NIAGARA, Wis. — Christmas has come and gone for another year. Our search for the perfect gift has come to an end; we watched, hopefully, as it was opened and experienced that special rush of emotion as we saw the joy spread across our loved one’s face. We knew in that moment we had guessed right. That joy we feel when we give just the right gift at Christmas can be duplicated throughout the year if we adopt the practice of generosity.

I recently watched a Steve Hartman segment on “CBS Sunday Morning.” It was the airing of his Kindness 101 class with his two children; they were discussing the definition of the word “generosity.” Steve asked the kids if they cut a cookie in half and one piece was larger, which piece would they keep for themselves. They both admitted they would probably keep the larger one. He then took a big bag of candy from which he shared one piece and asked if he was being generous. They all agreed he was not. But then he gave them the entire bag, and that they agreed was very generous. So, the point was made and understood that giving from your excess was not generosity. It was sharing, which is certainly good but not quite the same.

Hartman then shared the story of a retired piano tuner who lived near a family of six — parents and their four children. He heard the young boy play an old keyboard in his basement. Despite his young age and having had no piano lessons, the child played like a professional. The piano tuner knew this family did not have the resources to help their child reach his full potential. So, he spent a $15,000 inheritance and bought the child a baby grand piano, gave him free monthly piano tunings, and even paid for additional lessons. What a gift — for both giver and recipient.

Decades ago, I read the classic short story “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry. I am sure it was part of a junior high English class. It tells the story of a young couple, Della and Jim, who want to find just the right gift to show their love. To afford these gifts, each of them sells their most valuable possession: Jim sells his pocket watch, and Della sells her beautiful long hair. Their gifts to each other are rendered useless because Jim received a watch chain and Della received a jeweled comb. Upon realizing what had happened — the sacrifice each had made for the other — the real gift was their understanding of the depth of love they had for each other. They each had sacrificed their own special possession for the happiness of the other.

In O. Henry’s words: “I have told you the story of two children who were not wise. Each sold the most valuable thing he owned in order to buy a gift for the other. But let me speak a last word to the wise of these days: Of all who give gifts, these two were the most wise.”

Here is some food for thought regarding generosity and the act of giving:

“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” — Maya Angelou

“If you haven’t got any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.” — Bob Hope

“You gave me what you did not have, and I gave you what I had to give — together, we made something greater from the difference.” — Alberto Rios

“Giving is more joyous than receiving, not because it is a deprivation, but because in the act of giving lies the expression of my aliveness.” — Erich Fromm

“The joy of giving can uplift the saddened heart.” — Jean Shepherd

“Give. Give. Give. And do so cheerfully and freely. It is the energy behind the giving that matters so do not give grudgingly.” — David Cameron Gikandi

“It seems to me that a cheap bag of crisps says a whole lot more than a gold necklace. It says: You occupy such a vast space in my mind, I think of you so constantly, that my day-to-day life throws up constant reminders of you.” — Ali Pantony

“I’ve found that giving gifts is transformative. It makes me better. It clarifies my thinking and allows me to do better work. I see things differently when I’m focused on opening doors for other people, and more often than not, my doors are opened as well.” — Seth Godin

I am most fortunate to be married to a man with a generous heart. While dating during our college years, I happened to lose one of my very nice, very warm mittens. I felt bad because they were really good mittens, but I did not make an issue of it. Later the following week, a package was delivered to my dorm mailbox. Inside was a brand-new pair of mittens with a note that read, “To keep your hands warm until I can hold them again.” Yes, this guy is definitely a keeper.

Fast forward 20 years. I am working at the most stressful job I had ever had and missed my lunch. By the time I realized it, the cafeteria was closed. I knew there was an off chance that my husband was still at home getting ready to leave for another week of work on the road. I called and explained the situation, asking him if he could just drop off a sandwich to me on his way out of town. About a half-hour later he arrived to my office door with a big grin on his face. He was carrying a small basket lined with a cloth napkin. Inside not only was there a sandwich, but a mini picnic — carrots, cookies, an apple and a flower on top. We both remember this incident because that lunch meant so much more than food. There was a lot of love packed in that basket, too.

A gift freely given with love, from the heart, with no expectation of reciprocity changes both giver and receiver. A bond is created in that moment, and a memory is forever inscribed onto the heart. The receiver knows they are loved and valued. The giver knows they are appreciated. I cannot think of a better, more fulfilling way to go through life than creating those types of special moments … moments that create memories that last a lifetime.

