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NIAGARA, Wis. -- A couple of years ago, we were visiting our Green Bay son and his family. All of a sudden, their carbon monoxide detector in the back of their home started beeping. We checked a few places in their house, but nothing seemed out of order, and no one heard any unusual hissing sounds that could mean a leak. Then, within minutes, the detector in the basement stairwell began beeping. One alarm could be a mistake… but two? No way; something was going on.
We all donned our jackets and sat in our cars, bringing their cat with us. My daughter-in-law called the fire department, explained the situation, and they arrived within minutes. They did a thorough check of the house and found a gas hot water heater that needed to be serviced. The firefighters called the gas company, and the problem was fixed while we waited outside. We were all impressed -- and relieved -- at how quickly everyone responded.
That experience reminded me of a time many years when I had to work a little later than usual. My husband was working away from home, and our boys were waiting patiently for their supper. I called to tell them that I would bring pizza home and that I shouldn't be much longer. As I pulled up to the front of our house, there they were watching for me at the bay window in our living room. I got an uneasy feeling, and hurried to the back door.
As I walked in, I found smoke wafting in the air. They had received strict instructions when we began burning wood: open the door of the wood burner in the basement… if there are still some coals burning, go ahead and toss on a couple of pieces of wood and close the door… if the fire is completely out, do not try to start it... close the door and leave it alone until I get home.
My oldest son told me, "Nothing is wrong, mom, I checked." I went to the basement, and he was partially right. There was no flame anywhere -- just a lot of smoke. I called the fire department, and they were there within minutes. I learned that we had not been burning our fires hot enough. Consequently, the flue pipe was clogged, and the smoke was backing up into the basement and then into the house. They banged on the flue pipe to clear it and then got the fire burning very hot. They instructed me to get a thermometer and wire it onto the exterior of the flue pipe, then to be sure to bring the fire up over 500 degrees once each day. I should also throw in an aluminum can and a handful of rock salt each day, which would also help keep the flue pipe open. We followed their instructions, and it worked like a charm. Needless to say, when natural gas lines were finally extended to Niagara, we were first in line to get a gas furnace -- no more wood -- which took a big load off my mind.
Our noses are good at sensing change, even when we don't know the source. A new or stubborn smell can point to a safety issue before any other problems appear, whether that's a gas leak or hidden mold in your walls. Plenty of odors come and go with cooking, cleaning, or laundry, but a few tend to stick around or grow even stronger, and those are the ones that should be investigated further.
While it may be tempting to simply light a scented candle to mask strange odors when you notice them in your home, there are certain smells that signal something serious may be going on.
Some of the smells that gas utilities, the Environmental Protection Agency and fire authorities have deemed as warning signs --
-- Rotten eggs: On its own, natural gas is odorless, so utilities have added a compound called mercaptan to it, which gives it a sharp, rotten-egg or sulfur smell. If you notice this odor, consider it a potential gas leak. Don't flip light switches or light a flame, since both can ignite gas. Make sure to get everyone out of the house right away, and call both 911 and the utility's emergency line. Remain outside until these professionals tell you it is OK to re-enter the home.
-- Fish: A fishy smell with nothing cooking on the stove is something you should take seriously. As outlets or wiring overheat, the plastic components around them start to melt and give off that fishy odor. Switch off anything warm to the touch and unplug nearby appliances, then call an electrician rather than attempting the needed repair yourself.
-- Sweet: A scent like maple syrup might seem harmless and actually quite pleasant, but it can be a clue that refrigerant is escaping from your HVAC system, heat pump or fridge. Those leaks tend to grow and can affect your health as well as your home, so switch the appliance off and call a professional.
-- Sewage: A strong sewage smell can signal a plumbing issue, such as a blocked sewer line or a dried-out drain trap. Track the smell from bathroom and kitchen drains out to the exterior vent pipes. If you cannot locate the source or notice a bubbling drain, it's time to call a plumber.
-- Ammonia: A sharp ammonia odor can signal a few problems. This particular smell may mean a leaking fridge or washing-machine hose, or a problem with your HVAC system. It can also mean a rodent has died somewhere out of sight, like in a crawl space. If an appliance is the culprit, unplug it and call a repair team, since the leak can increase the risk of fire. If a dead animal seems more likely, call an exterminator to further investigate.
-- Mustiness or dampness: A damp, musty smell -- the wet-laundry or old-wood kind -- often signals a mold problem. You cannot simply ignore this, because mold will damage your health over time when you breathe it in day after day, and will damage your house. Look in the spots that stay damp, like under sinks, behind the fridge, around the HVAC system, and by the washing machine or dishwasher. Discoloration or staining up near the ceiling or around windows is another clue that mold has taken up residence. You can tackle a small patch yourself with an N95 respirator mask, gloves, goggles and good ventilation. But anything large or recurring is a job for a remediation company.
And because carbon monoxide has no smell at all, a working CO detector matters as much as your sense of smell. Remember, your nose knows. Pay attention to what it is trying to tell you.
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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 the 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: Coloring, 10 a.m..; Packers game, 1 p.m.
Monday: Movie, 10 a.m.; new Uno challenge, 2 p.m.; bingo, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Nail/spa, 10 a.m.; memory cafe, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: Sing-along, 10 a.m.; coffee and trivia, 11:30 a.m.; shut the box, 1:30 p.m.
Thursday: Baking group, 10 a.m.; pipe cleaner art, 1:30 p.m.
