NIAGARA, Wis. — As many of us have already learned, and many more of us will discover, retirement offers us many choices. In our working years, the responsibilities of family and our careers necessarily had to come first. Our own wants and needs took a back seat to the demands of others. Most of the time, we did not begrudge a list of priorities that may not have been of our own making. We did what needed to be done because we loved our family and because we felt a responsibility to our employer. After all, at the very least, we had to meet our employer’s expectations so we could keep the job that was putting a roof over our family’s head and food on the table.

Meeting the demands of our careers was not always an easy task. Those demands generally ran the gamut from the sheer volume of work, to the complexity of the tasks at hand, to the physical strain of the job, and to the emotional toll it took when we had a bad boss or had to work with unreasonable or difficult people. For many of us, the working years were stress-filled and not always enjoyable. And too often we brought the job home with us, where it affected our “off duty” hours. Our stress became stress for the entire family. Many of us may have developed health problems due to stress or physical exhaustion depending upon the nature of our work or the people with whom we interacted while on the job.

My own working years were filled with a mixed bag of challenges, to be sure. My very early “survival jobs” that I had while my husband and I were still finishing college are laughable now as I recall them, but they were not funny at the time. I always tried to do my best, but things did not always work out. I remember waitressing at a Pizza Hut in Appleton,Wis., strategically located near an exit ramp off Highway 41. It was Memorial Day weekend, and we were grossly understaffed. My husband was working the kitchen and I was waiting tables; we were the only two employees in the place. The dining room became packed with vacationers and travelers; there was not a single available table. I was nearly running with a very full tray of drinks, slipped on a stray ice cube, and down I went; Pepsi, ice and glasses flew everywhere as I ran into the back room in tears. Thankfully, one of the other employees who was not scheduled had chosen to eat dinner there that day. She got up, donned an apron and helped me salvage the immediate situation and got us through that rush. My months in a frozen foods factory looked more like episodes from an “I Love Lucy” show. No matter what job they gave me, I was unable to keep up with the machines and even managed to set off an alarm when I inadvertently stopped a conveyor belt in the middle of a tunnel oven. I can still see that continuous sheet cake piling up on top of itself!

The job that would become a 28-year career was mostly very rewarding. I was using my education and doing what I did best, so I enjoyed the work tremendously. I enjoyed my co-workers and the very positive impact the organization had on the community, and I took great pride in being employed there. The most stressful thing about the work itself was the sheer volume of it along with the number of deadlines. But I managed because I had control over my task load. However, I did not have control over everything or everyone — no employee does. The stress caused by those things took a toll on my health that I just pushed aside for years. Many of us know what that is like. We “go along to get along,” but it is far from being comfortable.

When our retirement arrived, we found ourselves as caregivers of our mothers, so we still had responsibilities. They have both passed now after living 92 and 93 years — full and good lives. They were both very ready to call it a day when the time came and each died peacefully. But for a while toward the end, my husband and I dreaded to hear the phone ring as it generally was the assisted living or skilled nursing center calling with news that needed our immediate attention.

Now, our retirement stretches out before us and it is full of choices. Most of us are more than ready for this next phase of our lives. We are no longer slaves to an alarm clock that begins our five-day work week of eight-hour days. We can sleep in if we need to. We set a schedule that is completely ours to set and is not based upon anyone else’s expectations or requirements — or whims, for that matter.

Best of all, our world is now full of choices. We can choose when to work — or not. In the beginning, not having a schedule left me feeling a bit at odds with myself. There were too many loose ends in my day, and I struggled a little at first until I had devised a retirement routine that was comfortable. All the work at home no longer had to fit into a weekend. I had a choice as to which day I would do which chore. And sometimes I chose not to do anything at all because I just did not feel like working. As my husband continues to remind me, “That is why tomorrow was invented.” And now, my only scheduled meeting is out on the deck at 4 o’clock to meet my husband for happy hour.

We soon learn in retirement that our time left on this earth is flying by faster than ever. There is a realization that gradually permeates our minds that the journey ahead is a lot shorter than the journey we have made thus far. So, it becomes very important that we not waste one minute of any day engaged in anything that does not bring us joy. In fact, we need to choose joy. Approach each day with an “attitude of gratitude” for simply being alive. Yes, we begin to forget. We begin to have achy joints so we simply do not move as quickly as we used to. But we are still here, so we must make the most of each day while we still can.

