NIAGARA, Wis. — For the first time in many years, my husband and I traveled to Green Bay and then on to Madison to spend time with our son and his family along with my daughter-in-law’s family.

We had a wonderful turkey dinner with all the traditional trimmings and watched together as the Packers won their game and were awarded the traditional turkey drumstick. My son and husband watched in person as the Badgers lost their game at a very cold Camp Randall stadium. They left early after the traditional “jump-around” following the only Badger touchdown. We also met our grandson Oliver’s serious girlfriend. We approve; she is a wonderful and very smart young woman.

We drove down to Green Bay in time for supper on Wednesday; it was also our 53rd wedding anniversary. We were scheduled to leave Thursday for Madison, return to Green Bay on Friday after that Badger game, and drive home on Saturday morning.

As it turned out, Wednesday was much more eventful than anyone had anticipated. Supper was over, and dishes were finished. Suddenly, the carbon monoxide, or CO, detector in the master bedroom on the east side of the house began beeping. My daughter-in-law replaced the batteries thinking it may be just an alarm for that reason. Nope — it continued blaring. Then the monitor by the west side bedrooms began blaring, followed shortly thereafter by the monitor in the lower level. Levels at that time were 147. We called 911 and were told to evacuate immediately and that the fire department would be coming to check things out.

We sat in our cars in the driveway and had to wait only 15 minutes before the firemen arrived. They donned their safety gear, oxygen, and entered the house with monitors in hand. Within minutes, one came out carrying the cat that had been left behind. The poor thing did not know what was happening. The fireman had him around the middle, and all four legs were splayed out in different directions with protruding claws. He joined my son’s family in their car. We waited.

After several minutes, they came out of the house and told us that the gas furnace was fine. The leak had come from the gas hot water heater. They had turned it off and then back on, and flames shot up around the outside of the tank. They told my son’s family that they had been very lucky so “now it was time to go and buy a lottery ticket.” The firemen went back inside, opened all of the windows, and set up the floor fans that had been borrowed from a neighbor. WPS was called and verified that it was, indeed, a faulty water heater and shut it down completely. It had been a very good model in its prime, but it was definitely time to replace it. Carbon monoxide levels in the house had reached 300 upstairs and 400 downstairs by the time the problem had been found. The safe level is 10!

Once the levels were back to zero, we went back inside and closed the windows; the house was soon warm and cozy again. We talked for a bit and then all went to bed for the night knowing we were safe and that we would see each other again in the morning. They get their furnace checked annually but had not thought about the hot water heater. A new hot water heater was installed on the Monday after the Thanksgiving weekend.

Given this latest experience, I want to spend a little time talking about carbon monoxide poisoning and how to avoid becoming a victim of it. The information I am sharing today came from the Environmental Protection Agency’s website, epa.gov.

We cannot see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Carbon monoxide is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. Even more die from CO produced by idling cars. Those especially susceptible include the unborn, infants, elderly people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease.

Remember these symptoms of CO poisoning. At low levels, people will experience shortness of breath, mild nausea, mild headaches, and may have longer-term health effects. Since many of these low-level effects are similar to the flu, food poisoning or other illnesses, CO poisoning is not even considered. At moderate levels, people will experience severe headaches, dizziness, mental confusion, become nauseated or faint. If moderate levels persist for a long time, death will occur. If you suspect CO exposure, get fresh air immediately. Open the home’s doors and windows, and turn off all appliances that use a combustible fuel. Leave the house immediately and call 911. If you feel sick, do not hesitate to go to the closest hospital’s emergency department. A simple blood test can diagnose CO poisoning.

Prevention is the best protection from CO poisoning. Do the following every year as the heating season approaches.

— Have your fuel-burning appliances inspected by a trained professional. These include: oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves.

— Choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

— Read and follow all of the instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. Follow all cautions. Use the proper fuel and keep doors to the rest of the house open. Crack a window to ensure enough air ventilation and proper fuel burning.

Don’t do the following potentially dangerous activities.

— Don’t idle the car in the garage even if the garage door is open to the outside. Fumes can build up very quickly and soon permeate your home.

— Don’t use a gas oven to heat your home even for a short time.

— Don’t ever use a charcoal grill indoors even in a fireplace.

— Don’t sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.

— Don’t use any gas-powered engines in enclosed spaces.

— Don’t ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing.

Additionally, purchase CO detectors for your home. Unlike smoke detectors that have been developed and on the market for a long time, the quality of CO detectors varies widely. Do not make your decision based solely on cost. Non-governmental organizations such as Consumers Union, the American Gas Association, and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) can help you make an informed decision. Look for UL certification on any CO detector you purchase. Once purchased and installed do not adopt a “fully protected mentality.” In addition to your CO monitors, religiously practice the above list of Dos and Don’ts.

