NIAGARA, Wis. — We are all very aware of the downsides of aging. We get a little weaker so bottles and jars are not as easy to open. We may forget what day it is or where we last left our car keys. It takes twice as long to accomplish half as much around the house.

These amount to nothing more than annoyances so we learn to accept and to compensate for them. We are not, however, as quick to recognize or appreciate the benefits of our age … and they do exist. As we age, we accumulate experiences that give us a unique perspective of life in general, and we acquire wisdom along our journey. We can then use these benefits to help the younger generations better understand the challenges we are facing in our world today.

When my husband and I learned of the attempted assassination of former president, and Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, we were initially shocked. Our second response was a flashback to the 1960s and early 1970s, which marked another tumultuous time in our country’s history. I remember the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, in November of 1963, when I was 11 years old.

I can still see, in my mind’s eye, the funeral procession with the horse drawn carriage that carried his flag draped coffin to its final resting place, and little John Jr. saluting as it traveled by him. Only five years later, in April and June respectively, came the murders of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy in 1968 when I was 17. They both left grieving families and a grieving nation behind.

Our nation’s participation in the Vietnam War had created deep divisions not only across the country but also within families. Fathers who had been veterans of World War II or the Korean Conflict could not understand what they believed to be the lack of patriotism in their sons who chose to demonstrate, burn draft cards and flags, and leave the country rather than get drafted into its service. I remember the horrific television coverage of that war and the widespread clashes between students and police on college campuses across our nation.

My experience of this past history has allowed me to recognize the trajectory of events throughout the past several years that have led us to where we find ourselves today: listening to and watching the televised assassination attempt of a presidential candidate. I do not agree this is any way to solve our problems, but I understand, and am saddened by, the divisions among our people that have led to this disastrous event. It is very regrettable but not surprising.

I have also seen our country emerge from past periods of troubling years to explore better ways to solve problems. We managed to find a way to work together again, find compromise, and together build a stronger America from all the strife. If we did it once — in fact, many times in the course of our nation’s history — we can do it again. We can also help our younger generations appreciate the resiliency of our democracy by reminding them of our collective history; how we have had great divisions before and have risen from that discord to build brighter futures. We can encourage them that they do have an important role in shaping their futures and assure them that all is not lost.

Let’s take a step back from the national stage and look at our own personal history. Take some time to remember where each of us started. We were under our parents’ care for only a small percentage of our lives before we were on our own and making the decisions that would chart the course of our lives as adults. We decided whether to pursue college first or to jump immediately into the job market. We navigated our way through many twists and turns before settling on a career. We navigated the politics of our chosen profession learning many lessons about human interaction along the way.

Many of us had just as many twists and turns on the way to finding our life partners and then many more ups and downs as we built a life with them. We made both good and bad decisions when raising our own children hoping that some of the good lessons were absorbed and that they learned from some of our mistakes in order to avoid their own in their adult years.

Most of you reading this column today are around my age and can remember many of the world events I have referenced. We have watched our country’s history play out in real time. And we have experienced a lifetime of making our own mistakes, learning from them, and moving on to make better ones.

This is the experience we have gained; decades of it — enough to write a page-turner of a book that could be used as a primer for the younger generation. They may not yet be ready to read it, but we need to watch for an opportunity to share it with them when they are.

That experience has provided us with a broad perspective. We recognize the signs of civil unrest and what that will mean for our nation that is once again struggling for consensus and a way forward. We understand that while the present is indeed uncomfortable and downright ugly sometimes, our past shows us that we can prevail because we have done so before. It will not be easy, but it will not be impossible. While our current situation is indeed a difficult one, it is not permanent. It is up to us to build a better future once again — as we have always managed to do in years gone by. And we need to also share this belief in our country and our determination with the younger generation so they know what is possible.

They need our encouragement so they understand and accept that they possess within themselves the ability and desire to build a better future. They need to know that while the present is difficult, the future does hold a glimmer of promise upon which they can build.

Finally, we have attained a level of wisdom as a result of this experience and perspective. We know what actions can work and what actions are inadvisable. We’ve seen this at the national level and we’ve experienced it in our own lives. We’ve learned from a lifetime of trial and error. Like physicians, we recognize the potential for illness in the future based upon the symptoms we see around us. We know when it is advisable to look before we leap as well as when immediate action is necessary and what that action should — or shouldn’t — be. We have the responsibility to share our wisdom with whomever will listen, and to repeat ourselves as often and as loudly as necessary until they hear.

Experience. Perspective Wisdom. This is the triumvirate of strength we have to offer both our nation and the next generation. Yes, we are getting old — if not there already — but we cannot afford to be forgotten. We still have a voice we can use to share a lifetime of examples and to help in whatever ways we can find to chart a way forward out of our present darkness … into the light of a brighter future.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain the residents.

Sunday: Church on TV; resident self-activities.

Monday: Opening of our Olympic Games, 10 a.m.; pool noodle toss, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Checker champs, 10 a.m.; coffee time, 11 a.m.; wheelchair swimming race, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Dart throwing champs, 10 a.m.; bean bag toss, 11 a.m.; water gun shooting, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Pool shooters, 10 a.m.; bowling champs, 11 a.m.; beach ball volleyball, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Ending of our summer Olympics and residents’ fun day

Saturday: Resident choice — have fun with the weekend packet.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; puzzle time, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Cooking/DT luncheon; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; bonfire, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9:30 a.m.; coffee social/book club, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; garden club, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Getting pretty, 9:30 a.m.; men’s club, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; outdoor group, 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: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; outdoor reminisce, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Word game/”Name That Tune,” 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

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: File and style, 9:30 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: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; name 5, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Scattegories, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.

