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In the spirit of the season, practice gratitude

NIAGARA, Wis. — Here it is November already — another month has come and gone in the blink of an eye. November requires us to turn the clocks back by one hour, which typically leads us to mourn the loss of daylight as we leave work in the dark. Instead of giving in to that typical complaint, I choose to focus on the other characteristic of November — the celebration of Thanksgiving. The arrival of this particular holiday also seems to be a good time to examine the broader topic of gratitude and the positive impact a grateful attitude can have on one’s life.

It is a fairly typical custom in many households to go around the table at the traditional holiday meal and share thoughts on what makes each family member thankful. Responses vary generally, based upon age. The very youngest siblings are generally thankful for the family dog or a favorite toy, while the adolescents mumble something unintelligible as they roll their eyes and think “not this again.” The college-age young adults are genuinely grateful for a change from dining hall food and are surprised to find themselves happy to be surrounded by their siblings and parents — a group they were most anxious to leave behind just a few short months ago. Parents are happy that the entire family is all enjoying a meal together at the same time without having to race off to a school or sporting event. And grandparents are thankful for continued good health so they can still be a part of this family tradition.

It is true that Thanksgiving is only one day out of the year, but think of the positive effects that spirit of gratitude around the holiday dinner table could have if allowed to permeate each day throughout the year. When I was a kid, one of my favorite movies was “Pollyanna.” Hayley Mills played the role of a young southern girl who found something good in every situation and in every person around her. One scene I remember to this day is when the household staff challenged her to find something good about the traditional Sunday dinner of chicken prepared by a cook with marginal culinary talent. Pollyanna thought a moment and said, “We can be happy that Sunday dinner comes only once a week!”

No one travels through life surrounded by perfect days. We all have challenges to overcome, and sometimes it is hard to see light at the end of the tunnel. As the old adage says, “Sometimes the light at the end of a tunnel is an oncoming train!” But have you noticed some people seem to find their way through hard times without losing the smile on their faces or the glint in their eyes? They enjoy the good times, but they have also developed an ability to see the positive aspects of even the most difficult of circumstances. They have chosen to see the good in difficult people, the opportunity in a challenging situation, and they appreciate what they have even in the face of a loss. The key word here is “chosen.”

Despite the fact that genetics play a role in our temperament, it is possible to learn how to cultivate a more positive, optimistic outlook on life. I know this from personal experience, as my youth was pretty challenging. My mother, a single parent with four children and a full-time job, loved us to pieces, but we struggled as a family. Being the oldest, a lot was expected of me at a young age so I had to grow up fast. Consequently, I viewed life as a challenge and took it very seriously. While my husband came from a very similar economic background, he benefitted from having both parents and a different birth order. He was one of the “rebels in the middle,” being the second son with an older brother and two younger sisters. He taught me to relax and have a good time. Our early years of marriage were a challenge, to say the least, but he always chose to see any difficulty in the most optimistic manner possible. Consequently, through exposure to his way of dealing with life’s problems, I learned a new way of first coping with, and then overcoming, hardship.

Studies have shown that emotional resilience and optimism can best be attained by cultivating gratitude. This one attribute can help a person maintain a more positive mood in daily life, contribute to a greater emotional well-being overall, and bring social benefits as well. An article written by Elizabeth Scott for the website Verywell Mind outlines the following exercises for those of us who tend to look at life as a glass “half empty.” Try them for the next few weeks, and you should notice more positive things around you, dwell less on negative or stressful events and feelings of “lack,” and have a greater sense of appreciation for the people and things in your life.

First, start giving yourself gentle reminders of the positives when you find yourself encountering negatives in life. For example, when experiencing stress at work, refocus on a few positive things about your job. Switch your negative thoughts about your demanding boss to the supportive friends who are there to help, the financial security your job affords you or the personal satisfaction you gain from using your skills. By focusing on positives, a shift to gratitude will come more easily.

Second, be careful about comparisons. Too often we under appreciate our own lives by continually comparing them to people we perceive as having more than we do. Whether it be a better job, a higher income, a bigger house in a better neighborhood, or a happier family life we find ourselves lacking by comparison. Instead of feeling inferior, allow yourself to be inspired by their example. Adopt the mantra: “If they can do it, so can I.” Another tactic would be to compare yourself to those less fortunate than you. Remember, as the old saying goes, “If everyone threw their troubles into a pile, we would end up taking back our own.” It is always too easy to misjudge someone else’s situation.

Third, keep a gratitude journal. Take about a half-hour each evening to jot down in a notebook three to five good things that happened in the course of the day. They do not have to be big events at all — anything that made you feel good qualifies for this list. It could be as big as a raise at work or as small as a good parking space in Super One’s parking lot. If it’s positive, write it down. Since retirement, my husband and I have started doing this together. Invariably he will start by saying, “Well, this was a good day.” And together we will enumerate those things that went well.

