NIAGARA, Wis. — The study group, to which I belong, had learned about accomplished women for the past several months so for our final meeting, each of us was to name our personal hero and briefly describe the reason for our choice. For me, it was an easy task for I have long admired my maternal grandmother. A review of her personality seems to be a very good way to begin the topic of finding inner peace.

If you were to meet my grandmother, you would be first struck with her quiet nature, sweet smile, and old-fashioned appearance. She looked the same to me my entire life, never aging because she always looked like, well, a grandma! She had white hair, which she wore long, braided and neatly twisted around her head like a crown. She had glasses and false teeth. She always wore dresses — never slacks — that fell below her knee, thick opaque stockings, and “sensible,” black shoes. Most always she wore an apron and had a “hanky” tucked up her sleeve. Her skin was pale and thin, her hands large and strong, and she had “veri-close” veins (as she called them) in her legs.

She was born Jan. 9, 1898 — the oldest of nine children — and descended from a German immigrant farming family. Her name was Gertrude Violet Kloehn; we called her Grandma Gertie. She lived 99 years and 7 months. She had no formal education beyond the eighth grade, which had been acquired in a rural one-room school house reminiscent of “Little House on the Prairie.” She valued education despite her own lack of it. She used to regularly read the dictionary and, a devout Lutheran, read her Bible cover to cover twice. She rarely attended church, but was a very faithful, spiritual person; her Christian values shined through in how she lived her life and how she treated people. I never saw her lose her temper — not even when my brother and I, against the rules, threw a ball around inside her big farm kitchen and broke the fluorescent ceiling light. She was kind and generous. She lived through the Depression and as difficult as things were, she routinely left food on the back porch for the transient hobos who went door-to-door through the neighborhood during those difficult years.

Her personality was one of unfailing calm. By the time she came to live with us, I had already started college so I had left home. But I do remember she brought a sense of peace that covered my tumultuous family home like a warm blanket. Her deep faith gave her the ability to accept each day as it was given to her; her endearing words of wisdom — spoken often to all of us — were “whatever shall be, will be.” My most vivid memory was of her sitting in the sun in her rocking chair, on the back porch of one of the many rental homes my family inhabited during those years, wearing a floral apron. As she sat so peacefully, the sun radiating off of her silver hair like a halo, butterflies came to rest on her apron. It is an image I will never forget; so restful and calm she was in the sunlight.

The level of inner peace radiated by my grandmother is something most of us seek our entire lives. It would be easy to claim that the level of serenity experienced by her is simply not possible in today’s world. Life is just too fast-paced, we claim. There is too much noise, too much upheaval and political unrest. There is always too much work to do. There is never enough time to relax. Upon closer examination, however, we soon realize that obstacles to peace have existed throughout history in one form or another. Lifestyles have certainly changed since my grandmother’s day, but each generation has had its barriers to peace and tranquility.

Mankind has never been without external challenges to peace; each generation has had wars, civil unrest, and natural disasters to overcome. And each generation has found solutions that were available at the time. Yet, individual peace has remained elusive for it generates from a different place. Most of us have not yet figured out its origins and continue to look outside ourselves for the tranquility we seek. We vacation to far off places searching for calm and quiet — distant sun-drenched shores, or remote mountain top retreats — only to return home to the same lifestyle from which we sought respite. We also tend to want to buy our peace, soothing our stress through facials and massage or immersion into an actual spa vacation. While certainly helpful in the moment, these have short lived effects. We return home and immerse ourselves in the same over scheduled lives.

History has no shortage of those who have been successful in their quest for inner peace, and who are more than willing to share what they have learned with the rest of us. I recently read an article online that claimed true inner peace to be accessible anytime, anywhere, if we only quiet our minds long enough to find it. I share some helpful insights for your consideration today.

Several references were made to developing an ability to live life in the present. Lao Tzu said, “If you are depressed you are living in the past, if you are anxious you are living in the future, if you are at peace, you are living in the present.” Hindu scripture advises, “Meet this transient world with neither grasping nor fear, trust the unfolding of life, and you will attain true serenity.” I especially liked the words of author Kaira Jewel Lingo who said, “Equanimity is about dwelling with things the way they are. It is a power that can help us meet the intense challenges of this time, in which we face so much disruption and breakdown.”

Also key to inner peace was being true to oneself. Author D.H. Lawrence wrote, “Men are not free when they are doing just what they like. Men are only free when they are doing what the deepest self likes. (It is possible.) It takes some diving!” One Zen teaching states, “We have to face the pain we have been running from. In fact, we need to learn to rest in it and let its searing power transform us.”

Especially significant to many was the idea of accepting life as it is and taking it as it comes. Seneca, an ancient Roman philosopher of the stoic tradition, said “To bear trials with a calm mind robs misfortune of its strength and burden.” And motivational speaker Wayne W. Dyer, explained that “Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.” In short, if you tend toward being a “fixer,” stop it. Every person and every event cannot be fixed; sometimes life just has to run its course and those living it must face the consequences of their own actions.

Life can be difficult, but it is possible to live in peace within its turmoil. My own mantra has become, “This too shall pass.” I learned from the best.

——

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.

Sunday: Happy Mother’s Day.

Monday: Story making, 10 a.m.; dining room trivia, 11:45 a.m.; horse racing, 2 p.m.; hallway visits, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Exercise fun, 10 a.m.; music/dance, 11:45 a.m.; game of choice, 2 p.m.; group chat, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Exercise fun, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; lucky 7, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise fun, 10 a.m.; music/dancing, 11:45 a.m..; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie time, 3 p.m.

