NIAGARA, Wis. — I was recently invited to join a women’s study group — The Drawing Room Club. Its roots reach back to Iron Mountain’s mining days when women got together to present topics of interest to the members. I was very pleased to be invited for two reasons: I need to find ways to stay mentally challenged now that I am retired, and I am going to enjoy spending time with this group of very interesting women. We meet weekly, and this year’s theme is “Wonder Women.”

I recently attended my first meeting, and the topic was “Heroes of the Pandemic.” We were pleased to learn, among other things, that Mattel has come out with six new Barbie dolls. Unlike their predecessors, none of them wear high heels and all of them are more “realistically proportioned.” And all of them helped to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and became heroes in the process. Their accomplishments ranged from caring for the first COVID patient to researching and developing the vaccine that would help to prevent the disease from spreading. They had different educational backgrounds and came from all over the world but were united in their efforts to fight this virus. They were most definitely heroes of the pandemic.

Also, in the course of that meeting, an information sheet titled “The Hero Code” was distributed to each of us to take home. It was printed from the book written by Admiral William H. McRaven and published in April of this year. The book’s 176 pages contain tributes to the many everyday heroes Admiral McRaven has met over the years — from battlefields to hospitals to college campuses — who are doing their part to save the world.

Amazon offers the following description of its contents. “When Bill McRaven was a young boy growing up in Texas, he dreamed of being a superhero. He longed to put on a cape and use his superpowers to save the earth from destruction. But as he grew older and traveled the world, he found real heroes everywhere he went — and none of them had superpowers. None of them wore capes or cowls. But they all possessed qualities that gave them the power to help others, to make a difference, to save the world: courage, both physical and moral; humility; a willingness to sacrifice; and a deep sense of integrity.” Admiral McRaven offers the following 10 key tenets of The Hero Code.

1. “I will always strive to be courageous; to take one step forward as I confront my fears.” None of us is without fear; all of us has that one thing that can hold us back and keep us from reaching our full potential or from helping someone else reach theirs. We can learn to overcome that fear by taking one small step at a time until we learn that we are strong enough to defeat that which threatens to hold us back from reaching our goals.

2. “I will work to be humble; to recognize the limits of my intellect, my understanding, and my power.” It is important to be confident enough to help but equally important to understand our limitations or the outcome of our efforts may fall short of what is needed. We may fail to ask for assistance if we think we can do it all ourselves.

3. “I will learn to sacrifice by giving a little of my time, my talent, and my treasure to those in need.” We do not have to look far to find someone who could benefit by having a little of what we have in any of these categories.

4. “I will be a person of integrity; every decision I make and every action I take will be moral, legal and ethical.” This reminds me of the movie “Jurassic Park,” when actor Jeff Goldblum’s character says the operation was “so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” It is an important distinction.

5. “I will be kind and compassionate to at least one person every single day and expect nothing in return.” As I was growing up, my mother taught me never to judge another until I had walked a mile in their shoes. When we follow that simple bit of wisdom, compassion follows naturally.

6. “I will never give up on matters that are important to me, my family, my country, or my faith. I will persevere.” Nothing of consequence is accomplished without dogged determination.

7. “Whatever job I am given, whatever duty I am bound by, I will do to the best of my ability.” I always liked the motto that said, “If I cannot do great things, I will do small things in a great way.” However big or small the task, it deserves our best effort.

8. “I will use my unique talents to inspire others and give them hope that tomorrow will be a better day.” We do not travel this world alone. Whether or not we want to be, we are a role model to those around us. So, give them a good example to follow and a reason to hope for a better tomorrow.

9. “I will use humor to comfort others and never be afraid to laugh at myself.” Laughter is the best medicine in many difficult situations. A little levity goes a long way in reducing the stress and anxiety that get in the way of accomplishing what needs to get done to improve a situation.

10. “No matter how great or small the offense against me, I will try to forgive. I will be the victor, not the victim.” When we forgive, we free ourselves to continue living and fulfilling our potential. Without forgiveness, we are forever the victim.

Admiral McRaven continues, “… in the end, the heroes make us better people, a better society and a better world. As much as I hoped the Man of Steel would be around to save the world, he is not. It is up to us. It is up to you.”