Finally, never underestimate the power of saying “thank you” — especially to your loved ones. Showing appreciation to those around you — your home family and your work family — is the easiest reward you can give to the people you love. You are telling them you are happy to have them in your life. As the old saying goes, “You attract more bees with honey.”

SENIOR LIVING

FACILITIES

Freeman

Kingsford

Sunday: Scenes and sounds, noon; Uno, 1 p.m.; dunking donuts, 2 p.m.; church, 2:15 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Crochet, 10:30 a.m.; scenes and sounds, 11:30 a.m.; reminisce, 1:15 p.m.; entertainment by Jim Edberg, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; rosary, 10:30 a.m.; scenes and sounds, 11:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie and popcorn, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Reading buddy, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 11 a.m.; scenes and sounds, 11:45 a.m.; Bible study, 1:15 p.m.; pokereno, 2 p.m.; “Lawrence Welk,” 4:30 p.m.

Friday: What’s cooking? 11 a.m.; scenes and sounds, 11:45 a.m.; parlor games, 1:15 p.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.; scenes and sounds, 11:30 a.m.; oldies but goodies, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; evening news, 6 p.m.

Iron County 

Medical Facility

Crystal Falls

Sunday: One-to-one church visitors, 8:30 to 11 a.m.; room visits, 9 to 11 a.m.; reminisce, 10 a.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; Church of Christ, 3 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; senior scrappers, 1 p.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; sunshine club, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; Mass, 10 a.m.; Dollar Tree, noon; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/yoga with Dodie, 10 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; getting pretty, 1:15 p.m.; men’s club, 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, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Cooking group for bazaar, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bazaar set-up, 1:30 p.m.; throw away bingo, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: “Price Is Right”/volleyball, 10 a.m.; Fall Harvest bazaar, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

Manor Care

Kingsford

Wet your whistle: 9:30 a.m. Sunday through Saturday.

Exercise: 10 a.m. Sunday through Saturday.

Movie: 10:45 a.m. Sunday through Saturday and 3:15 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Popcorn Day: Every Friday.

Sunday: Just jokes, 10:15 a.m.; company’s coming room visits, 1:30 p.m.; Protestant church, 3 p.m.

Monday: Who, what, when, 10:15 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 2 p.m.; chips and chatter, 2:30 p.m.; pokeno, 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday: Election facts 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie and manicure, 5:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Table talk, 10:15 a.m.; crafts (pinecone tree) with Shelly, 2 p.m.; flip five, 5:45 p.m.

Thursday: Crosswords, 10:15 a.m.; good neighbor bingo, 2 p.m.; magic moments, 5:45 p.m.

Friday: ABC game, 10:15 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 2 p.m.; chips and 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 Friday.

Sunday: Help your neighbor, 10:15 a.m.; tailgate party — Packers vs. Chargers, 2 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.; Christian fellowship, 5:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Current events, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday: You be the judge, 10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Bible stories, 3 p.m.; concert: Group Therapy, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday: Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; Scattegories, 10:15 a.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.; help your neighbor, 6:15 p.m.

Friday: Exercise, 10:15 a.m.; trivia, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour with Crystal Hogan, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Baking, 10:15 a.m.; pamper and polish,2 p.m.; bingo, 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.; football: Packers vs. Chargers, 3:25 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Left-center-right, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

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

Thursday: Music with The Girls, 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 Tuesday and Thursday

Snack cart, 7 p.m. Sunday through Saturday.

Sunday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; football: Packers vs. Chargers, 3:25 p.m.

Monday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; coffee and chat, 11 a.m.; resident council meeting, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Flippo, 10 a.m.; coffee and chat, 11 a.m.; doughnut party, 2 p.m.; social hour, 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Uno, 10 a.m.; coffee and chat, 11 a.m.; minute to win it, 2 p.m.; social hour, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; coffee and chat, 11 p.m.; manicures, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic church service, 10 a.m.; coffee and chat, 11 a.m.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 2 p.m.; happy hour, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo/family and friends social time, 10 a.m.; reminisce, 6 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

Sunday: Grace Church, 10:15 a.m.; bean bag toss, 10:30 a.m.; Pictionary, 2 p.m.; Phase 10, 3:30 p.m.

Monday: Life connections, 10 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 p.m.; Dancing Grannies, 2 p.m.; bean bag toss, 3:30 p.m.; Scrabble, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Employee of the month meeting, 10 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 p.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; Scattegories, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Fast food outing, 10:30 a.m.; painting, 2 p.m.; cribbage, 3:30 p.m.; room visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Shopping outing, 10:30 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 p.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; Sorry board game, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; busy bee, 12:45 a.m.; Jerry Beauchamp, 2 p.m.; fish fry outing, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

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

SENIOR CENTERS

Note: All centers ask for 24-hour advanced reservations for lunch. Those who have meals delivered who will not be home should 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.

Menu for the week:

Tuesday: Meatballs, mashed potatoes, California blend vegetables, and salad.