Friday: Current events, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; game choice, 2 p.m.; noodle ball, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Color a flower, 10 a.m.; word search puzzle, 2 p.m.; “Antiques Road Show,” 6 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; trivia, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bowling banquet, 11:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; blackout bingo, 2 p.m.; high rollers, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: PJ Day , coffee social/spa day, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; wildlife film, 1 p.m.; beer tasting, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Resident Appreciation Day, coffee social/pass the prize, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; casino day, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; happy hour with karaoke, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Cooking, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; lunch outing, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; prize wheel bingo, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/room visits, 9 a.m.; reminisce, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

ProMedica (formerly Manor Care)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is now open for visitation. There is no longer a need to call in advance of your visit.

Sunday: Go Fish, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Mother’s Day social, 1 p.m.; movie in lobby, 2 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.: exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie in lobby, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Resident Council, 2 p.m.; movie in lobby, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-O, 2 p.m.; movie in lobby, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; May craft, 2 p.m.; movie in lobby, 3 p.m.

Friday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie in lobby, 3 p.m.

Saturday: “Family Feud,” 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; leisure room, 1 p.m.; movie in lobby, 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Church services are five days each week. Visitation is allowed as long as all infection control guidelines are followed, including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Coffee and trivia, 10:15 a.m.; Mother’s Day social and bingo, 2 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Bob Larson, 10:15 a.m.; Resident Council, 2 p.m.; bingo, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Protestant ser vice, 9 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10:15 a.m.; card club/Rummy, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Uno, 10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Pictionary, 10:15 a.m.; Hawaiian Day luau with Jim D. entertainment, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10:30 a.m.; movie and cookies, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

(formerly Golden Living Center)

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. 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. There are no group activities at the present time.

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.; Yahtzee, 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.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; tenant meeting, 1:30 p.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: Mother’s Day tea, 10:30 a.m.; Lutheran service, 2 p.m.

Monday: Game Show Day, “Price is Right,” 10 a.m.; “Family Feud,” 2 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: “Decade Day,” dress up as your favorite age, cook-out, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: “Luau Day,” Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; luau with Bob Whitens, 2 p.m.; trivia, 6 p.m.

Thursday: “Casino Day,” Casino games, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: “PJ Day,” Community clean-up day, 9 a.m.; movie, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; reminiscing, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Pictionary, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; rosary, 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: Meatloaf, baked potato, Brussel sprouts and corn relish.

Wednesday: Sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, corn and lettuce/tomato salad.

Thursday: Spaghetti, green 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. Night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Burritos, rice and refried beans.

Tuesday: Hot beef sandwiches, mashed potatoes and gravy and corn.

Wednesday: Turkey and ham sub sandwiches and potato wedges.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, dinner roll, broccoli.

Friday: Baked barbecued chicken, oven browned potatoes and baked beans.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Rocky Scarlassara

906-875-6709

The center is now open and is once again serving meals for dine-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. Pickup 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: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with Italian sausage, garlic bread and vegetables.

Dickinson-Iron Community

Services Agency

DISCA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235.

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

Monday: Lasagna, Italian vegetables, garlic bread and fruit.

Tuesday: Bratwurst, French fries, baked beans, mayo, ketchup and onions.

Wednesday: Omelet, hash brown potatoes and spiced applesauce.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, broccoli, spiced pears, dinner roll and butter.

Friday: Turkey sub sandwich, spaghetti salad, chips and treat.

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

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

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week is:

Monday: Spinning spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Les Artistes’ art club, noon to 4 p.m.; wood carvers, noon to 4 p.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Card cost is .25 per card, 10 games are played.

Thursday: Cards — Pinochle, noon to 4 p.m.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

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

Monday: Biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs and hash brown potatoes.

Tuesday: Fish or bratwurst, baked potatoes and peas.

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo, egg noodles and mixed vegetables.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Homemade pizza, dark green salad and fruit.

Tuesday: Ham and bean soup, egg salad sandwich, cucumber salad and fruit.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, baked potato, broccoli Normandy, fruit and cookies.

Thursday: Ravioli with meat sauce, dark green salad, break sticks, fruit and birthday cake.

Friday: Philly cheese steak casserole, candied carrots and 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. Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

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

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Now open — information coming soon.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m. — salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Tuna casserole, peas and carrots and dinner roll.

Tuesday: Beef tips, mashed potatoes and cauliflower.

Wednesday: Sloppy Joes, French fries and broccoli.

Thursday: Chicken Alfredo, noodles, California blend vegetables, breadstick and dessert.

All meals served with milk or juice and a serving of fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

Now open for dine-in eating — dinner is served at 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $4.50 for those older than 60 and $7 for those age 60 or younger. Bingo is played at the center on Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Lasagna, tossed salad, garlic bread and chocolate chip cookies.

Tuesday: Kielbasa, German potato salad, baked beans and pudding.

Wednesday: Pork loin, Spanish rice with black beans, corn, Fritos and fruit fluff.

Thursday: Lemon herb baked fish, baked potato, coleslaw, rye bread and blueberry dump dessert.

Norway Center

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski. 

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. Let staff know if you are dining in or picking up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, red potatoes and broccoli.

Tuesday: Stuffed green peppers, stewed tomatoes and baked potato.

Wednesday: Cod, scalloped potatoes, green beans.

Thursday: Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy and squash.

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

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. — call Joe at 563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays – Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

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

Tuesday: Pork chops, green beans, baked potatoes and applesauce.

Wednesday: Italian chicken, sweet potatoes, sliced carrots and pears.

Thursday: Hot ham and cheese sandwich, macaroni salad, vegetable sticks and dip and peaches.

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