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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/coloring, 10 a.m.; New Year’s Eve fun, 6 to 8 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; reminisce, 1:30 p.m.; 1500, dice game, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Nails, 10 a.m.; dining music, 11:45 a.m.; movie/popcorn “Old Dogs” with John Travolta and Robin Williams, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; dining trivia, 11:45 a.m.; table talk, 1:30 p.m.; shut the box, 2 p.m.

Friday: Lotion spa hour, 10 a.m.; dining music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Resident choice; color a nice picture, 1 p.m.; CNBC “Undercover Boss,” 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; holiday trivia, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; New Year’s happy hour, 2 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Sunshine Club, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; puzzle time, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; just friends, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 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: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; spelling bee bball, 2 p.m.; activity council, 3 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Room-to-room bingo/how do you feel? 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

(formerly ManorCare/ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: File and style, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; name 5 game, 1 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; name that, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.; file and style, 10 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.; National Trivia Day, 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: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families and friends are encouraged to attend activities.

Sunday: Coffee and tic-tac trivia, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; New Year’s social, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; joker-eno and New Year’s social, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; target practice, 10 a.m.; Scattegories, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; basketball, 10 a.m.; pajama party/movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Hot chocolate/Uno, 10 a.m.; C & R happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Morning mingle/spelling bee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Happy New Year.

Tuesday: Coloring for adults, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Exercise/dancing, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; bean bag toss, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Independent activities.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

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

Monday: Happy New Year.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; LCR 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.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 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: Morning visits and reality orientation; church service, 10 a.m.; New Year’s Eve scavenger hunt, 11:15 a.m.; New Year’s Eve early birds party, 2 p.m.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bunco, 10:30 a.m.; nickel J, 2 p.m.; New Years Day activity packets.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; reminiscing, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; cards, Kings’ Corners, 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; table top snowman bowling, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; 2024 vs. 1994, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; noodle ball, 4 p.m.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; lunch outing, 11 a.m.; social circle, 11:15 a.m.; crafts, 2 p.m.; sensory, 4 p.m.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; noodle ball, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 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 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: Philly steak sandwich, potato wedges, tuna salad.

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

Thursday: Cheese omelet with salsa, sausage, hashbrowns, orange juice.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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: Closed – Happy New Year.

Tuesday: Fish, baked potato, coleslaw.

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

Thursday: French toast bake, scrambled eggs, bacon, 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 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: Happy New Year.

Tuesday: Chicken ala King, egg noodles.

Wednesday: Glazed ham, sweet potatoes.

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

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

Tuesday: Egg-sausage-cheese muffin, breakfast potatoes, applesauce.

Wednesday: Honey mustard chicken, stuffing, squash, pudding cup.

Thursday: Polish sausage, buttered noodles, 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, fresh fruit.

Tuesday: Egg-sausage-cheese muffin, breakfast potatoes, applesauce.

Wednesday: Honey mustard chicken, stuffing, squash, pudding cup.

Thursday: Polish sausage, buttered noodles, green beans.

Friday: Egg salad sandwich, chips, cheese sticks, 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

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

Monday: Closed – Happy New Year.

Tuesday: Chicken casserole, carrots, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Spanish rice, Mexicorn, garlic bread.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

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

Tuesday: Egg-sausage-cheese muffin, breakfast potatoes, applesauce.

Wednesday: Honey mustard chicken, stuffing, squash, pudding cup.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: All centers closed – Happy New Year.

Tuesday: All centers closed.

Wednesday: Glazed pork chops, baked potato, broccoli Normandy, fruit, pudding.

Thursday: Shepherd’s pie, biscuits, carrots, fruit.

Friday: Split pea and ham soup, egg salad sandwich, 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: Closed — Happy New Year.

Tuesday: Chicken parmesan over pasta, Italian vegetable blend, fruit mix.

Wednesday: Turkey ala king over mashed potatoes, Key Largo blend vegetables, tropical fruit, whole wheat bread.

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

Friday: Breaded pollock, tartar sauce, hamburger bun, red oven potatoes, baked beans, fruit cup.

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: Closed – Happy New Year.

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

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

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

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon 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. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday and Tuesday: Closed – Happy New Year.

Wednesday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, parsley potatoes, mixed vegetables, dessert.

Thursday: Lemon baked fish, cheesy hashbrowns, baked beans, rye bread, cake.

The center will have bingo on Tuesdays 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: Closed – Happy New Year.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joes, tater barrels, vegetables.

Wednesday: Meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables.

Thursday: Chicken pot pie.

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, steamed broccoli with cheese.

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

Thursday: Roasted pork, baked potato with sour cream, mixed vegetables, 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, fresh fruit.

Tuesday: Egg-sausage-cheese muffin, breakfast potatoes, applesauce.

Wednesday: Honey mustard chicken, stuffing, squash, pudding cup.