Participate in activities that bring joy into our worlds. Now we have the time to pursue interests we were too busy to do when we were working. Learn photography, write your memoir, learn a foreign language, learn to play the piano or how to knit a sweater. Spend a day reading in the sunshine. Take a drive down to the river and just watch the water and listen to the birds. Take a trip to someplace you have always wanted to see. Watch the sun rise … or set, and appreciate the beauty of nature and the simple fact that you are still alive to experience it.

Surround yourself with people who bring joy into your life. We no longer have to put up with any kind of bad behavior that poisons our day with negativity or hostility. There are no more bad bosses! We are free to be completely ourselves and to associate with people who not only accept us, but who appreciate us for who we are.

Retirement is a time of freedom. But it is also fleeting. So, let’s make the most of it and choose to let joy in at every opportunity.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Freeman’s 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

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; puzzle time, 10 a.m.; hangman, 2 p.m.

Monday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; crafts, 9 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, 1p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; garden club, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; current events, 2 p.m.

No additional information available.

Manor Care

Kingsford

906-774-4805

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

Maryhill Manor

Niagara, Wis.

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.; Protestant service, 9 a.m.; help your neighbor, 10:15 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; church service, 9 a.m.; coffee/cookies and short stories, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

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

No additional information available.

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 thirty 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

Iron Mountain

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.; craft class, 2 p.m.

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

No additional information available.

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. Opening July 6 for dine-in meals. Menu for the week –

Tuesday: Spaghetti, green beans, lettuce salad and garlic bread

Wednesday: Sloppy Joes, baked beans and tomato-cucumber-onion salad.

Thursday: Pasties, mixed vegetables and coleslaw.

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

Breen Center

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating at noon. Carry-out meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pork chop, mashed potatoes, gravy, and mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Italian soup, bread and salad.

Wednesday: Chicken stir fry, rice and Oriental vegetables.

Thursday: Pork chop, mashed potatoes and broccoli.

Friday: Chili and sandwich.

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

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235.

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

Monday: Spaghetti and meatballs, corn and breadstick.

Tuesday: Chicken Alfredo, spiced peaches and Italian blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Minestrone soup, bread and butter and spinach salad.

Thursday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and green beans.

Friday: Chicken salad sandwiches, cucumbers and Mandarin oranges.

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

Now open for dine-in eating – call for serving times. Carry-out meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Fried fish or Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes.

Tuesday: Philly steak sandwich, chips and salad.

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Restrictions have lifted at some centers – see below. Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef stew, biscuits, fruit and pudding.

Tuesday: Sub sandwich with lettuce and tomato, calico bean salad and applesauce.

Wednesday: Spaghetti and meat sauce, dark green salad, breadsticks, fruit and birthday cake.

Thursday: Barbecue chicken, baked potato, baked beans, pea salad and fruit.

Friday: Fish sandwich, sweet potato fries, Italian pasta/vegetable salad and fruit.

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

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980 — RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Tipler Town Hall

715-674-2320 – RSVP for meals.

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

715-589-4491 – RSVP for meals

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating, serving at 11 a.m. Carry-out meals also available. Menu for the week –

Monday: Cheese pizza, cottage cheese and fruit.

Tuesday: Smoked sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and fruit.

Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots and fruit.

Thursday: Beef and noodles, waxed beans, breadsticks 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: Bacon-lettuce-tomato wrap, sweet potato fries and sugar snap peas.

Tuesday: Sweet and sour chicken over rice and stir fry vegetables.

Wednesday: Baked cod, scalloped potatoes, coleslaw and vegetables.

Thursday: Turkey burger, tater tots and green beans.

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

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Now open for dine-in eating – call for serving times. Carry-out meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Roast beef casserole, macaroni noodles, peas and peaches.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken, white rice, stir fry vegetables and mixed fruit.

Thursday: Barbecue chicken sandwich, potato salad, baked beans and peaches.

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