Too old for advice from Mr. Rogers? Think again
NIAGARA, Wis. — Remember the TV show, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood”? He became an icon over the course of 31 seasons, from 1968 through 2001, on PBS. My boys, born in 1972 and 1976, watched it regularly. He began each episode by changing into a comfortable cardigan sweater and slipping on some sneakers while singing the show’s theme song, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” And he concluded each episode with the song “Tomorrow.”
Mr. Rogers was known for his calm demeanor, friendly attitude and astute life lessons. Throughout his program, he dispensed timeless wisdom about how to be kind to others, how to feel good about yourself, and what to do when you’re up against your worst fears. He used everything from puppets to songs to chats with friendly neighborhood pals to teach kids about the importance of empathy and compassion, encouraging his young viewers to dream big, explore the world, and above all else, be kind.
Given the present state of affairs in our country that may leave us feeling helpless and hopeless on occasion, I thought it would be good to share some of Mr. Rogers’ timeless advice and encouragement. No matter your age, it is pertinent and timeless.
Consider these thoughts on kindness —
— All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors — in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.
— When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
— Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered, as a matter of course, just one kind word to another person.
Here is some food for thought concerning the meaning of love —
— Listening is where love begins: listening to ourselves and then to our neighbors.
— I don’t think anyone can grow unless he’s loved exactly as he is now, appreciated for what he is rather than what he will be.
— Mutual caring relationships require kindness and patience, tolerance, optimism, joy in the other’s achievements, confidence in oneself, and the ability to give without undue thought of gain.
Consider these words regarding healing —
— Forgiveness is a strange thing. It can sometimes be easier to forgive our enemies than our friends. It can be hardest of all to forgive people we love. Like all of life’s important coping skills, the ability to forgive and the capacity to let go of resentments most likely take root very early in our lives.
— There is no normal life that is free of pain. It’s the very wrestling with our problems that can be the impetus for our growth.
— When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting and less scary.
Here are some thoughts on what it means to live life to its fullest —
— It’s not so much what we have in this life that matters. It’s what we do with what we have.
— The thing I remember best about successful people I’ve met all through the years is their obvious delight in what they’re doing, and it seems to have very little to do with worldly success. They just love what they’re doing, and they love it in front of others.
— It’s good to be curious about many things.
— You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you need to make choices. And hopefully your choices can come from a deep sense of who you are.
Mr. Rogers shared these thoughts on individuality —
— If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of.
— We all have different gifts, so we all have different ways of saying to the world who we are.
— It’s really easy to fall into the trap of believing that what we do is more important than what we are. Of course, it’s the opposite that’s true: What we are ultimately determines what we do!
— The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self.
Of course, it is not always easy to follow even the very best of advice. I can remember when our sons were going through adolescence, that difficult period of growing up when you want to figure out who you are and be accepted by your peers as a cool person … when you are anything but because you are still growing through the most awkward period of your life.
Despite being brothers, our two sons were very different. Our oldest tried everything to fit in and to be accepted. He always felt like a square peg in a round hole no matter what he tried. No amount of reassurance from us seemed to help. When he was a senior, we allowed him to go to Milwaukee with a friend to attend a meeting of the Young Democrats of Wisconsin; we hoped we had made the right decision. He came home a changed young man. Excitedly, he told us how he had made a speech, received a round of applause, and one of his ideas had been voted in as a plank in their platform. With newfound perspective, he said, “So I guess it is no big deal that no one here listens to me on prom committee.” He was happy, and we were greatly relieved.
Our youngest son was a free thinker and independent almost to a fault. It did not matter that the kids teased him about what he wore to school. He liked what he liked, and if he wanted to wear something other than jeans and a T-shirt, then he did. We laugh to this day about how I caught him trying to get out of the house wearing his first communion suit to school after I had told him he couldn’t. When he didn’t exactly fit the mold here in Niagara, he made friends in Iron Mountain and Kingsford.
At home, he acquired the name “loophole Larry” because he always conveniently found his way around a rule he did not want to follow. In college, he found out the hard way that this tactic did not work for him. He eventually graduated after he realized that there were some rules he simply had to accept and obey rather than find his way around. A successful life outside of adolescence and high school generally does not provide acceptable or successful end-arounds.
