NIAGARA, Wis. — As much as I appreciate a milder winter season this year, it does give me reason for concern. Granted, I do not miss the need for boots and the danger of slipping and falling. My husband certainly does not miss shoveling. Leaving the house has not involved any particular preparation at all; no pre-starting the car or window scraping needed. But I have to admit that it makes me wonder what it really means for the future.

I remember the winters of my childhood, as I am sure you do as well. I grew up amid some of the best farmland in the state of Wisconsin. We lived in town, and back then the “townies” had to walk back and forth to school; the “country kids” — those living outside the city limits — were the only ones who rode school buses. My family lived in a variety of rental houses that required quite a hike to the neighborhood school. I walked with the neighborhood kids, and together we wore a path on the tops of the snowbanks that were piled on the meridian between the street and the sidewalk.

Granted, we were just kids so naturally the snowbanks seemed tall, but I know there was a lot more snow back then than there has been in recent years. Mountains of it bordered any parking lot, and it seemed to take forever every spring for the last of that snow to melt.

Growing up in a farming area gave us a healthy respect for the need for normal weather. Enough winter snow was important to replenish the water table for crops and for wells. Rain — both enough of it and at the right time — was also important because the crops depended upon it. The farmers — my grandfather was one of them — needed to get into their fields to plant crops at the right time. So, we hoped for a good winter of snow followed by a spring melt so the soil would be dry enough to plow and plant yet wet enough for the seed to sprout. It was definitely a delicate balance.

Fast forward decades to our move to the Northwoods where we heard stories of the multiple feet of snow that fell up in “Copper Country” — so deep that people actually had to enter their homes on the second story. It was a land where many made their livelihoods on the seasonal snow: ski hills, the bars and motels along the snowmobile trails, and the snow-filled events that brought tourists to the area. We developed a whole new appreciation for a snow-filled winter.

The cause of our lack of snow this year has been the warmer winter weather. And that warmth has caused more changes than a decrease in snowfall. I actually believe I saw my first robin appear in late February. At first, I refused to believe it until a friend said she had spotted one “early bird” also. And lately, I feel like I am living on the set of a Hitchcock movie as entire flocks of birds have swooped into our yard to eat the berries off of our flowering crab tree.

As it turns out, cedar waxwings love to eat fruit and have descended upon that tree where those berries have fermented all winter long. They must be drunk as a result because they have been flying headlong into our northwest-facing plate glass living room windows, leaving behind tufts of feathers. I have lost count of how many bird strikes we have had.

Most of us look forward to the many winter activities and special events this season affords us. Any event with a need for ice has been canceled. Marquette’s dog sled races were canceled for the second consecutive winter. The kite-flying event over Lake Antoine was canceled. And snowmobile trails could not support their usual amount of winter traffic. Consequently, a lot of tourism dollars did not make their way north this year. And a lot of locals missed their favorite winter pastimes.

I find myself wondering what it all means and if this is just the beginning of things to come. Will we have more warm winters? If so, how much warmer? What other adjustments — besides lifestyle and recreational — will we need to make? And I find myself getting angry at those who still doubt climate change and consequently are not willing to make the lifestyle adjustments needed to help slow its progression.

One does not have to spend a lot of time on the internet to find articles about climate change; all of the research and data are there for us to see. But we need to believe it and take it seriously. A new report from the World Meteorological Organization shows that records were once again broken in 2023 — and in some cases smashed — for greenhouse gas levels, surface temperatures, ocean heat and acidification, sea level rise, and Antarctic sea ice cover and glacier retreat.

On an average day in 2023, nearly one-third of the global ocean was gripped by a marine heatwave, which harmed vital ecosystems and food systems. Toward the end of 2023, over 90% of the ocean had experienced heatwave conditions at some point during the year, and glaciers suffered the largest loss of ice on record. Further cause for concern is that all change is accelerating as trends continue into 2024.

