Trending
NIAGARA, Wis. -- "Patience is a virtue few possess" is one of those pithy little sayings brought about by the very common character flaw so many of us mere mortals possess -- the inability to patiently wait. Most of us are impatient about one thing or another. Maybe it is our spouse's habit of always waiting too long to take out the trash. Or maybe it is a situation that drives us up the wall -- like someone with a full cart in the grocery store who pulls up to the "20 items or fewer" cash register just ahead of us when we only have five items. Or the driver ahead of us who continues to sit there after the light has turned green … or slows down for a green light in anticipation of it turning red. Or waiting for your physician to come in and examine you while you sit there "covered" with a poor excuse of a paper gown. I can feel my heart rate increase just by citing these examples.
While most of us can identify with the feeling of being impatient, not all of us give into it. Why can some folks just go with the flow or roll with the punches that are a part of life while the rest of us suffer from having a much shorter fuse in the same situations? And have you noticed that while you lose patience over one thing and can remain calm in another situation, someone else may be just the opposite?
Generally speaking, my husband is a much more patient person than I am in every situation but one … driving. He takes everything in stride until he gets behind the wheel, and then he has to be leader of the pack. This is especially true if we are on our way home from somewhere. When I am the passenger, I am a terrible Nervous Nellie. But as a driver, I am very patient and choose to adjust my speed to the flow of the traffic rather than to pass everything in sight. Over the years, we have had to compromise. He drives on the way to wherever we are going, and I drive on the way home. This has helped for the most part -- at least we are still married.
I have a hard time simply waiting without feeling that there must be something I can do to help expedite any issue. I am a fixer by nature. I envy people who can patiently take one day at a time; who can go through life letting each day unfold and accept the end result having had nothing whatsoever to do with the outcome. That is not to say they are irresponsible. They simply recognize what they can and cannot control and are comfortable with letting go of what is not in their wheelhouse.
Patience, as it turns out, does not belong to only those folks with naturally calm dispositions. Patience can be cultivated; it is a skill that everyone can develop and strengthen. Clinical psychologist Scott Bea, Ph. D, states, "It's kind of like dancing. Some people are naturally better at it than others, but everyone can improve with practice."
As it turns out, we impatient folks are not completely to blame for this character flaw or idiosyncrasy. As society has developed -- particularly in the area of technology -- we have been primed to expect immediate gratification. Whether it is a particular book we want to read, a song we want to listen to or a TV show we want to watch, it is all available to us a few computer clicks away. An evening's dinner, or a week's groceries, can appear at our door in a flash. We can go online and order any type of merchandise and receive it within a matter of days. While all of this is certainly convenient, it has risen our level of expectation through the roof, and we have become a society of "gotta' have it right now" folks.
Bea suggests the seven tips for practicing patience. They come with a warning: at first it will not be easy, and you will most likely not enjoy it. But give it a try as the end result will be a much "calmer you."
-- Practice mindfulness. This simply means being aware of the present and allowing yourself to be comfortable in the moment. Sit quietly and notice your breathing. Also be aware of what distracts you from the moment in which you find yourself. Consciously push that thought to the back of your mind and return to your breathing.
-- Accept your current circumstances. This may mean being stuck in traffic or locked in a job you no longer enjoy. This doesn't mean resigning yourself to stay in this situation for the rest of your life, but it requires you to simply accept your situation in the moment for exactly what it is -- even if it is unpleasant.
-- Build a tolerance for being a bit uncomfortable. Let other people go ahead of you in line or in traffic. Resist the urge to scratch an itch immediately. Do not act upon every impulse to check your cellphone.
-- When you are feeling rushed, consciously slow down. You don't have to feel like a hamster on a wheel all of the time. Know that you can choose slow. In our culture that prizes speed, know that there is value to be had in a slower pace.
-- Be playful. Practice acting like a kid sometimes. Sing around the house or in the shower. Be silly and laugh. Actively try to take yourself less seriously.
