NIAGARA, Wis. — Most of us are familiar with the story about the city mouse and country mouse. When each of them visits the other, they learn to appreciate their own home even more. Ever since “moving north,” I better understand that story as my own experience bears it out.

First, a little background and geography information. I grew up in Ripon, Wis., with a population of 7,716, but I never considered Ripon to be a small town. I lived there from the age of 5 until I got married at the age of 20. Primarily a farming community, it was surrounded by some of the richest, most fertile ground in the state. The crops in the farmers’ fields began as soon as you drove outside the city limits. It had some industry — the Speed Queen factory made commercial washers and dryers, Green Giant processed and canned what the farmers grew, and the cookie factory made Rippin’ Good Cookies. There was a small business community, Ripon College, and it was historically known as the birthplace of the Republican party. There were some retail stores, but we drove the 20 miles to Oshkosh or Fond du Lac for any serious shopping.

It wasn’t until I met my husband that I was exposed to any city larger than my hometown. He was from Menasha, which ran right into Neenah and Appleton for a combined population of 119,280. Certainly not as big as Milwaukee or any number of larger cities, it was big enough to provide retail, entertainment, service industries and businesses to meet the needs of most families without travel outside the area.

So, knowing what we were accustomed to, you can imagine what a culture shock it was when we drove north to Pembine, Wis., for a teaching job interview in 1977. After scoping out the area — with directions given to us such as “drive until you come to the third stand of pine,” we chalked it up as “a nice drive north.” Its population of 869 was far smaller than any place we had ever lived. We had our oldest son with us on that trip. He was 5-years-old at the time and would be starting school wherever we decided to settle down. On our way to Pembine, we drove through a town named Pound, Wis., and we suddenly heard laughter from the back seat as our son chortled, “a pound of town.” That got us all laughing. My husband did end up accepting the job offer at Pembine High School, and we moved north, living for two weeks in a camper until a little house in the woods was finished. We spent one year in that house — which is a story for another column — before moving to Niagara.

With help from some wonderful Pembine teachers, we found our house on Prospect Street and moved into it in June of 1978 — 48 years ago. With its population of 1,579, we felt we would probably move again before we found a right-sized city in which we could put down roots. But our oldest son asked us one day where his hometown was, and we couldn’t tell him. After that, we decided we had better stay put and “make the best of it.” As it turned out, it was the best decision we could have made for there is a lot that can be said for life in a small town.

The first thing we noticed was that people in small towns made a point of knowing who the newcomers were. We were asked most often if my husband worked at the mill since most of the people in town did work there and had for generations. There was a small grocery store at the foot of our hill — LeQuia’s — that employed Agnes. Agnes knew everyone in town because everyone shopped there. Not only did she know your name, but she knew where you worked, where you lived and if you had kids — how many. She was a fountain of local information — every small town has a person like Agnes.

In fact, one of the nicest characteristics of a small town is that you get to know your neighbors, and you watch out for each other. Back then, our neighborhood was filled with families whose children went to school with our son. And there was no shortage of kids who were our younger son’s age so he had playmates also. Our neighbors to the east were old enough to be their grandparents, and they treated them that way, too. At Halloween, the neighborhood kids got special treat bags. They were safe playing anywhere in the neighborhood because other sets of eyes were keeping watch when they were out of my sight.

Despite living just up the hill from the highway that runs through town, we never feared for our safety. The traffic was generally light unless it was Friday afternoon … or when one of the mill’s shifts ended. Less traffic also meant that it is simply easier to get around and find your way in a small town. There is no such thing as getting lost in Niagara, Iron Mountain or Norway, for that matter. There are never any directions needed which can be very confusing in larger cities. There are very few one-way streets. And if, for some reason, you do get turned around, there is always someone who can point you back in the right direction. By the way, we did learn what a “stand of pines” looked like.

I never have to worry about crime living in this small town. When everyone is your neighbor and like family, there is a higher level of respect that keeps crime at bay. The golden rule is taken seriously in small towns. We typically leave our cars parked in the street and unload groceries at the curb to be carried into the house. Years ago, we had a large station wagon, and my husband forgot and left a case of beer sitting on the open tailgate overnight. In the morning, it was still there, even though the high school was down the hill from us at the time.

Small-town living is cheaper. Our siblings cannot believe what we pay for various services in our little town compared with what they have to pay in their suburbs. And our property taxes are much lower as well.

We feel safe in our community. My mother-in-law was amazed when we furnished our new deck and had no door to lock. Everything simply sat out 24-7, and we were not concerned. Law enforcement is watchful, but low key. We know they are there if we need them, but they do not extend their presence unless absolutely necessary. It is a good feeling.

Finally, our small town has a much calmer pace of life than the cities in which our siblings live. Throughout the summer, I have a lawn chair and tiny side table on the back porch. I like to sit out there early in the morning before the neighborhood wakes up. While I drink my first cup of tea, I can hear the sound of the wind in the trees and the birds singing to welcome in the new day.