All of this climate change dramatically affects the world population’s ability to grow food. The number of people who are acutely food insecure worldwide has more than doubled, from 149 million people before the COVID-19 pandemic to 333 million people in 2023, in 78 countries monitored by the World Food Program.

Weather and climate extremes may not be the root cause, but they are aggravating factors, according to the report. As a result, people begin to relocate to areas in which they believe they can still grow food. Weather hazards continued to trigger displacement due to climate change in 2023.

If we believe we have an immigration problem now, climate change will only make it worse as people seek not only political asylum but places where agriculture is still possible. Climate change has certainly had an impact on the cost of food. We lament high food prices when we go grocery shopping, or when we go out to dinner. Did you ever think that perch — the most common fish fry staple of my childhood — would be listed as “market price” on the restaurant menu?

As I was growing up, tornadoes and hurricanes were rare occurrences. We never made our way through the entire alphabet as these weather events were given names. Now, it seems we are viewing the results of such storms weekly on the evening news. As the cost of property damages increase so does the cost of insurance.

And in some parts of our country, some insurance companies have refused policies to people living in flood plains. All understandable, but regrettable just the same. Soon we will be in “forest fire season.” Did you ever think there would be so many that their occurrence would define an entire season? We watch in horror as fires grown out of control devour acres of glorious hardwoods, and people are displaced from their homes.

Climate change is, indeed, real. This year’s mild winter is the closest we have come in our area to experiencing it. So, let’s not hope for it to be repeated. And let’s all pledge to take climate change seriously. Look for ways to help the situation, and do some research to find out what those efforts may look like. At the very least, cast your vote for candidates who take climate change seriously and are willing to pass legislation to help the situation. Our current path is unsustainable.

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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/resident self-activities, 10 a.m.

Monday: Craft, 10 a.m.; dining music, 11:45 a.m.; card club, 1:30 p.m.

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

Wednesday: Hair, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; movie, “Baby Geniuses” and popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Church with Lisa, 10 a.m.; coffee chatter, 11 a.m.; resident choice, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Room visits, 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.; “Name That Tune,” 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Cooking, 9:30 a.m.; DT luncheon, 11:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; high rollers, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee social/just friends, 9 a.m.; “Animal Kingdom,” 9:30 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; throw away bingo, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/getting pretty, 9:30 a.m.; men’s club, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; monthly birthday party, 3 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: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzle pack/Yahtzee, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: File and style, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Pictionary, 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: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; Name 5, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; “Jeopardy,” 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; religious craft, 2 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; funny bunnies, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Easter eggs, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Easter bowling, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Sunday: Hot cocoa and news, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; movie and snacks, 2 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; waffle making with strawberries and cream, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; penny ante, 10 a.m.; spring tea party, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Hedbanz game, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Scrabble, 10 a.m.; silly crafters, 2 p.m.; Lenten reflections, 3 p.m.

Friday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; egg coloring, 10 a.m.; Stations of the Cross, 1 p.m.; C&R happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Uno, 10 a.m.; Holy Saturday devotions, 1 p.m.; Easter cookie decorating, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Uno, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee social, 10 a.m.; Manicure, 2 p.m.

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

Thursday: Bible study with Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; magazine scavenger hunt, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion, 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: 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.; trivia 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.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; 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 services, 10 a.m.; chronicles, 11:30 a.m.; Bunco, 1:30 p.m.; coloring pages

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; shopping outing; who, what or where, 11 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Uno, 4 p.m.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; can you picture this? 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; short stories, 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; food talk with Scott/Resident Council, 10:30 a.m.; tea time and trivia, 11 a.m.; “Price Is Right,” 2 p.m.; reminiscing, 4 p.m.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; bingo/March birthday party 2 p.m.; kick ball, 4 p.m.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; lunch outing/drinks and trivia, 11 a.m.; happy hour with Vicki and Dave, 2 p.m.; social circle, 4 p.m.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; coloring Easter eggs and reminiscing, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; activity packets

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: Chicken Alfredo with fettuccine noodles, broccoli, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Hearty beef stew, coleslaw, garlic biscuit, pudding cup.

