NIAGARA, Wis. — Volunteering is a big part of retirement for many people. And our area is brimming with volunteer opportunities. Today we will feature the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain and Katie Maxon, voluntary service chief.

Voluntary service is responsible for the coordination of activity provided by 350 volunteers and also logs all donated funds through its office. Maxon is quick to point out that all congressional appropriations are used expressly for the actual medical care that is provided to veterans and cannot be used for anything needed to support volunteer activities or for non-medical needs of the veterans they serve. Cash donations are used to support volunteer activities, as well as miscellaneous personal needs of veterans upon discharge from the facility.

“Every day I am humbled by our communities’ generosity in giving of both their time and their funds,” said Maxon. “We could never do all we do without the support we receive from our volunteers.”

The Iron Mountain VA is one of the most rural facilities in the nation. They receive patients from across Michigan’s entire Upper Peninsula as well as from northern Wisconsin. They also support a system of outpatient clinics throughout the same broad area. Consequently, the largest group of volunteers is the Disabled American Veterans drivers; 150 volunteer drivers from across this broad service area bring veterans from their home city to the clinics or to the main facility in Iron Mountain for much needed medical services. Twice each week, veterans may also board a bus in Iron Mountain that takes them to a larger VA medical facility in Milwaukee for the more specialized services that are not offered in Iron Mountain.

“Our DAV drivers play a critical role in helping us connect our services with the veterans who need them,” explained Maxon. “The DAV provides the cars as well as all of the maintenance on this fleet of vehicles. We would not be able to do our jobs as effectively without this group of volunteers.”

Another large group of volunteers functions as hosts and hostesses at what Maxon refers to as the “Home Away From Home Coffee Station” located within the medical center. The social and emotional needs of veterans are as important as their medical needs. The coffee station provides an important social gathering place where veterans are encouraged to interact with each other. They share stories and memories and offer emotional support. For many, this is the only interaction they have available as they have lost spouses and friends over the years. Also, living in rural areas, they are often physically isolated without their own transportation; gathering at the coffee station becomes a much-anticipated opportunity for camaraderie on their trips to the VA.

“Red Coat” volunteers are found at VA health care systems nationwide and are immediately recognized by patients and visitors alike because of their red vests. They are the official greeters for the VA system and assist the veterans and their families in finding their way to the services they need.

Recreation volunteers work with the Community Living Center locally where 40 veterans reside for long- term care or short-term rehabilitation. Volunteers work to provide activities for these residents. Bingo, card games, on-site and off-site movies, and daily one-on-one visits are very popular with the residents. Many no longer have family or have family who live a great distance away so the recreation volunteers fill an important void.

Volunteers serve in a variety of other capacities throughout the VA health care system. They help with clerical and special projects in a variety of departments and outpatient clinics. Some serve as church escorts. Others bring their talents to the veterans and provide entertainment to residents and inpatients.

There are no special requirements to become a volunteer at the VA Medical Center. While most do have a personal connection to a veteran, it is not a requirement. Many are also aligned with another organization that serves veterans such as the Marine Corp League, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. All of these groups find ways to help and support the patients who utilize the local VA Medical Center.

One of Maxon’s favorite initiatives is “Butterfly Wishes.” Through this program, efforts are made to fulfill a dying veteran’s final wish. Both volunteer assistance as well as funding from cash donations given by individuals throughout the community are used to make these wishes come true.

“I am always humbled by the simplicity of these final wishes,” said Maxon. “One veteran wanted to visit his wife’s grave a final time and another wanted to visit hunting camp one last time. Being a part of making these wishes come true is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.”

Maxon stressed that there are jobs for everyone wishing to volunteer at the VA Medical Center. It is important for the volunteers to do what makes them feel good too. Some people love desk jobs or clerical tasks and others want to interact with the public and the veterans. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, there is a place for you.

