NIAGARA, Wis. — How do we become the unique individuals that we are? What shapes and defines our personalities? There has long been a debate as to which has more influence: nature or nurture. Do we have our genetic DNA or our family environment to thank … or to blame? Experts have pretty much decided it is a combination of the two. But there is another factor that we may not always consider, and that is the generation into which we were born. Today, I want to explore that for a bit because the events of history that occurred within our formative years, definitely shaped our lives in very profound ways … and will continue to shape the lives of future generations.

A recent email conversation with my now-Arizona, and youngest, son made me stop and think about those generational differences. He had sent me a slide show that attempted to illustrate the traditions of my generation — those infamous “Boomers” — that are gradually yielding to the preferences of Millennials and Gen Z-ers. The slide show was titled “Saying Goodbye to Boomer Traditions” and showed what preferences were taking their places. Those changing trends highlighted included:

— Boomers purchase too much “stuff” that doesn’t get used. I completely agreed with him on this, as my husband and I continue to remark at just how many storage facilities continue to be built.

— Cable TV subscriptions are down in favor of streaming services that can be viewed on mobile devices whenever it is convenient for the viewer. The younger generations seem to be permanently attached to their cell phones. I do not necessarily view this as a positive characteristic because I fear the resulting lack of ability for interpersonal communication. But then our parents probably believed the same thing about too much television.

— The “living to work” mindset of previous generations is giving way to an insistence on work-life balance. This is a very positive — and much healthier — trait. We Boomers had absolutely no leverage with our employers because there were so many of us in the job market. We knew if we did not work hard and show a willingness to do whatever the job required, we could easily be replaced by any one of the 50 applicants waiting for our jobs.

— The wedding industry is changing. Young people today are getting married at an older age and having more non-traditional weddings — more casual, smaller affairs.

— The diamond industry is shrinking because the younger generations disapprove of how they are mined and how the miners are treated.

— The larger pet food brands are experiencing a decrease in sales. Younger generations love their pets and are willing to pay for the higher quality offered by smaller brands to feed them.

— Cable news outlets are less popular, giving way to independent media news outlets streamed on mobile devices.

— In keeping with the mobile trend, do not expect many young people to ring your doorbell. They will text you on their phone to let you know they are standing on your doorstep.

— Soon, no one will be ironing any longer. With more relaxed workplaces and more work-from-home situations, work attire is much more casual and made from fabrics that do not require ironing. I must say, even my own iron has fallen by the wayside since I retired.

— And last but not least, in keeping with the more hassle-free lifestyle of the younger generations, wine with corks have given way to wine with screw tops. Nope, I won’t be following that trend if for no other reason than I love the sound of the distinctive “pop of promise” that a cork provides.

While this was a lighthearted look at some simple generational preferences, historical events that are more serious — as well as the generation that came before — continue to shape each new generation in profound ways. The Boomers were raised by a generation that experienced the Great Depression as children and World War II as young adults. They knew scarcity and hardship; the phrase “waste not, want not” was part of their vocabulary. They worked hard to make a living because they had to, and because they believed in giving a full day of labor for a full day of pay. They also saw great national leadership and had a high level of patriotism and belief in America.

Their personal ethics stemmed from the necessity of living within a collective society. They needed to pull together to get through the difficult times in which they lived. Consequently, they put a lot of value and emphasis on what other people thought which led to a society of conformity. The down side of this was that the spirit of individuality suffered; it was not a good thing to be viewed as different. It was important to “fit in” with the establishment.

It was into this mentality that we Boomers were born and against which we rebelled. Our war was Vietnam; an unpopular war that killed hundreds of thousands of soldiers our age. Our leader was Richard Nixon. We watched the scandal of the Watergate trials play out on national television. Individualism was valued above collectivism. The “Summer of Love” celebrated the free spirit and life without boundaries. However, we grew up, and the challenge of earning a living as part of a workforce that outnumbered job opportunities was daunting. We worked very long hours at jobs that were hard to come by and for which we were very thankful.

