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NIAGARA, Wis. -- We have all felt the speed at which time passes. Nothing demonstrates the truth of this statement as much as a visit with one of your children who is now an adult. I acutely felt this disappearance of time during a recent five-day visit from our youngest son, Rob, who now lives in Arizona. He recently turned 50, and while the trip down memory lane was indeed enjoyable, it was also a little sad. As much as I love the man our son has grown to become, I do miss the little boy who was such a handful while growing up.
Our family moved up north when Rob was only 14 months old. We lived in a camper at Palo Verde Campground in Pembine for the first two weeks. He learned to walk in that camper; there was no room to fall down so his confidence grew enough for him to take those first steps. We then moved into a little house at the end of a two-rut, dirt road. Because of his adventurous spirit, I never left him outside alone as I was sure he would wander off and get lost.
One year later, in July, we moved into our house in Niagara, where we live to this day. By then Rob was well on his way to becoming fearless. He had a little green worm with yellow plastic wheels that we removed from the moving van so he had something to do. Before we knew it, a Niagara police car was delivering him and his worm to us. While we were busy moving furniture into our house, he had taken a ride on it all the way down to the bottom of Hill Street and was watching the traffic go by on the highway. As he grew older, he explored the entire neighborhood on his bicycle.
Once he had his driver's license, he made friends in Iron Mountain and Kingsford. And he took a very memorable trip to Eau Claire, without our knowledge or permission, with three of his buddies. He managed to get a speeding ticket on that trip, which he had tried to have delivered to his friend's house down the block. But the mailman knew the Killians did not live on Hill Street so delivered it to us anyway.
We eventually gave up on the idea of giving him a curfew, since he rarely observed it; we ended up lying awake until he finally did get home. So, we told him to stay where he was if it was after midnight and to drive home in the light of day when there were fewer deer and inebriated drivers out on the streets. He stayed safe, and we were able to sleep.
After high school, he attended Marquette University in Milwaukee for two years and followed that up with a transfer to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, graduating four years later. He and a friend had decided to relocate to St. Louis, Mo., and share expenses until they found jobs and got started on their careers. His friend dropped out at the last minute, but Rob was determined to go on without him. After waiting tables for a year, he moved to Green Bay to live with his older brother until he got his feet on the ground. After a job at a Green Bay-based insurance company, he was offered a position as paralegal in his college buddy's legal practice in Minnesota. The best thing about that position was meeting his future wife. She was living and working in New Jersey for a company that set up computerized time keeping programs for various businesses. Rob had been assigned to get a new timekeeping computer system for the office, and Melissa was helping him implement her company's product into their law practice.
The phone calls with Melissa had eventually turned personal and continued outside of office hours. She eventually visited him twice in Minnesota, and Rob made one visit to New Jersey to meet her two kids and help them relocate to Eagan. Two years later they were married, and Rob went from single guy to husband and father.
Since then, he has found his career niche in the insurance field. He helped raise Kevin and Natalie, who had been only 10 and 4 when he married their mom. Kevin is a pilot and flies for American Airlines. Natalie is living in Dallas and is employed as a marketing assistant with Bell Helicopter. Rob and Melissa moved to Queen Creek, Ariz., to be closer to the "kids."
It is said that you "cannot change a leopard's spots." This is certainly true with our son. They also say that "opposites attract." This also proved true with our son's relationship with Melissa. She is as stable as he is still full of adventure. Thankfully, both shared the same priorities in life: raising two wonderful human beings, buying a house, staying close to family which meant relocating clear across the country, and putting their own dreams on hold until the kids had finished college and were established in their careers.
During his visit home, we talked a lot about how those differences were both a strength and a challenge. And I remembered how I had advised both our sons on the topic of choosing a wife. I had told them not to bring me home any "Barbie dolls" or "cheerleaders" to meet. I explained that life was hard and compared it to pulling a heavy wagon; they needed to marry someone who was willing to pull that wagon as hard as they were pulling. The fact that Rob remembered this advice became very clear years ago when we were helping them get ready to move new furniture into Natalie's bedroom in Minnesota. Melissa was hauling the old mattress out, and I commented on how strong she was. To which Rob promptly said, "Well, mom, that's why I married her!" We all got a big laugh about that.
Now they are at a point where they can afford to travel. It will be interesting to see how it plays out because Rob has always had a wanderlust, and Melissa is a real homebody. One thing is for sure -- they will work this difference out as they always have.
I believe that the best accomplishment in life is to see your children grow into good human beings: responsible, caring, capable of making good choices of their own, and bringing up your grandchildren to also be good citizens. I am both relieved and very proud to know my husband and I can rest easy as we age knowing we have left one small corner of the world in good hands.
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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 on TV, 10 a.m.; have fun with the weekend packet, 6 p.m.
Monday: Coffee with Beth, 9:30 a.m.; movie with popcorn, 1 p.m.
Tuesday: Nails, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: Block stacking, 10 a.m.; music by Andy, 2 p.m.
