Trending
NIAGARA, Wis. -- I can still remember that day in August of 1977 when my husband and I, along with our oldest son -- who was 5 years old at the time -- took a ride north to Pembine, Wis., where my husband was scheduled to interview for a teaching job at Pembine High School. Until then, we had never been north of Green Bay.
As we drove further and further north, we were reading the names of all the small towns along the way. When we came to Pound, our son started to laugh so hard as he said, "a pound of town" and continued giggling. At one point we had to stop and ask directions. Part of the directions included instructions to drive past the "third stand of pine." We thanked the gentleman, got back in our car, looked at each other and simultaneously asked, "What's a stand of pine?"
The interview went well, and he accepted their job offer. One of the most interesting chapters of our life together was about to begin. Finding housing was a challenge. We did find a cute little house a mile into the woods that had the option to buy; plus, all of the rent paid would be considered a down payment if we decided to purchase the house after the first year. It was still under construction so we had to find interim housing -- which turned out to be a camper in Palo Verde Campgrounds. The biggest benefit of that arrangement was that our 15-month-old son learned to walk simply because there was no place to fall down.
That little house was really a mixed blessing. First, it was so cheaply built that we had no interest in buying it after that first year. Our experience with its construction could be a column in itself. But we did have an entire year exposed to Mother Nature and all of her wonders. We had never lived without street lights, so had never experienced real darkness. With the porch light off, we really could not see our hand in front of our face. We had many wildlife visitors: deer looked right into our windows, a fox visited one morning and skunks regularly made themselves known, although we never did see one.
I had been concerned about getting to our house in the winter because it was one mile into the woods at the end of a two-rut dirt road. But winter was not the problem; spring was the big issue. I had never seen such mud in my life! After getting stuck in it twice, we parked on the paved road and walked the mile to our little house. I carried our youngest son, my husband carried the groceries, and our kindergartner had to walk. At one point the mud sucked the boot right off his foot, and he stood there like a little heron wondering what to do next! I had to tell him to stick his foot back into his boot and keep walking since I could not carry both him and his little brother. As the frost worked its way out of the ground, we could drive closer and closer to our house. We all rejoiced when we could finally drive that full muddy mile without getting stuck.
After making a few adjustments and simply getting used to a few more inconveniences, we really enjoyed living in the woods surrounded by nature. There was nothing that could compare to the sound of the wind through the pines or the crisp, fresh air after the first hard frost. The quiet was so peaceful and the stars so bright in the clear night sky. We never realized just how many stars we weren't seeing when we lived in town with street lights just outside our front porch.
When the school year ended, we moved to Niagara. We have enjoyed the convenience of living in town, but I do miss the peacefulness of that little house in the woods. And I miss living within nature surrounded by so much natural beauty. Modern life and technology have made it so easy for all of us to spend too much time indoors being sedentary. It can be difficult to find the motivation to get up and get outside, but time spent in nature is always worth it. Recent research shows that even short bursts of exercise can help counter the effects of our modern sedentary lifestyles. Studies also suggest that spending time in the great outdoors can improve attention span, lower stress, and even help us have more empathy and compassion.
Connection with the natural world has long been an inspiration for writers and artists. The diversity, complexity, and expansive mystery of Mother Nature provide a unique perspective and a special stillness for us. We begin to have a greater perspective on life and become more grounded. Life in the city simply cannot compete. The glare from street lights, the noise and fumes of traffic, and the 24/7 activity simply are not conducive to the peace we humans so desperately need in order to thrive.
Following are some thoughts expressed by several writers who have experienced the effects of nature for themselves.
"Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit." -- Edward Abbey
"I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright." -- Henry David Thoreau
"I felt my lungs inflate with the inrush of scenery -- air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, 'This is what it is to be happy.'" -- Sylvia Plath
"There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter." -- Rachel Carson
"The people who choose to spend time outdoors are not running away from anything; we are returning to where we belong." -- Jennifer Pharr Davis
"I feel the delightful, velvety texture of a flower, and discover its remarkable convolutions; and something of the miracle of Nature is revealed to me." -- Helen Keller
"The secret of making the best person is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth." -- Walt Whitman
"Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books." -- John Lubbock
"Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake." -- Wallace Stevens
"The natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living." -- David Attenborough
"Nature can bring you to stillness. That is its gift to you." -- Eckhart Tolle
My husband and I moved our family north in 1977 and have been living in Niagara since 1978. At first, we believed that we would eventually move back to the Fox Valley. But the longer we stayed, the slower pace and natural beauty became part of us. It permeated our brain and seeped into our soul; we can no longer imagine living anywhere else.
------
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: "Price Is Right" on CBS, 10 a.m.; room visits/cantaloupe, 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Nail/spa, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; ice cream, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Bowling, 10 a.m.; coffee visit, 11:30 a.m.; watching aviation clips, 2 p.m.
Thursday: Exercise, 10 a.m.; music with Loretta, 10:15 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.
Friday: Karaoke, 10 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, 9 a.m.; reminisce, 9:45 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Monday: Cooking, 9:30 a.m.; DT luncheon, 11:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; ice cream truck visit, Sunshine Club, 3 p.m.; courtyard crew, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Just friends, 9:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; picnic to Stager, 10 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:15 a.m.; garden club, 10 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, 2 p.m.; happy hour with Jim, 2 p.m.