With this knowledge, vigilance, and properly installed UL listed CO monitors, you can look forward to a safe heating season. Be warm and stay safe!

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 operates on donations.

Sunday: Christmas party with Strong Tower Church, 1 p.m.

Monday: Small group, 10 a.m.; card club, 2 p.m.; reminisce, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; balloon toss, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Small group, 10 a.m.; movie in dining room, 10:30 a.m.; Willow Center kids coming with crafts they made, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Math quiz, 10 a.m.; bunny visits, 11 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Baking cinnamon roll and apple pie filling, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search, 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.; name that word, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Christmas cookie decorating, 9 – 10:30 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; light tour, 4 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; book club, 9:30 a.m.; galleria, 1 p.m.; travel club, 2 p.m.; holiday movie, 6, p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:15 a.m.; hangman, 10 a.m.; parachute, 10:45 a.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; current events, 2:30 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 Gayle, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; gifts from Santa party, 1:30 p.m.; holiday movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/yahtzee, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour 2 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; games, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; trivia, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Bob Larson performs, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; music history, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; pictionary, 2 p.m.; Todd Wangerin performs, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; who am I?, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; music by “Group Therapy,” 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; arts and 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 spelling bee, 10 a.m.; hot cocoa and chat, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; movie and popcorn — “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary and communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; board games, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary and 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 Christmas cookies, 10:15 a.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.; resident choice, 1 p.m.; entertainment — Bob Wilinski on the accordion, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Hedbanz and cappuccino, 10 a.m.; happy hour — Christmas music with Jan, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Youth group caroling, 9:30 a.m.; Uno, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities

Monday: Christmas card writing, 10 a.m.; bean bag, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Resident council, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

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

Thursday: Bible study with Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; decorating gingerbread, 10:30 a.m.; card club, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion, 10 a.m.; coloring pages, 10:30 a.m.; movie, 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.; Sunday funday, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages, daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; “Jeopardy,” 11 a.m.; manicure Monday and men’s group, 1:45 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room and baking, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; wild west rummy, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; gingerbread houses, 10:30 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 1:45 p.m.; remembering Sears, 4 p.m.; Christmas spirit drop-off, daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Christmas tree and carols, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; pondering prompts, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; changing words into animals, 11 a.m.; Jerry Beauchamp, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Honey mustard chicken, potatoes, apple crisp.

Wednesday: Chicken and dressing sandwich, mashed potatoes, corn.

Thursday: Pancakes, hashbrowns, pears, yogurt.

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: Liver and onions, roasted potatoes, peas.

Tuesday: Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli bake, pudding cup.

Wednesday: Deluxe cheeseburger, baked macaroni and cheese, curly fries.

Thursday: Oven-fried fish, baked potato, wax beans, tartar sauce, fruit crumble.

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 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: Chili with homemade cornbread.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken with rice pilaf.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy.

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

Monday: Lemon chicken and rice, steamed Brussel sprouts.

Tuesday: Cheesy tuna casserole, peas, carrots, croissant.

Wednesday: Turkey stroganoff, corn-on-the-cob with butter, biscuit, baked apples.

Thursday: Beef and cabbage bake, dill steamed baby carrots, dinner roll, berry and granola yogurt parfait.

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: Lemon chicken and rice, steamed Brussel sprouts.

Tuesday: Cheesy tuna casserole, peas, carrots, croissant.

Wednesday: Turkey stroganoff, corn-on-the-cob with butter, biscuit, baked apples.

Thursday: Beef and cabbage bake, dill steamed baby carrots, dinner roll, berry and granola yogurt parfait.

Friday: Strawberry spinach salad with shredded chicken, croissant, fruit cobbler.

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: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, broccoli with cheese, chewy granola bar.

Tuesday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread, yogurt cup.

Wednesday: Tater tot casserole, buttered corn, dinner roll, Jell-O with fruit.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Lemon chicken and rice, steamed Brussel sprouts.

Tuesday: Cheesy tuna casserole, peas, carrots, croissant.

Wednesday: Turkey stroganoff, corn-on-the-cob with butter, biscuit, baked apples.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Liver and onions or chicken breast, baked sweet potato, broccoli, fruit.

Tuesday: Amish breakfast bake, bean salad, fruit.

Wednesday: Ravioli with meat sauce, cranberry spinach salad, garlic bread, apple cranberry crisp.

Thursday: Baked ham, company potatoes, green bean casserole, whole wheat rolls, chocolate mint pie.

Friday: Tuna casserole peas and carrots, 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 Wednesday and 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.