Thursday: LCR dice, 10 a.m.; residents' birthday party, 2 p.m.
Friday: Karaoke, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Games in the dining room, 10 a.m.; "The Wall" on the Game Show Network
Iron County Medical Care Facility
Crystal Falls
906-874-1501
No information was available.
Optalis Healthcare
Kingsford
906-774-4805
Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; "You be the Judge," 9:45 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; Packers tailgate, 1 p.m.
Monday: Memory books, 9:45 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; reminisce, 6 p.m.
Tuesday: Just friends, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; senior baseball, 2 p.m.; mystery movie, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Coffee social current events, 9:45 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; monthly birthday party, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m.
Thursday: Puzzler, 9:45 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; tractor parade, 2 p.m.
Friday: Crafts, 9:45 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.
Saturday: ICMCF word search/trivia, 9:45 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 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, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 10:15 a.m.; Packers vs. Jets, noon; Packers tailgate, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:45 p.m.
Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; board games, 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; checkers, 10:15 a.m.; Autumn ride, 12:30 p.m.; silly crafters, Halloween craft, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; help your neighbor, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; coffee with fresh baked bread, 10 a.m.; board games, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; Falcons at Green Bay, 7:15 p.m.
Friday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim Edberg, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Uno, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 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.; tech time; coloring pages; daily chronicles .
Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; 1970s styles, 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/who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; kings 'n corners, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; travelogue, 11 a.m.; Bible stories, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; dominos, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo/fact of the day, 10:30 a.m.; Kerplunk, 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.; old time, 11:15 a.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; parachute, 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: Chicken parmesan over noodles, broccoli salad, dinner roll.
Wednesday: Loaded potato soup, egg salad sandwich, beets.
Thursday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy.
Breen Center
Kingsford
906-774-5110
Dine-in eating at noon Monday through Thursday. Carryout meals, soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week --
Monday: Chicken fettuccine Alfredo, broccoli, garlic bread.
Tuesday: Sloppy Joe on a bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.
Wednesday: Sweet and sour pork, fried rice, Oriental vegetables, fortune cookie.
Thursday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, corn, dinner roll.
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 burger, potato salad.
Tuesday: Chicken enchiladas, beans and rice.
Wednesday: Beef stroganoff with noodles.
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: Sloppy Joe on a bun, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.
Tuesday: Broccoli cheese soup, biscuit, crackers, pudding.
Wednesday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, candied carrots, dinner roll.
Thursday: Turkey dinner, mashed sweet potatoes, green beans casserole, brownie.
Friday: Ham and cheese wrap, baked potato chips, yogurt, 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 is:
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: Hamburger stew, biscuits.
Tuesday: Chicken strips, french fries.
Wednesday: Parmesan-crusted cod, macaroni and cheese.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Florence County, Wis.
715-528-4890
Menu for the week --
Monday: Barbecue pork riblet, mashed sweet potatoes, acorn, whole wheat dinner roll, fruit.
Tuesday: French toast bake, hashbrowns, breakfast sausage, applesauce, fruit salad.
Wednesday: Kielbasa, German potato salad, baked beans, apple raisin bread, pudding with vanilla sauce.
Thursday: Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, broccoli medley, fruit.
Friday: Tuna casserole with peas, cucumber and 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.
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: Pizza pasta casserole, diced beets, peas, pears/orange mix.
Tuesday: Mozzarella chicken and mushrooms, sour cream and chives mashed potatoes, green beans, tropical fruit, whole wheat bread.
Wednesday: Meatloaf with ketchup glaze, boiled red potatoes, chef's choice vegetables, applesauce.
Thursday: Beef pasty, broccoli, Capri vegetables, fruit cup.
Milk is available at all meals.
Iron River Center
906-265-6134
Lunch served Tuesday and Wednesday at noon, salad bar at 11:30 a.m. Thursday meal is at 5 p.m., salad bar at 4:30 p.m. Meals include salad, juice or milk and dessert.
Tuesday: Tuna salad on a croissant, chips, pickle.
Wednesday: Beef and broccoli stir fry.
Thursday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes, vegetable, dinner roll.
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: Chicken parmesan with red sauce, penne pasta, corn, pistachio fruit fluff.
Wednesday: Chop suey, brown rice, Oriental vegetables, chow mein noodles, apple pie.
Thursday: Kielbasa, roasted potatoes, butter beans, pea and cheese salad, wheat bread.
Norway Center
Director: Alicia Rochon
906-563-8716
Dine-in eating beginning 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: Spaghetti with meatballs, garlic bread, cauliflower.
Tuesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas and carrots.
Wednesday: Chef salads with egg, chicken and ham, ham and Swiss slider.
Thursday: Liver or burger, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and 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 $6 and takeout meal is $7. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal at the center -- all are welcome, any age. Menu for the week --
Tuesday: Sub sandwiches.
Wednesday: Pasties.
Thursday: Italian cheese stuffed shells with meatballs.