NIAGARA, Wis. — For Christmas this past year, I decided to pick up a small gift for my “younger” brother and sister — who are twins. They had both turned 66 and were beginning to experience the same memory challenges as I was. So, I got each of them a page-a day calendar to both help them remember the date and day of the week and to offer them a bit of wisdom and wit with which to begin their day. And, while I was at it, I picked one up for my husband and me as well. For us, it has been helpful as well as fun to begin our day with a humorous anecdote.

This morning’s quotation — June 10 as I am writing this column — came from humorist James Thurber. He said, “The past is an old armchair in the attic, the present is an ominous ticking sound, and the future is anybody’s guess.” My husband and I chuckled initially and then began to ponder the significance of this statement, and to wonder how it may be interpreted depending upon the reader’s age.

First, that old arm chair is definitely not going anywhere. Like the past, its time is over. Like folks our age, its physical condition has certainly seen better days. Yet, it holds a ton of great memories for us or we would have hauled it to the dump years ago. We may remember cuddling up together in it when we were first married. We may have remembered cradling our children in it: first as we eased them to sleep and later to read them bedtime stories once they grew old enough to understand them. It may have been our favorite resting place after a long, hard day at work: a place to transition from the stress of the day to our time at home; a short pause before making supper and helping with homework. Finally, it cradled our aging bones as we sat and read the evening newspaper. It is well past its prime and no longer as comfortable as it used to be. Yet it just holds too many memories to be tossed into a landfill.

A younger person — and I was one of those once — may simply have cast it aside long ago for the latest home furnishings or something that would better match the new carpeting or different wall color. When my husband and I first married, we were given an old blue sofa and matching chair from my grandmother’s farmhouse parlor. I still remember that furniture for its claw feet and wide arms. We fed our first baby in that chair because the jars of baby food lined up perfectly on that generous arm. But I sold it to someone who appreciated its sturdy structure and had plans to reupholster it. I bought a sleeper sofa and matching recliners to take its place; they did not hold up nearly as well as my grandmother’s parlor set. So, lesson learned: don’t be too hasty to give up on old things. Or people … there just may be a lot of life left in both.

Second, as we age, I think the present does begin to tick away ominously and much too quickly. In last week’s column I talked about how fast the time goes by now that I have attained the age of 70. I had expected the time during my retirement years to slow down but instead my experience has been just the opposite. I know that it is because I now realize I am experiencing the downward slope of life. I feel the finite nature of my remaining years, and that makes them go by all the faster.

When we are young, our futures seem infinite as they stretch out in front of us. I remember feeling the excitement and anticipation as I dreamed of the future and its possibilities and made my plans — step by step — on how I was going to make my life happen. Granted, it took so much longer to build the life about which I had dreamed, but it eventually happened. In the meantime, nothing really felt insurmountable; each hurdle had to be jumped, each bump in the road had a detour that made the journey possible.

Third, the future certainly remains a mystery. I read the newspaper or tune in the nightly news, and I shake my head wondering where is life taking us. Some days it feels as though our country will never reach agreement and make progress again. Problems like climate change, race relations, political stalemate and increasing homelessness seem insurmountable. At my age, I think there is just not enough time to fix this world, and I wonder where it will all end. On other days, I try to remember that everything is cyclical, and that maybe we can figure out our way through today’s challenges as we have in the past.

I hope that younger people are not as discouraged as I feel these days. I hope that they can look ahead and feel inspired to find solutions and to make the changes that need to happen in order for our civilization, indeed our planet, to survive. The world needs their energy, their knowledge and ideas, and their determination.

So, for me at my age, I will continue to fondly remember the past. It has become a comforting and unchanging place for me to visit. I will try to slow the speed of each day by living in the present, relishing each moment it has to give me. And I will continue to try to view the future with hope as I place my confidence in the talent and strength and energy of the next generations.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

906-774-1530

Freeman has resumed small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly with screening and COVID-19 testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal; however, they are all looking forward to a great get-together when it is safe to do so.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; reminisce, 10 a.m.; “You Be the Judge,” 2 p.m.

Monday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; memory books, 9 a.m.; resident council, 10:15 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1 and 2 p.m.; bonfire, 5 p.m.