“I stress flexibility when I talk to potential volunteers,” explained Maxon. “And I do my best to keep our volunteer program successful by making a good match between what is needed and what the volunteer has to offer. Then it is a win-win for all involved.”

If you are looking for a volunteering opportunity and you think that the VA Medical Center may be a good fit, you may contact Katie Maxon at 906-774-3300, ext. 32781 or contact her via email at jennifer.maxon@va.gov.

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SENIOR LIVING

FACILITIES

Freeman

Kingsford

Scenes and Sounds, 11:30 a.m Sunday through Saturday.

Sunday: Uno, 1 p.m.; dunking donuts, 2 p.m.; church, 2:15 p.m.

Monday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; brouhaha, 11 a.m.; library cart, 1:30; bingo, 2 p.m. ice cream social, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Crochet, 10:30 a.m.; reminisce, 1:15 p.m.; Kentucky Derby, 2 p.m.; evening visitor, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; rosary, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie and popcorn, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Reading buddy, 11 a.m.; bible study, 1:30 p.m.; pokereno, 3 p.m., 2 p.m.; laundry day, 4 p.m.; dinner theater, 5 p.m.

Friday: What’s cooking, 11 a.m.; bunko, 1:15 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Meet and greet, 10:30 a.m.; daily newspaper, 11 a.m.; spinning records, 1 pm; bingo, 2 p.m.

Iron County 

Medical Facility

Crystal Falls

Room visits: 9 to 11 a.m. Sundays and 1 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Exercise: 11 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

Sunday: One-to-one church visitors, 8:30 to 11 a.m.; reminisce, 10 a.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.; Church of Christ, 3 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: CF library, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; Mass, 10 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/travel club, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; spelling bball, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m..; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; St. Mark’s, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 am; Walmart, noon; volleyball, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Price is right/faces and places, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; intergenerational social hour, 2 p.m.

ManorCare

Kingsford

Wet your whistle, 9:30 a.m. daily.

Exercise, 10 a.m. daily.

Movie, 10:45 a.m. daily, and 3:15 p.m. Monday through Saturday (except Thursday this week).

Popcorn Day, every Friday

Sunday: Company’s coming room visits, 1:30 p.m.; Protestant church, 3 p.m.

Monday: Who, what, when, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; po-ke-no, 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday: Who am I?, 10:15 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; movie and manicure, 5:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Remembering when, 10:15 a.m.; bocce, 2 p.m.; flip five, 5:45 p.m.

Thursday: Crosswords, 10:15 a.m.; good neighbor bingo, 2 p.m.; Suzuki piano students in front lobby, 3:30 pm; crazy for cards, 5:45 p.m.

Friday: ABC game, 10:15 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 2 p.m.; chips ‘n’ chatter, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Current events, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor

Niagara, Wis.

Rosary, 8:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday; 9:30 a.m. Friday.

Sunday: Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; Family Feud, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Derby day, 10:15 a.m.; nickel jokereno, 2 p.m. Baptist service, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Bingo, 10:15 a.m.; Mardi Gras party, 2 p.m.; bingo, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday: Science Pictionary,10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; bible stories, 3 p.m.; concert-Group Therapy, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday: Catholic Mass/stations of the cross, 9 a.m.; Scattegories, 10:15 a.m.; help your neighbor, 2 p.m.; whammo, 6:30 p.m.

Friday: Ball toss, 10:15 a.m.; short stories, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour/Ron W., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Crafts, 10:15 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.; romance movie and popcorn, 5:45 p.m.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

Juice time, 10 a.m. Sunday through Saturday

Exercise, 11 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Shopping days: 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, must sign up.

Sunday: Bible study, 2:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Monday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Wheel of Fortune, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Golden Throats, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m. 

Thursday: Left Center Right, 2 p.m.; rosary, 3 p.m.

Friday: Bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

Morning news, 6 a.m. daily.

Beauty shop open on Tuesday and Thursday.

Sunday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; Crazy Eights, 2 p.m.; reminisce, 6 p.m.

