NIAGARA, Wis. — I read an interesting article recently, which explained that the term “teenager” did not become part of the national vocabulary until 1913. Prior to the recognition of the teenager as its own segment of the population, people were categorized as either children or adults.

It wasn’t until decades later, however, that this segment of the population took on its current significance. I was born in 1952 — a member of the “baby boom” that occurred after World War II. Being a member of such a large group had both its rewards and challenges.

Since this generation was significantly larger than any previous one, and since I was a member of it, I wanted to take a closer look at it in today’s column.

Three developments in the mid-20th century had a major influence on the creation of the teenager. The first was the move toward compulsory education, which got adolescents out of farms and factories and into high school, where they spent more time among their peers. It may be surprising to note that attending school had not always been required of children. My grandmother went to school only through the eighth grade, as did my grandfather. They were needed at home to help work the farm. My mother remembers when some of the boys in her class in the 1920s were gone from school during spring planting and autumn harvesting.

The second was the economic boom that followed World War II, which created a new population segment highly sought after by companies and advertisers. Because we “Boomers” represented such a huge market, companies manufactured goods that we could use at every stage of our development, and advertisers were more than happy to promote them.

Now that we are senior citizens, just notice the products that are being advertised on television. At the top of the list are pharmaceuticals that promise relief for everything from heartburn to arthritis. And when we are not concerned about fixing our bodies, there are plenty of ads for home repair companies. The promotion of ocean and fancy cruises is also popular as the retired population now has the time for such vacations.

And the third development was the widespread adoption of cars among American families, which gave 16-year-olds unprecedented independence. Many of the boys in my high school had their own cars. My hometown had a small city square that was very busy on Friday nights, when the high school kids “buzzed the gut” for recreation. Now, not every family had the ability to afford multiple cars. My grandparents had only one car, and my grandfather was the only driver as my grandmother never learned to drive. We only had one family car. My siblings learned to drive and obtained their licenses at the age of 16. However, I did not learn until my husband taught me when we were dating. I took driver’s education classes in high school on a car with an automatic transmission, but our family car had a stick shift. I simply could not make the transition, so I just kept walking everywhere I had to go until I met my husband. When he found out I did not have a driver’s license, he made it his goal to teach me on his car, which did have an automatic transmission; I used it to take my driver’s exam and passed on the first try — at the age of 19.

Historically, teenagers with cars and the independence that the ability to drive brought them presented quite a threat to a segment of the population in the ’50s.

In 1953, J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI published a report that actually warned that “the nation can expect an appalling increase in the number of crimes that will be committed by teenagers in the years ahead.” Two years later, President Dwight D. Eisenhower called on Congress, during his State of the Union address, to pass legislation that would “assist the states in dealing with this nationwide problem.”

In 1945, the issues of how to not only “deal with,” but also to understand, teenagers were confounding parents. In response to this near crisis, the Jewish Board of Guardians met to plan a series of studies, which resulted in a “Teen-Age Bill of Rights” that The New York Times printed in an effort to help the public understand this age group. The 10 proposed rights were:

1. The right to let childhood be forgotten.

2. The right to a “say” about his own life.

3. The right to make mistakes, to find out for himself.

4. The right to have rules explained, not imposed.

5. The right to have fun and companions.

6. The right to be at the romantic age.

7. The right to a fair chance and opportunity.

8. The right to question ideas.

9. The right to struggle toward his own philosophy of life.

10. The right to professional help whenever necessary.

When I read this list, I admit I was impressed. All in all, it seems a reasonable list that even the teens of today would likely welcome. I know I would certainly have appreciated my mother having — and following — such a list when I was an adolescent. She was fairly strict and kept a close watch over her children back then. Being the oldest, I had to break down some of the barriers and loosen the bonds so my siblings had an easier time when it was their turn to spread their wings and leave the nest a bit.

But looking back over all those years, I knew I was loved and that she wanted all the best for me and my siblings. My mother worked hard and worried lots … and was a devoted parent. Despite the difficult times and the multitude of responsibilities and concerns on her plate, she found a way to interject laughter and fun into our lives

Source: U.S. History Facts — Author: Michael Nordine

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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 in the dining room, 10 a.m.; have fun with the weekend packet, 6 p.m.

Monday: “Price Is Right” on CBS, 10 a.m.; movie in the dining room, 1:30 p.m.; bingo, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Nail spa, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; memory cafe, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Horse racing, 10 a.m.; coffee visit, 11 a.m.; no sixes, 2 p.m.