Tuesday: Room visits 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Name That Word, 10 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; smart shoppers, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; current events, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; bowling, 9:30 a.m.; United Lutheran, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1p.m.; Fathers’ Day games in pavilion with ice cream, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/how do you feel?, 10 a.m.; geri gym, 11 a.m.; garden club, 2 p.m.

Manor Care

906-774-4805

Limited visitation has resumed for family and friends. Appointments must be made in advance by calling the center.

Maryhill Manor

715-251-3172

Scheduled visits are being allowed in the facility’s living room. Call ahead to reserve. The weekly Happy Hour and bingo have resumed for residents only.

Sunday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; coffee and “Family Feud,” 10:15 a.m.; whammo, 2 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; church service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10:15 a.m.; courtyard social, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; church service, 9 a.m.; coffee/cookies and travel club, 10:15 a.m.; resident council, 2 p.m.; bingo, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; church service, 9 a.m.; kickball, 10:15 a.m.; campfire and s’mores, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; Uno, 10:15 a.m.; nickel jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Bowling, 10:15 a.m.; happy hour and entertainment, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Derby Day, 10:15 a.m.; Netflix movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Golden Living Center

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed in designated areas only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. Residents have resumed some small group activities.

Victorian Pines

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

No information at this time.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Carry-out only. Call ahead for Tuesdays through Thursdays. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Beef stroganoff, noodles, carrots and broccoli/cauliflower salad.

Wednesday: Meat loaf, baked potato, missed vegetables and beet salad.

Thursday: Lasagna, wax beans, lettuce salad and garlic bread.

Note: All meals include milk, bread and butter, fruit and dessert.

Breen Center

906-774-5110

Carry-out only — call ahead. Meals are once again available on Fridays. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pork roast, peas and sauerkraut.

Tuesday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes and broccoli.

Wednesday: Liver, parsley potatoes and carrots.

Thursday: Barbecue pork sandwich, potato wedges and mixed vegetables.

Friday: Taco lasagna and chef’s choice vegetable.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head cook: Lucy Korhonen

906-875-6709

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-239-0278

Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Smothered pork chops, mashed potatoes and green beans.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken sandwich, corn and spiced applesauce.

Wednesday: Tomato and rice soup, carrot salad and crackers.

Thursday: Polish sausage and sauerkraut, broccoli and noodles.

Friday: Turkey and ranch pasta salad, cucumber and bread.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Carry-out only — call ahead. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pork chops, fried cabbage and oven-browned potatoes.

Tuesday: Spaghetti, garlic bread and green beans.

Wednesday: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and carrots.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Home-delivered meals only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Biscuits and sausage gravy, hash brown patty, corn and fruit.

Tuesday: Cook’s choice — entrée, two vegetables and fruit.

Wednesday: Pasties, coleslaw, fruit and pumpkin brownies.

Thursday: Parmesan chicken, rice pilaf, candied carrots and fruit.

Friday: Fish tacos with coleslaw, salsa, tomatoes, olives and onion, baked beans and fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread and butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

For meal reservations, call 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

For meal reservations, call 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Tipler Town Hall

For meal reservations, call 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

For meal reservations, call 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Carry-out only — call ahead. Menu for the week —

Monday: Mushroom cheeseburgers, seasoned fries, mixed vegetables and fruit.

Tuesday: Tuna-noodle casserole, peas and carrots, roll and fruit.

Wednesday: Chef salad, cottage cheese and fruit.

Thursday: Hot dog, potato salad, baked beans and dessert.

All meals include 8-ounces skim milk or juice.

Norway Center

Director: Michelle DeSimone

906-563-8716

The center will remain closed; however, takeout meals will be prepared for pick up — must call ahead and wear a mask when picking up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Spaghetti or polenta, breadstick and broccoli.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken, coleslaw and tater tots.

Wednesday: Two meal day — 11 a.m., chef salad with ham, turkey and all the vegetable toppings, breadstick; 5 p.m., barbecue ribs, mashed potatoes and gravy and vegetables.

Thursday: Chicken bacon alfredo, noodles, breadstick and green beans.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Carry-out only – call ahead. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chicken cordon bleu, mashed potatoes, peas and apple slices.

Wednesday: Stuffed green peppers, white rice, corn and mixed fruit.

Thursday: Chicken Caesar salad, breadstick and pears.

All meals served with fruit and choice of skim milk or juice.