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

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; fun in the sun, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; summer crafts, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Coffee and trivia, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; prize bingo, 1:45 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; picnic at the river, 11 a.m.; water fun in the courtyard, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; yoga session, 10 a.m.; Soundz of Time with Jan and Gino, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; coffee with a side of laughs, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; Uno, 10:15 a.m.; courtyard cabana — freeze pops, 2 p.m.; Music in the Park, 6:30 p.m.

Friday: Short stories, 10 a.m.; C & R happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Scrabble, 10 a.m.; courtyard games — table ball, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Painting, 10 a.m.; what’s on the tray, 2 p.m.

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

Wednesday: Chair yoga, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; Jan and Geno provide live music, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion, 10 a.m.; happy hour/birthday party, 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

906-97-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; off to the races, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; ice cream bars on the patio, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; what’s in the bag? 11 a.m.; manicures, 1:45 p.m.; book club on the patio, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; shopping outing; who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; bologna, 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; pondering prompts, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 1:45 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; lunch outing to La Cantina.; who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; reminiscing on the patio, 4 p.m.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; who-what-where, 11 a.m.; happy hour with Jon Sampson, 2 p.m.; book club on the patio, 4 p.m.; bonfire, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; activity packets.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, green beans.

Wednesday: Pork roast with red potatoes, buttered corn, whole wheat dinner roll.

Thursday: Chili, cornbread, side salad, dessert.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — salad bar at 11:30 a.m., meal at noon. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Oven-fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, Brussel sprouts, biscuit.

Tuesday: Chili dog with cheese, baked fries, macaroni and cheese.

Wednesday: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, candied carrots.

Thursday: Hearty beef stew, pickled beets, whole wheat dinner roll.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant cooks: Debbie Bigalke and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center 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 a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Barbecue chicken and rice pilaf.

Tuesday: Penne pasta with meatballs, garlic bread.

Wednesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy.

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

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, buttered corn, dinner roll, brownie.

Wednesday: Garlic salmon linguine, steamed peas, whole wheat dinner roll.

Thursday: Chicken Florentine casserole, buttered pasta, baby carrots, dessert.

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 meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, buttered corn, dinner roll, brownie.

Wednesday: Garlic salmon linguine, steamed peas, whole wheat dinner roll.

Thursday: Chicken Florentine casserole, buttered pasta, baby carrots, dessert .

Friday: Sack lunch – Chicken salad on a bun, hard-boiled egg, string cheese, granola parfait.

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 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 wings, baked beans, side salad, whole wheat dinner roll, apple crisp.

Tuesday: Blackened fish, au gratin potatoes, cauliflower.

Wednesday: Cheese tortellini with meat sauce, wax beans, garlic bread.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, buttered corn, dinner roll, brownie.

Wednesday: Garlic salmon linguine, steamed peas, whole wheat dinner roll.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Biscuits and gravy, breakfast sausage, hash browns, broccoli, in-season melon.

Tuesday: Spaghetti, garlic bread, spinach orange salad, fruit.

Wednesday: Christmas in July — Smothered chicken breast, sweet potato casserole, broccoli salad, fruit, chocolate mint cream pie.

Thursday: Chicken salad croissants with cheese, lettuce and tomato, pasta salad, fruit.

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

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Florence 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

Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Reservations for a meal on site 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. 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 for those who are homebound is available.

Monday: Mushroom and Swiss burger with bun, oven potatoes, green beans, fruit cup.

Tuesday: Bourbon chicken breast, baked potato, carrots, mixed fruit, whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Beef pot pie, roasted broccoli, sliced apples, breadstick.

Thursday: Chef salad (tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, meat cubes and cheese) with ranch dressing, muffin, tropical fruit.

Friday: Pepper steak over rice with bell peppers, Scandinavian blend vegetables, peaches.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar begins at 11 a.m.; meal is served at 11:30 a.m. All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Hearty beef stew, pickled beets, whole wheat dinner roll.

Wednesday: Liver and onions, roasted garlic potatoes, wax beans.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast, dessert.

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Shredded barbecue chicken on a hoagie, sweet potato with butter, steamed carrots.

Tuesday: Hearty beef stew, pickled beets, whole wheat dinner roll.

Wednesday: Liver and onions, roasted garlic potatoes, wax beans.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast, dessert.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

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: Roast beef and gravy, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, pears, wheat roll.

Wednesday: Chop suey, brown rice, Oriental vegetables, banana.

Thursday: Breaded fish, broccoli, three bean salad, rye bread, pumpkin dump cake.

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: Chicken bacon alfredo, garlic bread, vegetables.

Tuesday: Beef chop suey, rice, Oriental vegetables.

Wednesday: Liver or burger and onions, mashed potatoes with 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

Dine-in meals served, salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Farmer’s bake, turkey bacon, mini croissant, berry and granola yogurt parfait.

Wednesday: Broccoli and cheese soup, ham and cheese slider, Jell-O with fruit.

Thursday: Chicken stir fry with vegetables, boiled rice, egg roll, fortune cookie, blueberry shortcake.

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

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, buttered corn, dinner roll, brownie.

Wednesday: Garlic salmon linguine, steamed peas, whole wheat dinner roll.