Friday: Karaoke, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Puzzles in the lounge; games in the dining room.
Iron County Medical Care Facility
Crystal Falls
906-874-1501
Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; name that word, 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.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 3 p.m.; web browsing, 6 p.m.
Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; wildlife film, 12:30 p.m.; Dan's songs for seniors, 1 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Coffee social/Animal Kingdom, 9:45 a.m.; parachute, 10:45 a.m.; monthly birthday party with Jonny, 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, 2p.m.
Friday: Memory Books, 9:45 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; travel club, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.
Saturday: Puzzler/puzzle time, 9:45 a.m.; geri gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 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.; manicures and a movie, 1:30 p.m.
Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; human claw machine, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flippo, 2 pm.; spot the differences, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Dr. Pol show, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; November birthday party, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; word search, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Lutheran church, 2 p.m.; coloring pages in the lobby, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; sweet treats, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; game -- Magazine Find, 2 p.m.
Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; word search, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 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: Spelling Bee, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 10:15 a.m.; Packers vs. Vikings, noon; Packers tail gate, 1:30 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.; board games, 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; crafting, button snowmen, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; cider making social, 10 a.m.; Bible stories with Pastor Ed, 1 p.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; help your neighbors, 10 a.m.; wine down Thursday, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Friday: Baking muffins, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Presentation of the blessed Virgin Mary; Scrabble, 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
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.; Cranium Crunch, 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.; rummy, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; can you picture this?, 11 a.m.; Bible stories, 11 a.m.; Kings n' Corner, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles
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.; daily chronicles.
Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; yarn club with Sue, 11 a.m.; Forever young, Jelly Fish, 11:15 a.m.; Jeopardy, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; chair exercise, 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: Smothered chicken, wild rice, vegetable, salad.
Wednesday: Tater tot casserole, vegetable, bread.
Thursday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetables.
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: Mushroom Swiss burger, tater tots, corn.
Tuesday: Smothered chicken, buttered noodles, dinner roll, pudding.
Wednesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots, dinner roll.
Thursday: Thanksgiving meal -- Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, dinner roll, pumpkin pie.
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: Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Tuesday: Chicken bacon ranch wraps with chips.
Wednesday: Boneless ribs with sauerkraut and a baked potato.
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: Pancakes, hashbrowns, mini-croissant and jelly, syrup.
Tuesday: Italian wedding soup, biscuit, fresh fruit.
Wednesday: Honey mustard chicken, mashed potatoes, cream corn, pudding.
Thursday: Smothered pork chop, rice, Oriental vegetables, dinner roll.
Friday: Loaded potato soup, biscuit, apple crumble.
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 2:30 p.m., all artists are welcome at anytime.; 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 parmesan with spaghetti.
Tuesday: Homemade pizza and salad.
Wednesday: Evening meal -- Turkey with dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Florence County, Wis.
715-528-4890
Menu for the week --
Monday: Biscuits and sausage gravy, hashbrowns, Caesar side salad, fruit.
Tuesday: Minestrone soup, chicken tenders, fruit.
Wednesday: Brat on a bun, oven fries, baked beans, cranberry apple crisp.
Thursday: Thanksgiving meal -- Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potato. casserole, dinner rolls, pumpkin cheesecake.
Friday: Hunters' chili, cornbread, cucumber salad, fruit.
All meals are served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.
Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center
Serving on site Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.
Florence Community Center
Serving on site Monday through Thursday at 11:30 a.m. For reservations, call 715-528-4261
Fence Town Hall
Serving on Wednesday only at noon. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.
Tipler Town Hall
Serving at noon on the second Thursday of the month only. For reservations, call 715-674-2320.
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: Beef and cabbage, corn, warm vanilla-basted pears, whole wheat bead.
Tuesday: Diced pork with gravy, brown rice, diced beets, vegetable, pineapple orange mix.
Wednesday: Thanksgiving turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes and turkey gravy, traditional stuffing, corn casserole, cranberry sauce, pumpkin applesauce cake.
Thursday: Swiss steak, brown rice, vegetable, sliced carrots, tropical fruit.
Iron River Center
906-265-6134
Lunch served Tuesday and Wednesday at noon, salad bar at 11:30 a.m. Thursday's meal is at 5 p.m., salad bar at 4:30 p.m. Meals include salad, juice or milk and dessert.
Tuesday: Garlic shrimp pasta.
Wednesday: Pizza casserole.
Thursday: Thanksgiving dinner.
Friday: Breadsticks at 10 a.m.
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 at 12:30 p.m.on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Tuesday: Pork chop, wild rice, roasted butternut squash, romaine side salad, fruit cocktail.
Wednesday: Thanksgiving dinner -- sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, green beans, pumpkin pie.
Thursday: Early serving -- Biscuits with sausage gravy, hashbrowns, spiced fruit bake, fruit juice.
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 pick-up 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: Finnish pancakes, hashbrowns, sausage.
Tuesday: Wet burritos, Spanish rice, refried beans.
Wednesday: Chef salad (with chicken, egg, ham) and a Swiss slide.
Thursday: Cod, oven-baked potatoes, Brussel sprouts.
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 563-5587 for information.
Tuesdays: Quilting and sewing.
Wednesdays: Ceramics and crocheting
Last Monday of each month: Book club at 9 a.m.
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 $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: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes.
Wednesday: Thanksgiving meal, with bingo after the meal.
Thursday: Brats with fried potatoes.