-- Let life feel broken and wallow around in that feeling. It doesn't matter whether it is a work project that has gone off the rails, a problem in your relationship, or something in your home that is literally broken. Resist the urge to immediately fix everything.
-- Practice being a good listener. Listen carefully to what family members, friends and co-workers are saying. Focus on understanding them without formulating an immediate response.
One thing positive to come out of the COVID epidemic was the fact that our lives necessarily had to slow down. We could no longer partake in our usual distractions like restaurants and movies. We were forced to stay home and get comfortable with ourselves and immediate family again. Family game and movie nights were re-instituted when no one was racing off to an event away from home -- nothing was open so we had to get comfortable at home living at a slower pace.
Remember when that supply chain was interrupted? No one could get anything without waiting several months. Since we were not spending money on recreation away from home, my husband and I did what many folks did -- invested in home improvements. We waited months for new appliances and furniture. We had no choice; waiting was all a part of the process back then.
Certainly, no one wishes the return of a pandemic to force patience upon us. But that experience did show us that we are capable of adopting that character trait. A more patient personality is better for both our mental and physical health and strengthens our personal relationships. So, if you suffer from an impatient streak, do yourself and everyone around you a big favor: decide to take a deep breath, slow down and practice the seven steps listed above. Soon you will be as "cool as a cucumber," no matter what the situation. And the people who live and work with you will be a lot calmer as well.
------
NURSING HOMES / SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES
Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community
Kingsford
906-774-1530
They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.
Sunday: Church on TV/resident choice, 10 a.m.; throw darts, 6 p.m.
Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; gardening, 1:30 p.m.; coffee chatter, 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Church with Lisa, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; crossword, 1:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: Art, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; finish art work, 1:30 p.m.
Thursday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; science fun, 1:30 p.m.; shut the box, 2:30 p.m.
Friday: Jam work out, 10 a.m.; math whiz, 10:30 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Resident choice 10 a.m.; love for color, 2 p.m.; word search, 6 p.m.
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: Cooking, 9:30 a.m.; DT lunch, noon; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; bonfire, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; parachute, 10:45 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Coffee social/Animal Kingdom, 10 a.m.; picnic to Stager, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; just friends, 1 p.m.; Garden Club, 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.; happy hour, 2 p.m.
Friday: No information available.
Saturday: No information available.
Optalis Healthcare
(formerly Manor Care)
Kingsford
906-774-4805
Sunday: Yahtzee, 9 a.m.; manicures, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.
Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 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.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; wild Wednesday, 1:30 p.m.
Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; new in town, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 1:30 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.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafting, 1 p.m.
Maryhill Manor Nursing Home
Niagara, Wis.
715-251-3172
Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.
Sunday: Coffee and tic tac trivia, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.
Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; yard Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bocce ball, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; kick ball, 10 a.m.; courtyard campfire, s'mores, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.
Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; ring toss, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Friday: Uno, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim D., 2 p.m.
Saturday: Morning mingle/spelling bee, 10 a.m.; comedy movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.
Florence Health Services
Florence, Wis.
715-528-4833
No group activities are planned 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.; Popsicles on the porch, 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.
Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; left-center-right, 2 p.m.
Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; 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: Karaoke, 10:30 a.m.; Phase 10, 2 p.m.
Monday: Breakfast outing, 8 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; social circle, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.
Tuesday: Movie, 10:30 a.m.; karaoke, 2 p.m.; social circle, 3:30 p.m.; crossword puzzles, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Casino outing, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.
Thursday: Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3 p.m.; one-to-one, 6 p.m.
Friday: No information available.
Saturday: No information available.
SENIOR CENTERS
Alpha-Mastodon Center
906-875-3315
The center, at 415 Main St., is open four days a week, serving soup and sandwich meal 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
Menu for the week --
Tuesday: Baked rigatoni, vegetables and salad.
Wednesday: Roast beef sandwich, pasta salad and coleslaw.
Thursday: Pancakes, bacon and cottage cheese.
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 are also available. Menu for the week --
Monday: Chicken stir-fry and rice.
Tuesday: Cheeseburger, potatoes and coleslaw.