Thursday: Ham, sweet potatoes, dressing.

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: Mushroom Swiss burger, french fries, coleslaw.

Tuesday: French toast, hashbrowns, sausage.

Wednesday: Italian beef, potato salad, mixed vegetables.

Thursday: Ham dinner, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, dessert.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant cooks: Debbie Bigalski and Shannon Stapleton

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: Cheeseburgers, tater tots.

Tuesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Spaghetti, meat sauce, garlic bread

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

Monday: Chicken, dressing sandwich with gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberries.

Tuesday: Pulled pork sandwich, french fries, dill carrots, fresh fruit.

Wednesday: Fish, roasted potatoes, green beans, dinner roll.

Thursday: Chili, cornbread, cheese stick.

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: Chicken, dressing sandwich with gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberries.

Tuesday: Pulled pork sandwich, french fries, dill carrots, fresh fruit.

Wednesday: Fish, roasted potatoes, green beans, dinner roll.

Thursday: Chili, cornbread, cheese stick.

Friday: Taco salad, chips and salsa, tropical fruit, pudding 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:

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: Barbecue chicken, dressing, buttered corn.

Tuesday: Rigatoni with meat sauce, garlic bread, peas.

Wednesday: Pasty pie, coleslaw, Jell-O with fruit

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Chicken, dressing sandwich with gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberries.

Tuesday: Pulled pork sandwich, french fries, dill carrots, fresh fruit.

Wednesday: Fish, roasted potatoes, green beans, dinner roll.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Cranberry chicken, baked potato, green beans, tomato salad, fruit.

Tuesday: Pizza casserole, spinach salad, biscuits, fruit.

Wednesday: Country-style ribs, boiled potatoes, three-bean salad, applesauce.

Thursday: Baked chicken, baked potato, butter beans, fruit.

Friday: Closed for Good Friday.

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, 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: Sloppy Joe, whole wheat bun, corn, oven potatoes, fruited yogurt.

Tuesday: Pepper steak with sliced peppers over rice, Scandinavian vegetable blend, warm fruit crisp.

Wednesday: Barbecue baked chicken, smashed red potatoes, cook’s choice vegetable, whole wheat dinner roll, pineapple upside-down cake.

Thursday: California medley soup, ham and Swiss sandwich with whole wheat bread, carrot raisin salad, fruit cocktail.

Friday: Breaded pollock with tartar sauce and lemon, parmesan potatoes, Capri mixed vegetables, fruit cup.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Dine-in meal served at 11 a.m. Salad bar is available. No night meals at this time. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken and dumplings, wax beans, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Pork chops, roasted parsley potatoes, Brussel sprouts, applesauce.

Wednesday: Cabbage roll casserole, baked apples, dinner roll.

Thursday: Ham, cheesy potatoes, glazed carrots, dessert.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

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.

Tuesday: Beef vegetable stew, biscuit, cinnamon applesauce, side salad.

Wednesday: Easter Dinner – ham, scalloped potatoes, mixed vegetables, wheat dinner roll, black bean brownie.

Thursday: Closed for Good Friday and Easter.

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

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head cook: Brian Gutkowski

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals 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: Beef chop suey, Oriental vegetables, rice.

Tuesday: Chef salad with vegetables, ham, chicken, and hard-boiled eggs, breadstick.

Wednesday: Ham and Swiss sliders, chips, vegetables.

Thursday: Spaghetti or polenta, breadstick, vegetables.

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

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

Tuesday: Meatloaf, fried potatoes, Brussel sprouts.

Wednesday: Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken, beets, dinner roll.

Thursday: Ham, scalloped potatoes, candied carrots, dinner roll, dessert.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Chicken, dressing sandwich with gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberries.

Tuesday: Pulled pork sandwich, french fries, dill carrots, fresh fruit.

Wednesday: Fish, roasted potatoes, green beans, dinner roll.