Thursday: White board, 10 a.m.; reminisce, 11:30 a.m.; arts/crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Exercise, 10 a.m.; karaoke, 10:15 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Board games in the dining room, 10 a.m.; “The Wall” on the Game Show Network channel, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; high rollers, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Early bird bingo, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bonfire, 1:30 p.m.; “Name That Tune,” 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; garden club, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/Scattegories, 9:30 a.m.; Batawagama, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 1 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 Church, 2 p.m.; happy hour with Jim, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Father’s Day ice cream social in the courtyard, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/”Name That Tune,” 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flag Day arts and crafts, 2 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; patio root beer floats and garden time, 2 p.m.; after dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; fishing game, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; “Minute to Win It” — red solo cup race, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; First Lutheran Church, 2 p.m.; desserts and conversations, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Heartland Show, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; balloon volleyball, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Dr. Pol show, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Father’s Day party, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee and board games, 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

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

Sunday: Flag Day trivia/fun facts, 10 a.m.; individual communion, 10:15 a.m.; prize bingo, 1:45 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; bocce ball, 2 p.m.; game night, 5:15 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; help your neighbor, 10 p.m.; senior citizen center lunch outing, noon; courtyard campfire, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; yard Yahtzee, 10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; history buff, 5:15 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; baking cupcakes, 10 a.m.; movement in the courtyard, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Buzz words, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; courtyard cabana — ice cream sodas, 2 p.m.

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, 11:30 a.m.; church service, 1:30 p.m.; ice cream social, 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.

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

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

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo/fact of the day, 10:30 a.m.; Celtic band, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; drama club, daily chronicles.

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

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; kick ball, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; Bible study, 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: Sausage-pepperoni pizza, chef salad.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable.

Thursday: Chicken and wild rice soup, ham sliders, cole slaw.

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: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Chicken bacon ranch, parslied noodles, peas, pudding parfait.

Wednesday: Pork chops, buttered noodles, applesauce.

Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs, Italian vegetables, garlic bread, ice cream.

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: Spaghetti with homemade meatballs, breadsticks.

Tuesday: Grilled burgers, homemade potato salad.

Wednesday: Roast turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes.

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 with vegetables, lo mein, dinner roll.

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

Wednesday: Biscuits and sausage gravy, oven-roasted potatoes, warmed applesauce.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs over noodles, Brussel sprouts, pears, cake.

Friday: Chicken tacos, Spanish rice, refried beans.

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: Baked potato bar with all the fixings, chili.

Tuesday: Wild Alaskan pollock, wings, french fries, cole slaw.

Wednesday: Evening meal honoring dad – pot roast with potatoes and carrots.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Homemade pizza, Caesar side salad, fruit.

Tuesday: Cook’s choice – entree, green vegetable, red vegetable, fruit.

Wednesday: Father’s Day meal — barbecue country ribs, German potato salad, confetti bean salad, apple pie and ice cream.

Thursday: Chicken strips, sweet potato fries, cucumber salad, fruit.

Friday: Taco salad (lettuce, tomato, onion, black beans, sour cream), cornbread, fruit.

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

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving on site Mondays through Fridays at 11:30 a.m. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

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: Polish sausage and sauerkraut, whole wheat hot dog bun, oven potatoes, five-way mixed vegetables, applesauce.

Tuesday: Hamburger stroganoff, vegetable, peas, diced pears.

Wednesday: Father’s Day meal — boneless barbecue ribs, garlic mashed potatoes, Capri vegetables, whole wheat dinner roll, peach cobbler.

Thursday: Mandarin orange chicken salad, pickled beet salad, fruited Jell-O, muffin.

Milk available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

These are home-delivered meals. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Beef and chicken tacos, refried beans, rice.

Wednesday: Pulled pork sandwich, tater tots, green beans.

Thursday: Baked barbecue chicken, macaroni salad, corn.

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. Transportation to the meal site is available.

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

Tuesday: Turkey sandwich on wheat bread with lettuce and tomato, creamy cucumbers, fresh orange, dessert.

Wednesday: Father’s Day dinner — beef tips with gravy over mashed potatoes, carrots, wheat bread, apple crisp.

Thursday: Lemon baked fish, cheesy hashbrowns, baked beans, rye bread, fresh strawberries.

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: Lasagna, garlic bread, cauliflower.

Tuesday: Salmon, oven-roasted potatoes, Brussel sprouts.

Wednesday: 4 p.m. dinner — barbecued ribs, baked potatoes, candied carrots.

Thursday: Chicken Cordon Bleu, rice, broccoli.

Board meeting on 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 are 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: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Creamy chicken spaghetti casserole.

Thursday: Baked parmesan-encrusted fish, red potatoes.