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NIAGARA, Wis. -- Now that I have reached my 75th year, I find there are a few things I miss about being younger.
I am not talking about my own physical condition; sure, I would love to go back to when I did not have arthritis and could walk miles every day back and forth to school or when taking long hikes with my husband. I am referring to the way ordinary, everyday life was back when I was younger.
I have many pleasant memories of "the way things used to be," as I am sure most of you do as well. Here are a few things that used to be a part of everyday life. See if you can relate.
Remember dime stores? Every aisle held wonderful things that seemed to coax our allowance right out of our pockets. This was especially true every August, when school supplies hit the shelves. I would walk downtown and peruse the shelves at Schultz Brothers Five and Dime to plan my purchases of pencil pouches, erasers, and notebooks. I also never left that store without purchasing a quarter's worth of chocolate-covered peanuts or chocolate stars from their candy aisle, where all kinds of delicious treats were stored in large glass display containers to tempt those of us with a relentless sweet tooth.
The drug stores in my hometown back then also had soda fountains. If we hurried after school, we could make it to Hader's to sit in the one booth that was available. Otherwise, we sat at the counter on swivel stools. I can still taste the lime phosphate or the "chocolate suicide" that were my favorites.
Full-service gas stations sure were nice. Gas back then cost 20 cents per gallon. The one my mom always went to was "Gibby's" -- named after the man who owned it and worked there as well. Along with pumping the gas, he would check the tires to see if they needed air and wash the windshield. He always had a smile and a thank you, even though my mother rarely filled up the tank.
Drive-in movie theaters were a real treat for our family, which had limited funds for recreation. My mom would take us on "buck night" when our family of five got in for one dollar! She would pack a regular picnic that included our favorite sandwiches and maybe even cookies. We dressed in our pajamas and took our pillows, but rarely fell asleep as we watched Alfred Hitchcock movies. I can still remember "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" and "Psycho."
The milkman delivered milk in glass bottles to our door every week and retrieved the empty ones from the week before. It was a great convenience for my mother back then -- even with a household of four kids, we never ran out of milk.
"Main street" -- the shopping district in the heart of downtown -- was lined with local businesses. In addition to the dime stores and pharmacies, my hometown had a movie theater, a public library, banks, bakeries, dress shops, a kid's clothing store, a hotel with a "certain" reputation, a hardware store, a dry cleaner, and many taverns -- each with its own clientele who gave it its reputation. The Spot and the Brat Hut were where the college kids hung out; I had my first beer at the Spot. We rarely, if ever saw an empty storefront.
Saturday morning cartoons were a must-see when I was a kid -- as they were for our own sons. Many a bowl of breakfast cereal was eaten in front of Tom and Jerry, the Roadrunner, Betty Boop, Popeye, and Porky Pig.
Kids had paper routes that were their first jobs. Neither of my brothers did, but our sons both had a route. Our oldest son was slow because he talked to everyone along the way. Invariably one of the three last houses would call to make sure he had not forgotten them. In fact, he was talking to one of his customers in Vine Court Apartments -- an elderly woman named Stella, who gave him cookies and coffee. Our youngest son was always prepared. He had notes on his collection cards that warned of dogs and gave instructions as to which door to leave the paper. He also knew exactly how much money belonged to him on collection day and had it spent at LeQuia's Grocery Store before he even got home! Once, while cleaning his bedroom, I learned how he spent his earnings; I found a duffle bag stuffed with candy wrappers. It was in that moment I realized why, when helping him figure out his collection proceeds each month, he never had any money left for himself.
Back then, before cell phones and computer games, kids played outside in the neighborhood. I used to play "Queen For A Day" on my girlfriend's front porch. Whoever had the saddest story became "Queen" and won everything she needed to make her life easier -- generally a station wagon to fit her six children. My boys played all kinds of made-up games all day long -- coming home for lunch and supper.
Finally, handwritten letters are now a thing of the past, made obsolete by the emergence of the Internet and email. After I met my husband, seeing each other every weekend wasn't enough. We faithfully wrote weekly letters. After 55 years of marriage, I still have them all in a little cedar box. His always outlined what he had planned for us for the weekend, and mine tended to be an outline of how busy I was as an English major with reading hundreds of pages weekly and writing papers.
Yes, times have changed. In many ways our lives have been made easier by the advent of computers and the adoption of more efficient ways of doing things. However, I find myself missing some things about the way life used to be. But, don't even get me started on the influence of cell phones!
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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: Strong Tower Church, 2 p.m.
Monday: "Price Is Right" on CBS, 10 a.m.; National S'more Day, 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Communion, 10 a.m.; bingo/hair care, 2 p.m.; ice cream, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Church, 10 a.m.; coffee visit, 11:30 a.m.; Phase 10, 1:30 p.m.; room visits, 2:30 p.m.
Thursday: Exercise, 10 a.m.; music with The Carpenters, 10:15 a.m.; art, 1:30 p.m.
Friday: Karaoke, 10 a.m.; golden 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.; Scattegories, 9:45 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.