Now adults with kids of their own — our oldest has three boys and our youngest a son and a daughter — they are busy imparting the wisdom learned in their youth to their own children. I am proud to say that our grandchildren are all good kids, but that doesn’t happen by accident. As parents, we need all the help we can get to raise the next generation for it is a huge responsibility that should never be taken lightly.
And, truth be told, we really never stop learning no matter our age. It is always a good idea to leave ourselves open to this phenomenon … whether the guidance comes from our own experience and difficult life lessons or the wisdom of someone like Mr. Rogers.
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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 the residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.
On the third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. they host a Memory Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program is run by donations.
Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; staff and resident ice cream social, 1:30 p.m.
Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; card club, 1:30 p.m.; reminisce, 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; Skip Bo, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” game show — dining room, 10 a.m.; left-right-center, 1:30 p.m.
Thursday: Coffee in dining room, 10 a.m.; bunny visit, 11 a.m.; roll it to play it, 1:30 p.m.
Friday: Bible study, 10:30 a.m.; fun with music, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Word search puzzle, 10 a.m.; family time, 2 p.m.; “Weakest Link” on PBS, 7 p.m.
Iron County Medical Care Facility
Crystal Falls
906-874-1501
Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; reminisce, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.
Monday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; jokes and coffee, 6 p.m.
Tuesday: Just friends, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; Resident Council, 10:30 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Sunshine Club, 9 a.m.; travel club, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Christ United, 1 p.m.; Oktoberfest Party with Jan and Gino, 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 Jim, 2 p.m.
Friday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; casino trip, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; faces and places, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.
Saturday: “Price Is Right”/Pictionary, 9:30 a.m.; geri gym, 10:45 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.
Optalis Healthcare
Kingsford
906-774-4805
Sunday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Scattegories, 1 p.m.
Monday: Coffee klatch, 9:30 a.m.; chair yoga, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; music with Bob Larson, 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Resident council meeting, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; tabletop bowling, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: Coffee klatch, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Thursday: Coffee klatch, 9:30 a.m.; name five, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.
Friday: Coffee klatch, 9 a.m.; name five, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; trivia and snacks, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; flip-o, 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: Witch’s brew and chat, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; howling good movie and popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.; Packers vs. L.A. Rams.
Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; painting pumpkins, 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; buzz words, 10 a.m.; music with Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; baking apple crisp, 10 a.m.; Fall ride, 1 p.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; mugs and muffins, 10 a.m.; “Deal or No Deal,” 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Friday: Hedbanz, 10 a.m.; C & R happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Farmer trivia, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.
Northshore Healthcare
Florence, Wis.
715-528-4833
Sunday: Independent activities.
Monday: Music and memories, 10 a.m.; coloring, 10:30 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Resident council, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: Exercise/yoga and music, 10 a.m.; card games, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; nature sounds, 10:30 a.m.; live music with Larry, 1:30 p.m.
Friday: Catholic communion, 10 a.m.; what’s on the tray?, 10:30 a.m.; movie and drinks, 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; bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; ice cream social, 2:30 p.m.; daily chronicles, coloring pages.
Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; pondering prompts, 11 a.m.; bowling, 1:45 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; bunco, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles, autumn ride.
Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; perfect ten, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 1:45 p.m.; grand slam shuffle, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11 a.m.; paint and sip, 1:45 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; table talk, 11 a.m.; Vicki and Dave, 1:45 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; rummy, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; daily chronicles; activity packets.
SENIOR CENTERS
Amasa Center
906-822-7284
Menu for the week —
Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, Brussel sprouts, dinner roll, brownie.
Wednesday: Chicken vegetable soup, bread with butter pat, Jell-O with fruit, side salad.
Thursday: Philly cheese sandwich, baked fries, coleslaw.
Breen Center
Kingsford
906-774-5110
Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday, serving at noon. Soup and salad bar are available. Carryout meals are also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —
Monday: Liver and onions, roasted garlic potatoes, asparagus, fresh strawberries with whipped cream.
Tuesday: Deluxe cheeseburger, baked macaroni and cheese, corn-on-the-cob, Jell-O with fruit.
Wednesday: Fish with summer vegetables, potato wedges, baked apple, biscuit.