The generations following us have also had their challenges and external forces that have shaped their lives and beliefs. I remember when our youngest son was in grade school and woke up screaming after a nightmare; he had dreamed there was a nuclear bomb in his bed! One of my grandsons is seriously considering not having children of his own because he fears bringing them into a world facing climate change. How will AI affect the workforce of the future? And we have yet to fully learn what challenges will need to be faced by the youth who grew up during COVID. How will those years of interrupted learning and socialization affect their personal futures and their personalities as adults? And, certainly, the generation of children who have personally witnessed gun violence in our country will be profoundly affected and shaped by the fear of being killed at school … or at the grocery store, or a friend’s party.

With each new generation comes new challenges and new opportunities for growth. As each generation of young adults faces a new situation, they will develop the skills they need to survive and, hopefully, thrive. In so doing, they will advance our civilization. We each do the best we can given the circumstances of the historical times into which we were born. As we work our way over the hurdles and find our way around obstacles, our character is developed and our personality is formed.

We are both creation and creator. We are forged from the history through which we have lived and build the history that will shape the futures of others. It is quite an amazing process.

——

NURSING HOMES / SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Group activities are ongoing and doors are unlocked for visits. We welcome anyone who would like to entertain our residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; resident choice, 2 p.m.; try out the new games in south lounge, 6 p.m.

Monday: Daily report, 10 a.m.; jam workout, 10:15; lotto bingo, 10:30 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; baking, 1:30 p.m.; coffee chatter, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Daily report, 10 a.m.; cold coffee,10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; shuffle board, 1:30 p.m.; ring toss, 2 p.m.; ice cream, 7 p.m.

Wednesday: Daily report, 10 a.m.; devotions, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 11:30 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; take a walk, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Daily report, 10 a.m.; crafts, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; stringing beads, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Daily report, 10 a.m.; tap to the beat, 10:15 a.m.; roll it play it, 11 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Throw darts, 10 a.m.; resident choice, 1 p.m.; check out the game room, 6 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

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

Monday: Crafts, 9:15 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; bonfire, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; garden club, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/getting pretty, 9:30 a.m.; men’s club, 10 a.m.; sock hop with Jan and Gino, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

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

Friday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; mystery ride, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; ice cream cones in the pavilion, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: “Price Is Right”/Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; geri gym, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

(formerly Manor Care / ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is now open for visitation. Visitors no longer need to call in advance.

Sunday: Crafting, 9:30 a.m.; reminiscing, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; matchmaker, 1p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Leisure cart, 9 a.m.; devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; flip-o, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; the lowdown, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; First Lutheran Church service, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; stretch it out, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; patio ring toss, 1:30 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Morning mixer, 9:30 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; po-ke-no, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Visitation is allowed. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Coffee and news, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; baking chocolate chip cookies, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; yard Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; “Sounds of Time” with Jan and Gino – courtyard and ice cream, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; parachute, 10 a.m.; courtyard campfire — s’mores, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; exercise — sit and stretch, 10 a.m.; Yahtzee/Moon Pies, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Scrabble, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Morning mingle/spelling bee, 10 a.m.; courtyard games — bag toss, 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. No group activities are being done at this time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

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

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; root beer floats on the porch, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Pastor Jim, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Crafts, 10:30 a.m.; sensory, 2 p.m.

Monday: Casino outing, 10:30 a.m.; crafts, 2 p.m.; skipbo, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Menu committee, 10:30 a.m.; resident council, 10:45 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; sensory, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Shopping outing, 10:30 a.m.; karaoke, 2 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; Pictionary, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; bowling outing, 11:30 a.m.; trivia, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

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

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

The center at 415 Main St. is open four days a week, serving soup and sandwich meals from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

The new cook prepares meals on site.

Tuesday: French toast bake, scrambled eggs, sausage.

Wednesday: Chicken salad wrap, baked beans, pasta salad.

Thursday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, mixed vegetables.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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 also are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Meatloaf, baked potato, corn.