Monday: Crafts, 9:45 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; ice cream truck visit, Sunshine Club, 3 p.m.; bingo, 6:15 p.m.
Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; Garden Club, 9:45 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Cooking Club, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; watermelon Wednesday with Jan and Gino, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m., wear pink and green.
Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Gayle, 2 p.m.
Friday: Crafts, 9:45 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; ICMCF Auxiliary fundraiser, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.
Saturday: Puzzler/storytelling, 9:45 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.
Optalis Healthcare
Kingsford
906-774-4805
Sunday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; manicures and a movie, 1:30 p.m.
Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flippo, 2 p.m.; word search puzzle in the lobby, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Dr. Pol show, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Scattegories, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: Coffee time, 9 a.m.; Hope Church, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; patio games/gardening, 2 p.m.; coloring in the lobby, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; "Mini Mysteries," 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.
Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; word search, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; summer crafts, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; National Relaxation Day -- enjoy a relaxing spa facial and manicure.
Maryhill Manor Nursing Home
Niagara, Wis.
715-251-3172
Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.
Sunday: Coffee and resident choice game, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; church service, 2:45 p.m.
Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; resident council, 1 p.m.; music by Jim Edberg, 2 p.m.; outing to Tripp's Tavern, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Rosary/Communion service, 9 a.m.; outdoor social, 10 a.m.; music by Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Rosary/Communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; help your neighbor, 10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; ice tea social, 5:30 p.m.; Music in the Park -- acoustical sounds of Norton & Chartier, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; horse visit, 10 a.m.; board games, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m., football, Arizona vs. Green Bay, 7 p.m.
Friday: Buzz words, 10 a.m.; Maryhill family picnic, 11 a.m.; happy hour, Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Scrabble, 10 a.m.; courtyard games, yard Yahtzee, 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.; sundaes, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages, daily chronicles.
Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Cranium Crunch, 11 am; 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, 11 a.m.; who-what-where/bingo, 2 p.m.; Uno, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Bible stories, 11 a.m.; lunch in the pavilion with Bob Larson -- western-themed meal; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo, 10:30 a.m.; fact of the day; gift shop, 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.; personality, 11:15; bonfire and s'mores, 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: Pork loin, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable.
Wednesday: Cheese ravioli with meat sauce, salad, breadstick.
Thursday: Chicken noodle soup, grilled cheese sandwich, broccoli 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: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, California blend vegetables, breadstick.
Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, acorn squash, dinner roll.
Wednesday: Sweet and sour pork, fried rice, Oriental vegetables, fortune cookie.
Thursday: Oven-baked fish, au gratin potatoes, Brussel sprouts, Jell-o with fruit.
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: Build your own grilled brats, potato salad, baked beans
Tuesday: Tacos, Mexican rice and beans.
Wednesday: Scalloped potatoes and ham.
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: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, corn, dinner roll.
Tuesday: Barbecue bacon cheeseburger, potato wedges, baked beans.
Wednesday: Chicken bacon ranch over noodles, peas, dinner roll.
Thursday: Biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, applesauce, cake.
Friday: Sweet and sour pork, fried rice, Oriental vegetables, fortune cookie.
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 turkey sub sandwiches, chips.
Tuesday: Pork chop suey over rice, egg roll.
Wednesday: Fish nuggets, baked potato.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Florence County, Wis.
715-528-4890
Menu for the week --
Monday: Sub sandwich with ham, turkey, cheese, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onion; broccoli salad; fruit salad.
Tuesday: Cheesy taco bake topped with lettuce and tomato, acorn bread, fruit. (Florence Center closed today for elections.)
Wednesday: Chef's salad with mixed greens, ham, turkey, cheese, egg, tomato, and croutons; cottage cheese; watermelon; chocolate chip cookies.
Thursday: Cabbage roll casserole, buttered peas, fruit, pudding.
Friday: Waikiki meatballs, rice, egg roll, 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: Bratwurst, whole wheat hot dog bun, oven potatoes, corn, fruit cocktail.
Tuesday: Mild orange chicken, brown rice, Oriental vegetables, diced carrots, diced peaches.
Wednesday: Meatloaf with ketchup glaze, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, fruit cup, whole wheat bread.
Thursday: Bologna salad spread, cucumber and tomato salad, fruited yogurt, zee zee wheat crackers, vegetable juice box, whole wheat bread.
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: Sweet and sour meatballs, brown rice, broccoli, creamy cucumbers, Mandarin oranges.
Wednesday: Sloppy Joe with bun, sweet potato fries, pickled beets, berry crisp.
Thursday: Sliced turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, pineapple, wheat dinner roll.
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 pickup from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. -- those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or pick up the meal. Menu for the week --
Monday: Tacos, refried beans, Spanish rice.
Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas.
Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, cream corn.
Thursday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables. 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, at any age. Menu for the week --
Tuesday: Grilled brats, baked beans, french fries.
Wednesday: Chicken pot pies.
Thursday: Pork chops, sweet or russet potatoes.