And I thank my lucky stars that we drove this far up north to see a man about a job … 48 years ago. We put down roots in small town America … and our sons have a hometown.

——

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.; have fun with the weekend packet, 6 p.m.

Monday: Coloring in the dining room, 10 a.m.; movie in the dining room, 1:30 p.m.; bingo, 7 p.m.

Tuesday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; yarn club, 11 a.m.; Memory Cafe — Patty’s Day fun, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Bible study, 10 a.m.; white board fun, 10:30 a.m.; Uno, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pool noodle hockey, 10 a.m.; coloring, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Patsy Cline chair workout, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Board games in dining room, 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.; “Name That Tune,” 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Crazy hat 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.; high rollers, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; crazy hat party with Jonny, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/Animal Kingdom, 9:30 a.m.; parachute, 10:45 a.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.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; United Lutheran, 2 p.m.; happy hour with Jim, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; pass the prize, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/”You Be the Judge,” 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 check-in and leisure cart, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; afternoon coffee, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Panda 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.; current events, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; St. Patrick’s Day Party, 2 p.m.; World Social Work Day.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; desserts and conversations, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; magazines, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Bethany Lutheran Church, 2 p.m.; desserts and conversations, 5:30 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; special treat, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 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 corny jokes, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; popcorn and movie, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; baking, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; you be the judge, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; coffee with a side of laughs, 10 a.m.; silly crafters — Easter craft, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Spring crosswords, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; catch up on a show

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was available.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

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; bean bag toss, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; Blarney Castle, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; travelogue, 11 a.m.; Manicure Monday, 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/who-what-where, 11 a.m.; St. Patrick’s Day party, 2 p.m.; rummy, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; activities, 11 a.m.; Pictionary, 11 a.m.; Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; cribbage, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; Bunco, 11 a.m.; Celtic band, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; drama club; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo, 10:15 a.m.; joke of the day; paint and sip, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

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 —

Tuesday: St. Patrick’s Day — boiled dinner, salad, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Tater tot casserole, mixed vegetables, bread.

Thursday: Lasagna, vegetable, coleslaw, breadstick.

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: Liver or substitute, oven-roasted potatoes, carrots, biscuit.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joes, potato wedges, corn, Jell-O.

Wednesday: Salmon patties, parsley potatoes, peas.

Thursday: Night meal (salad bar at 3:30 and dinner at 4 p.m.) — baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables, dinner roll, cake.

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: Baked cheesy cod with home fries.

Tuesday: Corned beef with cabbage, mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Pepper steak over rice.

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: Honey garlic chicken, Italian vegetables, whole wheat dinner roll.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe with a bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.

Wednesday: Lemon butter fish, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner roll.

Thursday: Celebrating All March birthdays — Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic breadstick, cake.

Friday: Chicken tacos, Spanish rice, fiesta corn.

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: Chicken broccoli stir fry, rice.

Tuesday: Cheeseburger, french fries.

Wednesday: Evening meal — corned beef and cabbage, rye bread.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

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

Tuesday: St, Patrick’s Day — Irish stew, biscuit, pretzel and beer cheese, fruit, chocolate mint pie.

Wednesday: Pork chop, baked potato, broccoli, black bean and corn salad, cookies.

Thursday: Chicken tortellini vegetable soup, grilled cheese sandwich, fruit.

Friday: Garden quiche, oven-roasted potatoes, cornbread, 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. For reservations, call 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: Pork chop suey, brown rice, Oriental vegetables, Oriental salad, warm cinnamon pears.

Tuesday: St. Patrick’s Day — Corned beef casserole, diced carrots, boiled yellow potatoes, apple slices, whole wheat bread, pistachio dessert.

Wednesday: Swiss steak, egg noodles, wax beans, chef’s choice vegetable, fruit cocktail, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Herb-baked fish, garlic mashed potatoes, corn, fruit cup, whole wheat bread.

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: Chicken bacon Swiss wrap, split pea soup.

Tuesday: Boiled dinner — corned beef and cabbage.

Wednesday: Pizza burger, tater tots.

Thursday: Beef stroganoff over egg noodles.

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 at 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday: St, Patrick’s Day lunch — corned beef and cabbage, boiled potatoes and carrots, rye bread, pistachio fruit fluff.

Wednesday: Swiss steak with peppers and onions, brown rice Brussel sprouts, side salad.

Thursday: Baked fish, baby red potatoes, cole slaw, rye bread, black bean brownies.

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: Chicken cordon bleu, rice, mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Corned beef, potatoes, cabbage and carrots.

Wednesday: Shepherd’s pie, biscuit, mixed vegetables.

Thursday: Birthdays and bingo — roast beef, 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: Corned beef and cabbage, potatoes.

Wednesday: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes.

Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs.