NIAGARA, Wis. — A friend of mine is a retired teacher and guidance counselor. Darlene Strand spent her career helping the students of Goodman-Armstrong Creek School District grow into healthy, functioning adults able to contribute to society. She wrote a book titled “Becoming” with an original poem by the same name as an introduction.

The book was meant as a guide for teachers in helping their students from kindergarten through the sixth grade get a strong start on their journey to becoming their best selves. Her poem spoke to me so impactfully that I felt I should share it with all of you. In its verses are sensitive words of wisdom helpful to all ages for we continue to “become” throughout our lives.

Yesterday I was born

Tomorrow I will die

It’s the in-between that is today

Tomorrow’s but a sigh.

The in-between, the time we grow

Becoming who we are

A stranger from the one we know

A friend seen from afar.

We become the person we are inside

Strong or weak – depending on what we do;

Feed us, starve us, love or hate

Becoming one when there are really two.

It is the child in us that needs to be loved

In order for us to be strong;

To deny that child what it deserves

Is totally, incredibly wrong.

The loving, caring, strong adult

Who awaits us at the end

Takes nourishing contact every day

From someone who is a friend.

To become is not a task

That can be done alone;

We don’t know who we are

Until our image in your eyes we’ve known.

Feed my body, feed my mind,

Glance lightly into my soul;

The mirror reflects the one to come

An adult, assured, confident – whole.

So, be my friend – help me become

The one I want to be;

Not parts, divided into pieces,

But a total, a sum, completely me.

A fully human being

Able to work, to play, to love,

Laughing, crying, really living,

Fitting life like a hand inside a glove.

That’s what I want for each of us

That is my dream, you see,

People loving themselves and who they’ve become

Which frees them to love you and me.

So, let’s become and help others too,

To make this world a better place

And when the best in me meets the best in you

We’ll know we’ve made a difference in

The entire human race.

Becoming…the process… the path… the act…

Life as it’s meant to be!

The baby… the child… the teen… the adult…

Becoming… you and me!”

This poem begins by discussing the process a child grows through to become an adult. It is a journey first of discovery and then of acceptance. Children do not travel this journey alone for they need, and deserve, the help of all of us to discover who they are and where they excel. They also need our guidance and encouragement to dare to explore and push boundaries so they ultimately discover their full potential. And, most importantly, they need to love the end result of their journey to maturity. Loving that end result is a critical step, for it is through love of self that we can love others. The world becomes a better place when we love ourselves enough to love our fellow man.

One does not need to look too far into what is happening in our world today to know that there is not a problem that cannot be fixed when love of our fellow man is made a top priority. With love comes respect, which leads to actions with others in mind. When we stop focusing on self and open our hearts and minds to the needs of those around us, there is nothing we cannot accomplish together.

We have it within our power to become a better world … as this poem so aptly reminds us. Thank you, Darlene!

——

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.

No information was available for this first week of August.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; puzzle time, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Hanging calendars crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; bonfire, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass (video), 10 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; garden club/reminisce, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/”Animal Kingdom,” 10 a.m.; lunch outing, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; activity council, 3 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.; happy hour with music, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; ice cream truck in pavilion, noon to 2 p.m.; pavilion party with Jan and Gino, 2 p.m.;

Saturday: Room to room bingo/room visits, 9 a.m.; storytelling, 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. Visitors no longer need to call in advance.

Sunday: Uno, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-O, 1 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 2 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; balloon ball, 10 a.m.; manicures, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; porch time, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; Flip-O, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; trivia, 10 a.m.; craft corner, 2 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 3 p.m.

Friday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chocolate chip cookies, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Craft corner, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; porch time, 1 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

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: Book club, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; travel club, Germany, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; local voting, 10 a.m.; court yard camp fire, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Uno, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 1 p.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; outing – Music in the Park with the Steenos

Friday: Rummy, 10 a.m.; happy hour – entertainment by Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Movie trivia, 10 a.m.; courtyard face painting and root beer floats, 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

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.; left-center-right, 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: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; popsicles on the porch, 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 1:30 p.m.

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

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Reminiscing, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 2 p.m.

Monday: Karaoke, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; reminiscing, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Bingo, 10:30 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; baking group, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Casino outing, 10:30 a.m.; social circle, 2 p.m.; trivia, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Outside social, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; ice cream social, 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday: Cards, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2:30 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

This center remains open. The only change is that the Iron River Center will cook and deliver the meals each week.

Tuesday: Cheese omelet, hash brown potatoes, sausage, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Italian sub sandwich, pasta salad, cottage cheese, milk and fruit.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, winter blend vegetables, dessert and milk.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — serving at noon. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef stew and cornbread.

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

Wednesday: Barbecue ribs, baked potatoes and cauliflower.

Thursday: Fish or sloppy Joe, potatoes and California blend vegetables.

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 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 your phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Beef burgundy with tender egg noodles.

Wednesday: Roasted pork loin and mashed potatoes.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

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

Friday meals will be delivered on Wednesdays. Home-delivered meals only – call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Omelet, hash browns and spiced fruit.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joes, French fries and wax beans.

Wednesday: Breaded fish sandwich, macaroni and cheese and peas.

Thursday: Liver and onions, buttered corn and spiced applesauce.

Friday: Chicken sandwich, chips and yogurt cup.

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 to 4 p.m. Cards cost 25 cents; 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: Hot dog, French fries and baked beans.

Tuesday: Spaghetti and meatballs, winter blend vegetables and garlic bread.

Wednesday: Ham and egg bake, hash browns, grapes and biscuit.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

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

Monday: Chicken-broccoli-rice casserole, side salad and seasonal fruit.

Tuesday: Egg salad on a croissant with lettuce, vegetable soup and fruit.

Wednesday: Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, candied carrots and fruited Jell-O.

Thursday: Chicken strips, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw and fruit.

Friday: Philly cheese steak casserole, spinach orange salad 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

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

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

Monday: Hot dogs, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Cheese omelet, hash browns, sausage, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Italian sub sandwich, pasta salad, cottage cheese, milk and fruit.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, winter blend vegetables, dessert and milk.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon on Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Due to staffing shortages, the Red Brick Inn will prepare and deliver all meals to the center. Suggested donation is $4.50 for those older than 60 and $7 for those age 60 or younger. Bingo is played on Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Stuffed tomato with chicken salad, cottage cheese and fruit.

Tuesday: Beef stroganoff with noodles, green beans and fruit muffin.

Wednesday: Sliced ham, scalloped potatoes, peas and strawberry shortcake.

Thursday: Egg bake, sausage, hash browns, fruit muffin and juice.

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 dining in or picking up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef stroganoff, egg noodles and peas.

Tuesday: Bacon-lettuce-tomato wrap, sweet potato fries and sugar snap peas.

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

Thursday: Ham, cheesy potatoes and glazed carrots.

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 906-563-5587 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: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, green beans and Mandarin oranges.

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo, egg noodles, mixed vegetables and mixed fruit.

Thursday: Pork chop, mashed potatoes, carrots and pears.

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