 1 p.m.

Monday: Resident council meeting, 9:30 a.m.; Groundhog Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; after dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Feed the Birds Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; manicures and hand massages, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; American Heart Month, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; music by Bob Larson, 1:30 p.m.; desserts and conversation, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; World Nutella Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Valentines craft, 2 p.m.

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

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; afternoon coffee, 1:30 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

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

Sunday: Coffee and sharing memories, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; movie and popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Room pamper and polish, 9 a.m.; board games, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Room communion, 9 a.m.; current events, 10 a.m.; snack cart and room visits, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Room communion, 9 a.m.; reading short stories, 10 a.m.; activity cart, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Room communion, 9 a.m.; crossword puzzles and room chats, 10 a.m.; Valentine’s craft, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coloring pages and room chats, 10 a.m.; happy hour cart, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; snack cart and room visits, 2 p.m.; call a friend

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was 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; Bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; Sunday Funday, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; cranium crunch, 11 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; who-what-where/bingo, 2 p.m.; Uno, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; coffee social, 9:30 a.m.; cooking, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo, 10:30 a.m.; joke of the day; off to the races, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles; joke of the day.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; Jerry Beauchamp, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles; drama club.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; Bible studies, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week –

Monday: Groundhog Day — Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable.

Tuesday: Barbecue pork sandwich, macaroni and cheese, broccoli salad.

Wednesday: Chicken fajita salad, seasoned potatoes.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, vegetable, wheat bread.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating at noon Monday through Thursday. Carryout meals, soup and salad bar are also available. Friday meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Boiled dinner with ham, biscuits, applesauce.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, cake.

Wednesday: Liver, mashed potatoes, carrots, pudding.

Thursday: Stuffed peppers, peas, applesauce.

Crystal Falls Center

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 a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken parmesan with noodles.

Tuesday: Tacos with beans.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, broccoli and cheese casserole.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 244.

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Swedish meatballs over noodles, green beans, biscuit.

Tuesday: Wet burrito, mixed vegetables, croissant.

Wednesday: Pasty pie, fancy applesauce, corn.

Thursday: Shredded barbecue chicken on a bun, sweet potato fries, wax beans, cookie.

Friday: Egg muffin, sausage, hash browns, pears, yogurt.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Sarah VanMarter at 906-774-2256, ext. 244.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 3 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.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.

Friday: Cards – Smear, noon to 4 p.m.; chess, noon.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Head cook: Joan Wickman, 906-246-3559

Program president: Lisa Casey, 906-282-7899.

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available. Delivery offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.

Menu for the week –

Monday: Sweet and sour chicken, fried rice, Oriental vegetables, fortune cookie.

Tuesday: French bread pizza, Italian blend vegetables, fruit.

Wednesday: Cheeseburger, baked fries, baked beans.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Homemade pizza, broccoli salad, fruit.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fruit.

Wednesday: Hot pork sandwich, baked sweet potato, green beans, fruit, birthday cake.

Thursday: Ravioli with meat sauce, Brussel sprouts, garlic bread, fruit, cookies.

Friday: Chicken strips, potato salad, baked beans, fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving on site Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m. RSVP by calling 715-589-4491. Homebound meals will be delivered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Florence Community Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon Wednesdays only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

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: Sweet and sour pork, brown rice, stir-fry vegetables, corn, tropical fruit.

Tuesday: Stuffed shells with marinara sauce, Brussel sprouts, warm cinnamon peaches, side salad with cheese and tomato, whole wheat breadstick.

Wednesday: Meatloaf with ketchup glaze, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable, fruit cup, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Chicken rice soup, chicken salad sandwich, side salad with cheese and tomato, fresh fruit.

Milk available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal served at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, salad bar opens at 3:30 p.m. with the meal at 4 p.m. Meals can be prepared for carryout.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Club sandwich, chicken dumpling soup.

Tuesday: Turkey tetrazzini, roll.

Wednesday: Pizza, breadstick.

Thursday: Meatloaf, baked potato.

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 for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo is played on most Wednesdays. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Bingo on Tuesday and Wednesday a 12:30 p.m.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:30 a.m. Salad bar available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. — those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal. Menu for the week —

Monday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable.

Tuesday: Wet burrito, Spanish rice, corn.

Wednesday: Cod, oven-roasted potatoes, green beans.

Thursday: Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots.

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. Dine-in meal is $5 and takeout meal is $6. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal with us — all are welcome — any age. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles.

Wednesday: Pizza burgers, French fries.

Thursday: Gnocchi Alfredo, chicken breast, broccoli casserole.