Wednesday: Sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, corn and tomatoes.

Thursday: Chicken, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and salad.

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.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Burritos.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy and broccoli.

Wednesday: Spaghetti, green beans, garlic bread

Thursday: Night Meal: Swedish meatballs, noodles, and green beans.

Friday: Baked fish or pork chops, mashed potatoes and peas.

Soup, salad and dessert are offered with every meal. Reservations for meals are encouraged. Walk-ins are welcomed.

Crystal Falls Center

Head cook: Lucy Korhonen

906-875-6709

The center is not just for seniors – bring a friend.

Suggested meal donations: $5 if older than 60; $6 if younger than 60; $1 extra for take-out.

To reserve meals, call the center by 1 p.m. with name and number of people.

All dinners include the soup and salad bar, homemade dessert, tea, coffee and milk.

Open: Monday through Wednesday, 4:30 p.m., soup and salad bar, 5 p.m. to dinner

Mondays: Basket weaving after dinner – all are welcome for dinner and/or class. Beginners can make their first basket with materials provided.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Chicken parmesan with noodles, and vegetables.

Tuesday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, and vegetables.

Wednesday: Tacos with the fixings.

Crystal Lake Center

Christine McMahon

906-774-2256, ext. 235

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.

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.

Thursday: Happy Quilters, 1 p.m.; two-person team cribbage, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Friday: Smear, noon.

The kitchen once again is open and serving meals. A new lunch program is offered every Wednesday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Meals cost $5 for those younger than 60 years old and a $4 donation for those older than 60.

Home-delivered meal menu for week:

Monday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, biscuit, peas and carrots.

Tuesday: Sweet and sour chicken, rice, broccoli and cauliflower.

Wednesday: Nachos with sour cream and salsa, corn and chips.

Thursday: Tuna bake, peas and dinner roll.

Friday: Chili and cornbread.

Center-based meal menu for week:

Wednesday lunch: Brat bar, clam chowder and salad bar.

Transportation is available from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call Buzzin’ Around Town at 906-282-0492. Rides are $3 for age 60 and older, and $3.50 for younger than 60. 

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.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Pepper steak, red potatoes, mixed vegetables, applesauce and dinner roll.

Tuesday: Chicken pot pie, broccoli, beets and bread.

Wednesday: Ham and swiss sandwich, chips, coleslaw, yogurt and carrots.

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 are 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.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Lasagna roll-ups, dark green salad, garlic bread, fruit juice, and Mandarin oranges.

Tuesday: Enchilada bake with lettuce, olives and onions, rice, salsa, refried beans and cheese, pears.

Wednesday: Liver and onions or chicken, mashed potatoes, cream corn, oranges and birthday cake.

Thursday: Biscuits and gravy bake, peas and carrots, fruit salad, and tomato juice.

Friday: Sloppy Joes, baked french fries, beet salad and peaches.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980, reservations for meal at 855-528-2372

Meal at noon Wednesdays only — Same menu listed under ADRC of Florence County. Reservations are requested. Cribbage and cards are available.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

Reservations for meal at 715-528-4261

Home-delivered meals are available. Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. at this center Monday through Thursday, with the same menu as listed under ADRC of Florence County.

Note: Center closed on Tuesday for elections

Tipler Town Hall

Reservations for meal at 715-674-2320

Serving lunch at noon on the second Thursday of the month only, with the same menu as listed under ADRC of Florence County.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

Reservations for meal at715-589-4491

Meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, with the same menu as listed under ADRC of Florence County. 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.

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 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Home-delivered meals are available — call 906-774-2256, ext. 235 or ext. 230.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Fish, cheesy hash browns, peas and carrots.

Tuesday: Country-fried steak, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken, rice, Oriental vegetables and roll.

Thursday: Night meal: Beef stroganoff, noodles, zucchini, roll and dessert.

Saturday, Nov. 9: Dance from 6 to 9 p.m. Cost is $6

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. Any senior groups who would like to use the meal site as a meeting place are welcome — come for lunch, 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. 

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 drawing.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Noon: Mushroom and Swiss burger on a bun, potato wedges, winter blend vegetables, salad bar, fruit, juice, dessert

5 p.m. meal: Chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, soup and salad bar, dessert.

Tuesday: Chop suey over rice, Oriental vegetables, soup and salad bar, fruit, juice, dessert.

Wednesday: Chili, cornbread, Brussel sprouts, salad, bar, fruit, juice and dessert.

Thursday: Bourbon steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, spinach, soup and salad bar, fruit, juice, and dessert.

Craft and exercise classes: Mondays and Thursdays.

Ceramic and art classes: Wednesdays.

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. 

Menu for the week:

Tuesday: Chicken soup, cheese sandwich, green beans and Mandarin oranges.

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, peas, and tropical fruit.

Thursday: Cheese ravioli, carrots, pears, and breadstick.

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