Thursday: Shredded barbecue chicken on a bun, sweet potato with butter, peas, 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 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: Cabbage roll casserole.
Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham.
Wednesday: Sloppy Joes, tater tots, baked beans.
Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA — independent from above menu) —
Monday: Honey garlic chicken with vegetables, whole wheat dinner roll, blueberries.
Tuesday: Chili, cornbread, side salad.
Wednesday: Ham and asparagus, stuffed potatoes, peaches, biscuit.
Thursday: Chili dog with cheese, baked fries, macaroni and cheese, pudding cup.
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: Honey garlic chicken with vegetables, whole wheat dinner roll, blueberries.
Tuesday: Chili, cornbread, side salad.
Wednesday: Ham and asparagus, stuffed potatoes, peaches, biscuit.
Thursday: Chili dog with cheese, baked fries, macaroni and cheese, pudding cup.
Friday: Turkey sandwich, string cheese, Jell-O, banana — sack lunch.
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: Pancakes, hash browns, pears, yogurt with blueberries.
Tuesday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread.
Wednesday: Bratwurst on a bun, baked fries, coleslaw.
Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.
Home-delivered meals —
Monday: Honey garlic chicken with vegetables, whole wheat dinner roll, blueberries.
Tuesday: Chili, cornbread, side salad.
Wednesday: Ham and asparagus, stuffed potatoes, peaches, biscuit.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Florence County, Wis.
715-528-4890
Director: Tiffany White
Menu for the week —
Monday: Broccoli cheese soup, ham sandwich with lettuce and tomato, fruit.
Tuesday: Cranberry chicken, baked potatoes, green beans, fruit.
Wednesday: Beef stew, biscuits, fruit, pumpkin bars.
Thursday: Oktoberfest — Bratwurst and sauerkraut on a bun, German potato salad, beet salad, German chocolate cake.
Friday: Sloppy Joe, baked beans, oven roasted potatoes, 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
Open Monday through Thursday, serving at 11:30 a.m.
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: Scalloped potatoes, baked ham, green beans, pineapple tidbits, whole wheat bread.
Tuesday: Shepherd’s pie, Prince Charles vegetables, fruited Jell-O, whole wheat bread.
Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken over rice, Oriental vegetables, wax beans, Mandarin oranges.
Thursday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, boiled potatoes, corn, fruit cocktail, whole wheat bread.
Friday: Breaded pollack, garlic mashed potatoes, carrots, fruit cup, whole wheat bread.
Iron River Center
906-265-6134
Salad bar begins at 11 a.m.; meal is served at 11:30 a.m. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —
Monday: Chicken Caesar salad, hard-boiled egg, whole wheat roll, cottage cheese, Mandarin oranges.
Tuesday: Pulled pork sandwich, potato wedges, steamed cabbage.
Wednesday: Chili, cornbread, side salad.
Thursday: Garlic parmesan fish, tartar sauce, mashed potatoes, steamed carrots, biscuit, pudding cup.
All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.
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 is played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.
Tuesday: Seasoned chicken fillet, garlic mashed potatoes, romaine side salad, peaches, dinner roll.
Wednesday: Oktoberfest – Bratwurst, Bavarian sauerkraut, German potato salad, pickled beets, pumpkin bars.
Thursday: Chicken parmesan, noodles, carrots, wheat bread, fresh pears.
The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.
Norway Center
Director: Joyce Olesky
906-563-8716
Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar is available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Please let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or pick up.
Monday: Chicken cordon bleu, baked potato, peas.
Tuesday: Cod, sweet potato fries, corn.
Wednesday: Ham, scalloped potatoes, broccoli.
Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, asparagus.
All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.
Birthdays and bingo on second Thursday.
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 more 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.
Tuesday: Pea soup, egg salad slider, Jell-O with fruit.
Wednesday: Pasty, buttered corn, coleslaw, dessert.
Thursday: Chop suey with vegetables, egg roll, fortune cookie, pudding cup.
All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.
Home-delivered meals —
Monday: Honey garlic chicken with vegetables, whole wheat dinner roll, blueberries.
Tuesday: Chili, cornbread, side salad.
Wednesday: Ham and asparagus, stuffed potatoes, peaches, biscuit.