Tuesday: Fish, baked potato, coleslaw.

Wednesday: Spaghetti, garlic bread, green beans.

Thursday: Beef tips, mashed potatoes, green beans.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Bitsy Peryam

906-875-6709

The center serves meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, 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 —

Monday: Spaghetti with Italian sausage, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Shepherd’s pie, dinner rolls.

Wednesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes.

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA — independent from above menu)

Monday: Meat ravioli, garlic bread, cauliflower with cheese.

Tuesday: Macaroni and cheese with ham, peas, spiced fruit.

Wednesday: Prime rib, baked potato with sour cream, buttered corn.

Thursday: Fish sandwich, green bean casserole, applesauce.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Meat ravioli, garlic bread, cauliflower with cheese

Tuesday: Macaroni and cheese with ham, peas, spiced fruit

Wednesday: Prime rib, baked potato with sour cream, buttered corn

Thursday: Fish sandwich, green bean casserole, applesauce

Friday: American sub sandwich, confetti beans, chips, string cheese

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: Les Artistes’ art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

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

Wednesday: Bingo, 1to 3 p.m., cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played; Happy Quilters, 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

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

Monday: Ham and cheese sandwich, chips.

Tuesday: Ravioli, corn, garlic bread.

Wednesday: Evening meal — Pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable blend.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Meat ravioli, garlic bread, cauliflower with cheese.

Tuesday: Macaroni and cheese with ham, peas, spiced fruit.

Wednesday: Prime rib, baked potato with sour cream, buttered corn.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Cook’s choice — entrée, vegetable, fruit.

Tuesday: Soft chicken tacos with lettuce, tomato and salsa, refried beans, coleslaw, fruit.

Wednesday: Lasagna, spinach orange salad, breadsticks, watermelon, cookies.

Thursday: Pork steak with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, fruit.

Friday: Beer-battered fish, baked beans, sweet potato fries, 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 Wednesdays 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

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals On Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Pulled pork, hamburger bun, corn, oven potatoes, fruit with yogurt.

Tuesday: Stuffed green peppers, carrots, fruit cup.

Wednesday: Beef pot pie, roasted broccoli, applesauce, breadstick.

Thursday: Cream of broccoli soup, meat sandwich with whole wheat bread, cucumber salad, tropical fruit.

Friday: Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes with gravy, Scandinavian blend vegetables, fruit cup, whole wheat bread.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating, serving at 11 a.m. Salad bar is available.

No night meals. Carryout meals also are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Ham, scalloped potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, french fries, wax beans.

Wednesday: Chicken quesadilla, fiesta corn, refried beans.

Thursday: Beef stew, dinner roll, apple compote, dessert.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

The center is open, with dinner served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $7 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Beef stroganoff, noodles, green beans, fruit muffin.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken, rice pilaf, mixed vegetables, Rice Krispie treats.

Wednesday: Sliced ham, au gratin potatoes, peas, strawberry shortcake.

Thursday: Liver and onions, parsley buttered potatoes, corn, dinner roll, dessert bar

The center will have bingo on Mondays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski

906-563-8716

Open for dine-in eating 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 planning to dine in or pick up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheese ravioli, garlic bread, vegetable.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joes, tater barrels, vegetable.

Wednesday: Two-meal day — 11 a.m., Ham and Swiss sandwich, chips, vegetable; 4 p.m., barbecued ribs, mashed potatoes, vegetable.

Thursday: Breakfast bake with sausage and hashbrown potatoes.

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

Board meeting at noon Thursday.

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

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

Tuesday: Chicken noodles soup, grilled cheese sandwich, applesauce.

Wednesday: Bratwurst, bun, corn, baked potato, applesauce.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, broccoli.

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

Home-delivered meals –

Monday: Meat ravioli, garlic bread, cauliflower with cheese.

Tuesday: Macaroni and cheese with ham, peas, spiced fruit.

Wednesday: Prime rib, baked potato with sour cream, buttered corn.