NIAGARA, Wis. — We are all familiar with the need to set priorities. There is always more to do than there are hours in the day so in order to live as intentionally and effectively as possible, we set about assigning a level of importance to life’s demands.

Most of us learn to do this as we make our way through our lives and find out — most of the time the hard way — what happens when we do not prioritize our life’s activities. Priorities change as we grow from children into adults. Even in adulthood, our priorities may flex as we age or when we find ourselves in different circumstances.

What happens when we ignore our important responsibilities in order to do something more fun? We have all learned that lesson too. As I read and listen to the news each day, I find myself increasingly worried that those responsible for addressing the issues in our world that will lead us to a safer future have their priorities in the wrong place. So, let’s take a minute to consider the subject of setting priorities.

When we are children, our priorities are very self-serving. We want food when we are hungry, and most of the time what we want to eat is not what is best for us. We ignore our need for sleep so we can continue to play and have fun. Left to our own devices, we would watch too much television and consider burgers and fries a balanced diet. At this age, our parents intervene to provide what will keep us healthy and safe and guide us to choosing wisely for ourselves as we mature. Our parents also teach us that we are not the only important person in the world and that life does not revolve around what we want or perceive our needs to be. We learn the importance of the other person — whether a friend or a sibling — and that their needs and desires are just as important and as legitimate as ours.

As we mature, we strive for our independence; we want to build a life separate from our parents and to “be our own boss.” In so doing, life becomes our teacher with lessons that bring both pleasure and pain. Our priorities evolve to include a satisfying job so we can make a living. Of course, jobs bring bosses with a list of priorities that may or may not match ours. If our boss is on the same page as we are most of the time, life is good. But if we find ourselves in a work environment that is not at all comfortable due to a differing sense of what truly matters, then we have an important decision to make. Do we “go with the flow” even though our work life demands a set of values different than our own or do we find a different job?

Eventually most of us find a mate whose needs become a priority that can place our needs in second place on our list of life responsibilities. When my husband and I were going through “instructions” from the priest who was to marry us, he gave us a terrific piece of advice. He explained that each of us should enter our married relationship expecting to give 60% and receive 40%. He was so right as those words of wisdom have served us well for nearly 52 years.

And, of course, when children come along, priorities shift once again. Their needs come first. School clothes and basketball shoes trump a night out every time. And college tuition takes precedence over a romantic get-away to Jamaica. Parental responsibilities dictate priorities as our children rely upon us to guide them so they make the best possible decisions for their own lives. Our choices will determine their futures, and they will learn to set their own priorities by following our example. Being a parent is a big job and a tremendous responsibility and is not for the faint of heart. But the payoff in the long run is terrific, and the memories are irreplaceable.

Let’s expand our discussion to include our larger world for certainly what happens across our country, as well as throughout the world, needs to be of concern to us. It is tempting, living where we live, to feel comfortably separate from the larger issues faced by so many.

We have clean air and water. We do not have a visible homeless problem. We rarely have weather disasters. Our unemployment rate is low; in fact, most businesses are in need of more workers. Most of us feel safe in our homes and in our broader communities. The cost of living is manageable for most of us.

Yet, we really are not too far away from sharing the problems faced by the rest of the world. There are global issues that will impact us eventually if not attended to in an effective manner. We need only spend 15 minutes listening to the national news to learn about what other states in our nation, or other countries across the world, have to contend with on a daily basis.

Once again, our congressional “leaders,” and I use that term hesitantly, are wrangling over the federal budget. Time is running out for an agreement to be reached which will prevent the government from shutting down and defaulting on its debt, which will send the world’s finances into a tailspin. And those of us who can least afford it — and many others on distant shores — will be impacted the most if an agreement cannot be reached. How long do you think it would take congressional leaders to work out a compromise if their salaries would be the first item to be cut if our government would default?

In the midst of all this contention and power struggle, there lies a host of serious issues that languish without solution. We have a homeless issue in this country due in part to the lack of truly affordable housing as well as accessible mental health services. Also, an increasing number of areas have faced devastating weather catastrophes due to climate change. The destruction of property has been so severe and expensive that insurance companies have completely left the hardest hit states; homeowners in those areas now risk losing everything with little to no safety net. How soon before climate change affects our food supply? What will it take before climate change becomes a priority? Every night we are reminded of the immigration crisis at our nation’s southern border. This situation remains a crisis due to the failure of our country’s leaders to agree upon a fair and effective immigration policy. And our awareness of gun violence lies dormant until the next headline announces another fatal shooting in a school or shopping mall, and our leaders send their thoughts and prayers … and little else.

The real solution lies with us — the voters of this country. In another month we will enter the beginning of a new election cycle. I am sure I am not alone when I say I am not looking forward to it. We desperately need some new blood and some fresh thinking … and someone who can pull our country together into a functioning democracy once again. But I am afraid what we will get is the continuation of political infighting, debates that give us only temper tantrums and name calling, and broadcast news reports that seek the sensational headlines instead of truth.

In the presence of such a void of leadership, it is up to us. We the people still have the power of our vote. We the people determine our priorities as a nation and do the best to elect those who will work to make a better world for all of us. Let us pray that strong leaders emerge and that we have the sense to elect them.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Group activities are ongoing. They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; coloring/residents’ choice, 1 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; gardening, 1:30 p.m.; Uno, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Church with Lisa, 10 a.m.; ball workout, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Halloween decorating, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; Halloween decorating, 1:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; Resident Council meeting, 2 p.m.