Friday: Getting pretty, 9:45 a.m.; men's club, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; web browsing, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.
Saturday: ICMCF word search/high rollers, 9:45 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.
Optalis Healthcare
Kingsford
906-774-4805
Sunday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; national tell a joke day and popsicles, 1:30 p.m.
Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; game shows, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; airplane craft, 2 p.m.; enjoy a freeze pop in the lobby, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; shut the box, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: Coffee time, 9 a.m.; dice games, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; First Lutheran Church, 2 p.m.; cards in the lobby, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; "Mini Mysteries," 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; open recreation time -- crafts, coloring, movie, 2 p.m.
Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Dr. Pol show, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; root beer floats on the patio, 1:30 p.m.
Saturday: Coffee time, 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 social, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 10:15 a.m.; prize bingo, 1:45 p.m.; church service, 2:45 p.m.
Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; bocce ball, 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; tic tac trivia, 10 a.m.; picnic at the river, 11 a.m.; courtyard games -- cornhole, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; yard Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; Bible stories with Pastor Ed, 1 p.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; Scrabble match, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; movement in the courtyard, 10:15 a.m.; ice cream outing, 12:30 p.m.; crafting -- painting flowers, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Friday: Breakfast Club, 7 a.m.; five-second rule, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.; Packers at Broncos, 7 p.m.
Saturday: Uno, 10 a.m.; courtyard games -- parachute, 2 pm.
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.; patio social, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages, daily chronicles.
Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; "You be the Judge," 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 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, 11 a.m.; who-what-where/bingo, 2 p.m.; rummy, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles
Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Bible stories, 11 a.m.; hangman, 11 a.m.; dominoes, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo/fact of the day, 10:30 a.m.; Family Feud, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; yarn club, 11 a.m.; Armadillo, 11:15 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; ball bounce, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; activity packets; daily chronicles.
SENIOR CENTERS
Amasa Center
906-822-7284
Menu for the week -
Tuesday: Pizza, chef salad, fruit salad.
Wednesday: Cheeseburger, potato salad, baked beans.
Thursday: Cheese cod, baked potato, salad.
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: Chicken bacon ranch, buttered noodles, broccoli, pudding.
Tuesday: Soft-shell tacos, refried beans, cornbread.
Wednesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots, dinner roll.
Thursday -- Evening meal: Salad bar, 3:30 p.m. and meal served at 4 p.m. -- baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, dinner roll, fruit cobbler with 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: Grilled boneless pork chop, roasted vegetables, dinner roll.
Tuesday: Chicken Philly sandwich, chips.
Wednesday: Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes.
Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency
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: Chicken parmesan, fettucine noodles, green beans, garlic bread.
Tuesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots, dinner roll.
Wednesday: Thin-crust pizza, broccoli, breadstick .
Thursday: Tuna casserole, beets, dinner roll.
Friday: Chicken salad on a croissant, yogurt, fresh fruit, string cheese.
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: Ham and cheese sliders, pasta salad.
Tuesday: Chicken bacon ranch wrap, french fries.
Wednesday -- Evening meal: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy; Enjoy Senior Swingers music.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Florence County, Wis.
715-528-4890
Menu for the week --
Monday: Roast pork, mashed potatoes, broccoli, fruit.
Tuesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, oven fries, pea and cheese salad, fruit.
Wednesday: Barbecue chicken, baked sweet potato, western beans, fruit, lemon pudding bars.
Thursday: Pork steak, baked potato, cauliflower, fruit.
Friday: Taco pasta salad, cucumber tomato salad, 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. 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: Barbecue pulled pork, whole wheat hamburger bun, oven potatoes, green beans, pineapple tidbits.
Tuesday: Meatballs in gravy, mashed potatoes with gravy, chef's choice. vegatable, diced pears, whole wheat bread.
Wednesday: Chicken taco salad, acorn squash and black beans, fruited pudding.
Thursday: Tortellini in red sauce, Sicilian vegetable blend, peas, fruit cup, whole wheat breadstick.
Milk available at all meals.
Iron River Center
906-265-6134
The center is closed until Aug. 22.
Niagara Senior Center/Cafe
715-251-1603
Dinner is served at noon Tuesday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation for the meal is $6 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: Cheesy beef casserole, peas, side salad, warm spiced applesauce.
Wednesday: Italian herb chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, peaches, wheat bread.
Thursday: Philly cheesesteak on a hoagie bun, potato tots, side salad with tomatoes.
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: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas.
Tuesday: Chicken parmesan over noodles with cauliflower.
Wednesday: Dinner at 4 p.m. -- barbecued ribs, baked potato, carrots.
Thursday: Salmon, oven-baked potatoes, Brussel sprouts.
Birthdays and bingo.
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 $6 and takeout meal is $7. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal with us -- all are welcome, of any age. Menu for the week --
Tuesday: Celebrating August birthdays -- Shredded Italian chicken sandwich, mashed potatoes and stuffing.
Wednesday: Burritos, rice. Bingo after the meal.
Thursday: Special event -- Lasagna, garlic bread.