Monday: Bingo with Bette, 10 a.m.; bird feeder craft, 2 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Chair exercise, 10 a.m.; music with Gloria/Larry., 2 p.m.; room visits, 3 p.m.; reading, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Uno, 10 a.m.; St. Pattie’s day craft, 2 p.m.; social hour, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; manicures, 2 p.m.; one-to-one tine, 3 p.m.; reading, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; flippo, 2 p.m.; reminisce, 6 p.m. p.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

Busy Bee, 12:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Sunday: Grace church, 10:15 a.m.; sensory, 10:30 a.m.; beauty shop 2 p.m.; Phase 10, 3:30 p.m.

Monday: Song service, 1:30 p.m.; rosary, 2:30 p.m.; bowling, 3:30 p.m.; Scrabble, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Employee of the month meeting, 10 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; Mardi Gras, 2 p.m.; Scattegories, 3:30 p.m.; Uno, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Distribution of ashes, 10:30 a.m.; Steve Vivio SCU,1:30 p.m.; Steve Vivio, 2:15 p.m.; rummy, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Chair chi, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; Sorry board game, 6 p.m.

Friday: Shopping outing, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.; social circle, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Trivia, 10:15 a.m.; coffee social, 10:30; mind joggers, 2 p.m.; sensory, 3:30 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Note: All centers ask for 24-hour advanced reservations for lunch. If you have meals delivered and will not be home, notify the Center.

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Meal at noon every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Lunch at noon.

Bingo on Tuesdays.

Free meal drawing on Thursdays.

Breen Center

906-774-5110

Meals Monday through Friday.

Pasty sale every third Saturday of the month — except on holidays.   

Cards and games available 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m. 

Hostess on duty Monday through Friday.    

Treats and coffee, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Center retail store is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday; volunteers and donations are welcome.

Birthdays acknowledged every day.

Evening meals are on the first and third Thursday of the month. Salad bar opens at 4 p.m., with dinner at 5 p.m. Donations are $4 for those 60 and older and $5 for 60 and younger.

Crystal Falls Center

Head cook: Lucy Korhonen

906-875-6709

Monday: Soup, salad, baked chicken, and ravioli with alfredo.

Tuesday: Soup, salad, beef roast, potatoes, carrots, and homemade dessert.

Wednesday: Dr. Larry, Soup, salad, baked fish, fried potatoes, vegetables, and homemade dessert.

Crystal Lake Center

906-774-5888

The center is closed on weekends.

Monday: Woodcarvers, 10 a.m.; Mahjong in dining hall, noon; Les Artistes Art Club, noon; Bridge Club, 12:15 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday: Pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Thursdays: Two-person team cribbage from 12:30 to 3:30 pm.

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: Billiards, 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday: Spinning Spools Quilters Guild, 1 p.m., crafters, scrapbookers and others also welcome; knitting and crocheting class, 1 to 3 p.m.

Friday: Smear, 12:30 p.m.

Last Saturday of the month: Music jam starting at 1 p.m. Admission is free. 

Dances take place from 7 to 10 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. Admission is $6; coffee is free. 

The Photo Club meets 1 to 3 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month.  

The kitchen is currently closed due to plumbing issues, and meals are being served at the Breen Center. Christine McMahon has information for all meals and can be reached at 906-774-2256, ext. 235. For transportation, call Buzzin’ Around Town at 906-282-0492. Rides are $3 for age 60 and older, and $3.50 for younger than 60. 

Transportation is available from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Meals served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Wednesday.

Bingo after lunch on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

A congregate jigsaw puzzle is done daily.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Suggested donation for seniors older than 60 is $4 per meal. Residents younger than 60 must pay $7. Reservations and cancellations needed 48-hours in advance.

The ADRC can assist area seniors and those with disabilities with transportation Monday through Friday. Transportation reservation should be made with meal reservation.   