Wednesday: Beef stew and cornbread.
Thursday: Breakfast meal -- eggs, potatoes and bacon.
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 is now open on Mondays and is serving 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 a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week --
Monday: Pizza and garlic bread.
Tuesday: Chicken ala king and steamed rice.
Wednesday: Penne pasta with meatballs and garlic bread.
Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA -- independent from above menu) --
Monday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, dinner roll and broccoli with cheese.
Tuesday: Hawaiian French bread pizza, beets and candied carrots.
Wednesday: Lemon pepper fish, noodles and dinner roll.
Thursday: Chicken fajitas, Mexi-rice and corn.
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: Spaghetti with meat sauce, dinner roll and broccoli with cheese.
Tuesday: Hawaiian French bread pizza, beets and candied carrots.
Wednesday: Lemon pepper fish, noodles and dinner roll.
Thursday: Chicken fajitas, Mexi-rice and corn.
Friday: French toast sticks, sausage links and hashbrown potatoes.
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:
Monday: Les Artistes' art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.
Tuesday: Cards -- Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played.
Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday: Cards -- Smear, noon to 4 p.m.
Felch Center
906-246-3559
Dine-in eating -- call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week --
Monday: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and winter blend vegetables.
Tuesday: Blueberry bake and sausage.
Wednesday: Spaghetti, meatballs and green beans.
Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.
Home-delivered meals --
Monday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, dinner roll and broccoli with cheese.
Tuesday: Hawaiian French bread pizza, beets, and candied carrots.
Wednesday: Lemon pepper fish, noodles and dinner roll.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Florence County, Wis.
715-528-4890
Director: Tiffany White
Menu for the week --
Monday: Smothered pork chop, au gratin potatoes, broccoli and fruit.
Tuesday: Brat on a bun, potato salad, baked beans and fruit.
Wednesday: Meatloaf, baked potato, creamed peas, cucumber salad, fruit pie and ice cream.
Thursday: Cook's choice -- entrée, vegetable and fruit.
Friday: Tuna pasta salad, tomato soup, corn bread 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, served 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: Bourbon steak, white rice, wax beans, carrots and yogurt with fruit.
Tuesday: Tater tot casserole, seven-way mixed vegetables, whole wheat bread and fruit cup.
Wednesday: Pork loin with sauce, boiled potatoes, country blend vegetables, dinner roll and sunshine cake.
Thursday: Chicken Alfredo, mixed vegetables, salad and fresh fruit.
Friday: Taco salad with meat, salsa, lettuce, tomato, olives, onions, sour cream and tortilla chips and tropical fruit.
Iron River Center
906-265-6134
Open for dine-in eating, serving at 11 a.m. Salad bar is available. No night meals at this time. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week --
Monday: Chicken sandwich, hashbrown potatoes and vegetables.
Tuesday: Pancakes, sausage and blueberry sauce.
Wednesday: Taco salad, corn salad and cottage cheese.
Thursday: Turkey stuffing bake, mashed potatoes and green beans.
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. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for those ages 60 or younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.
Monday: Taco bake, cornbread, refried beans, Mandarin oranges and cake.
Tuesday: Sub sandwiches, fresh fruit, chips and cookie.
Wednesday: Hot roast beef sandwich, mashed potatoes, gravy, mixed vegetables, bread and pie.
Thursday: Tuna salad sandwich, cucumber tomato salad, chips and scotcharoos.
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: Finnish pancake, sausage, hashbrown potatoes and strawberries.
Tuesday: Pork loin, mashed potatoes with gravy and vegetable.
Wednesday: Chicken cordon bleu, baked potato and vegetable.
Thursday: Ham, scalloped potatoes and vegetable.
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, 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: Biscuits, sausage gravy, fried potatoes and asparagus.
Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo, buttered noodles and broccoli.
Thursday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots.
All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.
Home-delivered meals -
Monday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, dinner roll and broccoli with cheese.
Tuesday: Hawaiian French bread pizza, beets and candied carrots.
Wednesday: Lemon pepper fish, noodles and dinner roll.