Friday: White board game, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Halloween search, resident choice, spooky coloring.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

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

Monday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; high rollers, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Sunshine Club, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; faces and places, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Just friends, 9:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with music, 2 p.m.

Friday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; throwaway bingo, 2 p.m.; activity council, 3 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Room to room bingo/room visits, 9 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

(formerly ManorCare/ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Manicures, 9 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; po-ke-no, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Leisure cart, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; October facts, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; shop op, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafting with Linda Dale, 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.; po-ke-no, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Family members are invited to daily scheduled activities.

Sunday: Coffee and tic-tac trivia, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; flag football, 1 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.; Bob Larson, 10:15 a.m.; exercise, kickball, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; Whammo, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; exercise, bag toss, 10 a.m.; baking, cupcakes, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Uno, 10 a.m.; C&R happy hour, 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

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 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 refreshment, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; crosswords and refreshments, 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.; LCR and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

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

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Ladder ball, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; bowling, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Spa treatments and manicures, 10 a.m.; social circle, 2 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Casino outing, 10:30 a.m.; Oktoberfest, 2 p.m.; bowling, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

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

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; spa treatments, 2 p.m.; cornhole, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Saturday: 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 meal from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Barbecue pork sandwich, seasoned potato wedges and tuna salad.

Wednesday: Lemon pepper cod, loaded potatoes and dinner roll.

Thursday: French toast bake, scrambled eggs, sausage and orange juice.

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: Chili and grilled cheese sandwich.

Tuesday: Fish, baked potato and coleslaw.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, wax beans and garlic toast.

Thursday: French toast bake, scrambled eggs, sausage and fresh fruit.

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 open on Mondays and is serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or 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: Brats, baked beans and tater tots.

Tuesday: Beef tips over mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Ground beef goulash and dinner roll.

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

Monday: Smothered pork, macaroni and cheese, peas and carrots.

Tuesday: Egg/sausage/cheese muffin, breakfast potatoes and applesauce.

Wednesday: Honey mustard chicken, stuffing and squash.

Thursday: Polish sausage, buttered noodles and green beans.

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: Smothered pork, macaroni and cheese, peas and carrots.

Tuesday: Egg/sausage/cheese muffin, breakfast potatoes and applesauce.

Wednesday: Honey mustard chicken, stuffing and squash.

Thursday: Polish sausage, buttered noodles and green beans.

Friday: Egg salad sandwich, chips, cheese stick and fresh grapes.

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

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

Monday: Fried fish, French fries, coleslaw and peas.

Tuesday: Chicken casserole, dill carrots and dinner roll.

Wednesday: Spanish rice, Mexican corn and garlic bread.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Smothered pork, macaroni and cheese, peas and carrots.

Tuesday: Egg/sausage/cheese muffin, breakfast potatoes and applesauce.

Wednesday: Honey mustard chicken, stuffing and squash.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Sloppy Joes, sweet potato puffs, pea and cheese salad and fruit.

Tuesday: Baked chicken, au gratin potatoes, stewed tomatoes and fruit.

Wednesday: Lasagna roll-ups, roasted Brussel sprouts, breadsticks and apple crumb cake.

Thursday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, broccoli and fruit.

Friday: Breaded pork chop, mashed sweet potatoes, black bean and corn 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, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Reservations for a meal onsite need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

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, 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: Pork cutlet, sour cream and chive potatoes, mixed vegetable blend, Mandarin oranges and whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Hobo dinner, green beans, warm fruit cup and whole wheat breadstick.

Wednesday: Chicken parmesan over pasta, Italian vegetable blend, side salad and fruit cup.

Thursday: Beef stew, biscuit, sweet potato wedges and scalloped apples.

Friday: Taco casserole, Spanish rice, Mexicali corn and pineapple.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Open for dine-in eating, serving at 11 a.m. Salad bar is available. No night meals served at this time. Carryout meals are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: French toast sticks, sausage and strawberries.

Tuesday: Oriental chicken, rice, egg roll and fortune cookie.

Wednesday: Turkey Swiss sandwich, spinach bacon salad, cheese stick and fresh fruit.

Thursday: Baked fish, roasted potatoes, dinner roll and coleslaw.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

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 60 and younger. Transportation is available.

Monday: Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, corn, dinner roll and fruit dessert.

Tuesday: Pork cutlet, baby red potatoes, mixed vegetables and brownie.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, rice pilaf, carrots and cinnamon applesauce.

Thursday: Beefy tomato casserole, asparagus, dinner roll and lemon bar.

The center will host 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 is 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: Meatballs, mashed potatoes, gravy and vegetable.

Tuesday: Chef salad with vegetables, meat, and eggs and breadstick.

Wednesday: Two meal day — 11 a.m., cod, scalloped potatoes and vegetable; 4 p.m. — corned beef, cabbage, baked potato and carrots.

Thursday: Chicken cordon bleu, baked potato and vegetable.

Friday: Leif Erickson Day — Sloppy Joe, chips, pickle spear, hot or cold beverage and cookie.

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

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

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy and steamed broccoli with cheese.

Wednesday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, garlic bread and Italian blend vegetables.

Thursday: Roasted pork, baked potato with sour cream, mixed vegetables and applesauce.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Smothered pork, macaroni and cheese, peas and carrots.

Tuesday: Egg/sausage/cheese muffin, breakfast potatoes and applesauce.

Wednesday: Honey mustard chicken, stuffing and squash.