Life is hard. No doubt about it. Especially these days when we look around, and all we see are problems that seem insurmountable. And worse yet, no one seems interested in, or capable of, solving them! We hear lots of news reports describing the virus that continues to rage, mass shootings, explosive anger on airplanes and at school board meetings, unabated climate change that threatens to destroy the planet, racial injustice, ever increasing food and energy prices, ever widening income disparity, and life’s necessities stuck on container ships awaiting unloading and delivery. And the people we expect to solve these problems vie for personal power and do nothing but argue. In today’s world, it is easy to lose hope and begin to believe that life has just totally spun out of our control.

But through his Hero Code, Admiral McRaven has given all of us a much-needed lifeline. He has shown us that the Hero Code is not a puzzle to be put together or a secret message to be decoded. It is a way of living our lives with integrity, with honor, and with hope. In short, he has given us a blueprint for building a life worth living … and building a better world in which to live it.

——

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 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

No information currently available.

ProMedica (formerly ManorCare)

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

Church services take place five days each week. Please note that scheduled visits are in the front living room or outdoors and are by appointment only. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; coffee and “Jeopardy,” 10:15 a.m.; tailgate party, Packers vs. Chiefs, 2 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Scattegories, 10:15 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; turkey mandalas, 10:15 a.m.; resident council, 2 p.m.; bingo, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30; Protestant service, 9 a.m.; kickball, 10:15; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.

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

Friday: Men’s breakfast, 7 a.m.; bowling, 10:15 a.m.; happy hour with entertainment by Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10:30 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

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; Packers vs. Chiefs, 3:30 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.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

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

Thursday: Communion with Deacon Don, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; crosswords, 2 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

Sunday: Mass (channel 66.1), 11 a.m.; coffee social, 2 p.m.

Monday: Room visits, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 and 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Bingo, 10 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Cookie contest, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; bunco, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday: Bingo, 10:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Shopping, 10 a.m.; rosary (channel 66.1), 2:30 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; room visits, 3:30 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11:30 a.m. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Pepper steak, rice, cauliflower and lettuce salad.

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

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

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

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at noon. Carryout meals also are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef stew and cornbread.

Tuesday: Pork chop, mashed potatoes and peas.

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, noodles and corn.

Thursday: Barbecue chicken, baked potatoes and carrots.

Friday: Fish or smoked sausage, browned potatoes and wax beans.

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

Crystal Falls Center

906-875-6709

The center is now open and is once again serving meals for dining in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place your order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include salad bar, homemade desserts, coffee, tea, or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pick up for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Pasty casserole, vegetables, salad bar and homemade dessert.

Wednesday: Chili potato bar, vegetables, salad bar and homemade dessert.

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: Ham and au gratin potatoes, mixed vegetables, dinner roll with butter packet and fresh fruit.

Tuesday: Chicken rice soup, cottage cheese, corn bread and pudding.

Wednesday: Cheese ravioli, breadstick, Winter blend vegetables and parmesan.

Thursday: Tuna bake on a bun, green beans, spiced applesauce and coleslaw.

Friday: Smothered chicken, mashed potatoes and broccoli.

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 are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Ham-Swiss sub sandwich, coleslaw and potato chips.

Tuesday: Shrimp alfredo, egg noodles and carrots.

Wednesday: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn.

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. Menu for the week —

Monday: Shepherd’s pie, corn, dark green salad, garlic bread and fruit.

Tuesday: Brat on a bun, baked beans, potato salad and fruit cocktail.

Wednesday: Stuffed shells with meat sauce, green beans, fruit and pudding.

Thursday: Chicken and stuffing bake, squash, green bean medley and fruit pie.

Friday: Kielbasa skillet stew, dark green salad, biscuits, fruit.

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

Fence Center/Town Hall

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

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday 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, served at noon on second Thursday 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. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Tamale bake, refried beans, Spanish rice, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Chicken pot pie casserole, applesauce, dinner roll, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Chili dog, Mexican corn chips, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Stuffed pepper, peas and carrots, dinner roll, dessert and milk.

Norway Center

Director: Michelle DeSimone

906-563-8716

Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Menu for the week —

Monday: Lasagna, breadstick and broccoli.

Tuesday: Chicken patty on a bun, sweet potato fries and peas.

Wednesday: Polish sausage and sauerkraut, red potatoes and sugar snap peas.

Thursday: Cabbage roll casserole, biscuit, spinach — join in for birthday celebration and bingo.

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

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

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

Tuesday: Fish sticks, macaroni and cheese, green beans and peaches.

Wednesday: Chicken parmesan, egg noodles, broccoli and mixed fruit.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn and pears.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.