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

Meal at noon Wednesdays only. Reservations are requested. Cribbage and cards are available.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

715-528-4261

Home-delivered meals are available as always. Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. at the center on Friday only. 

The meal site is temporarily closed Monday through Thursday due to a staffing shortage. 

Tipler Town Hall

715-674-2320

Serving lunch at noon on the second Thursday of the month.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

715-589-4491

Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Transportation arrangements can be made to and from the meal site.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Meal is at noon Monday through Friday. Suggested donation is $3 for age 60 and older and $7 for those younger than 60. Morning coffee is available daily.

Fifteen games of “fun bingo” are played each Tuesday and Friday, along with a 50-50 drawing.

Tuesday: Bingo, 12:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Cards played in the afternoon. Call ahead to see if a game will be going on.

Friday: Bingo, 12:45 p.m.

Monday through Friday: Walking in the gym, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A treadmill also is available.

Enjoy friendly interaction with other crafters.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Meals served 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; a $4 donation is encouraged from those 60 and older, and a $5 payment is required from those younger than 60. Thursday meal, 3:30 p.m. soup, 4 p.m. salad bar, with dinner at 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Home-delivered meals are available — call 906-774-2256 and speak to Christine  Tramontine at ext. 235 or Stephen at ext. 230. Menu for the week of March 4 follows:

Monday: Salisbury steak, au gratin potatoes, winter blend veggie, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Tomato soup, egg salad sandwich, chips, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Chicken alfredo, noodles, broccoli, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes/gravy, corn, dessert and milk.

Friday: Dance 6 to 9 pm cost: $6.00

Niagara Northwoods Senior Cafe and Center

Meal site manager: Corrie Maule, 715-251-1603

Senior center director: Jill Anderson, 715-251- 4154

Noon meals served Monday through Thursday. Transportation is available to the meal site for those living in the Niagara, Wis., area. We welcome any senior groups who would like to use the meal site as a meeting place — join us for lunch and then stay for a meeting or social time. Wii games, cards, puzzles and board games are available to play. 

Other activities are in the works — suggestions are always welcome. 

Those who have not been at the meal site/senior center are invited to give it a try. Those who haven’t been here in a while are encouraged to come back.

Norway Center

Director: Susie Slining

906-563-8716

Monday through Thursday: Meals served at noon, with salad bar. Soup also is available at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Milk, juice, bread, fruit, tea and coffee served daily. Meal donation is $5. Reservation for the meal should be made in advance.

Two special-themed meals take place each month on Tuesday, with bingo, prizes and a 50-50 drawing.

Two evening meals offered at 5 p.m. on the first Monday and third Wednesday of the month, with bingo, prizes and a 50-50.

Menu for the week:

Monday noon meal: Breaded pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, salad bar, fruit, juice and dessert.

Monday 5 p.m.: Chicken dinner.

Tuesday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian sausage, peas, garlic toast, soup and salad bar, fruit, juice, and dessert.

Wednesday: Baked cod, seasoned rice, carrots and onions, salad bar, fruit, juice, and dessert.

Thursday: Savory steak with sautéed mushrooms, corn, mashed potatoes and gravy, soup and salad bar, fruit, juice, and dessert.

Saturday: Pasty sale. All orders must be picked up by noon.

If Norway-Vulcan area schools are closed due to bad weather days, so is the senior center. If the schools are on a two-hour delay, the center remains open.   

Cards are played daily after the noon meal.

Craft and exercise classes: Mondays and Thursdays.

Ceramic and art classes: Wednesdays.

Puzzles always in the works.

A senior coloring class meets daily. All are welcome. Some materials will be provided.

Telephone reassurance is available for any senior who doesn’t get out much and would like a friendly daily phone check to see that all is well.

Note: File of Life packets available at the center.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Meals: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11:45 a.m. Cards: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Commodities every other month and quarterly commodities are every three months. A puzzle table is available to enjoy. Volunteers are always welcome.