Suzanne Killian

NIAGARA, Wis. — As I sit down to write this column today, it has once again started to snow. Most of us dread the start of this season. But I believe we can cultivate a different attitude toward the snow that will go a long way toward helping us better appreciate the white stuff.

We dislike the ongoing battle with the snow. As soon as we get our sidewalks and driveways cleared of the stuff, the flakes begin to sift down again. Yes, shoveling is a never-ending chore this time of year. Also with the snow, comes the increased risk of car accidents. Not only are the streets slippery, but visibility is drastically affected by both the snowflakes and snowbanks themselves. As much as he doesn’t like to hear it, I “remind” my husband to adjust his driving during this time of year. He would claim that I am always reminding him to adjust his driving. And I have to admit that I cannot argue with him on the accuracy of that statement.

So, how do we cultivate a different attitude toward the snow? I like to remember how I felt toward snow when I was a child. I, along with everyone in my neighborhood, loved the snow back then. No matter how much snow we received, we always walked back and forth to school. There was no busing for kids who lived within the city limits, despite the distance between the school and our actual house. Most of the time, my friends and I were trudging for quite a ways. And we never walked on the shoveled sidewalks. We preferred to walk on top of the snowbanks the plows had made when they cleared the streets. There were actual paths worn on those banks.

My husband grew up with a love-hate relationship with snow. His family had a large amount of property and a great expanse of driveway. All four kids were responsible for clearing that driveway every time it snowed; their father did not believe in hiring anyone to do a job they could do themselves. But after the work was done, the four of them would dig forts out of the huge snowbanks – never starting from the top. They preferred to dig into it from the side. This technique was, however, risky because of the potential for collapse. They found out the hard way when one such fort did cave in on their older brother. The remaining three dug furiously to get him out; they succeeded, but big brother asked them what had taken so long. I imagine that experience is remembered a little differently by each of them.

As adults, we can take part in outdoor activities that allow us to actually have fun in the snow. Skiing — both downhill and cross-country, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are all popular activities that will help us appreciate the snow rather than hate it. Getting outside to simply take a walk in the fresh air can also help us rid ourselves of the mindset that snow is the enemy. Done on a side street or via a path through the woods, we will also experience the peaceful quiet of a snow-filled afternoon. I enjoy just watching out the window as the flakes coat the tree branches, and everything begins to look like a winter wonderland.

And I cannot help but remember Robert Frost’s poem “Stopping By Woods On a Snowy Evening.” As he “stops between forest and field” to watch the snow, he remembers he cannot really afford the time to simply wait and appreciate the beauty of nature in the moment. As he listens to “the sweep of easy wind and downy flake” he comments, “The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.” Most of us, at this age in retirement, are not as short on time and could invest some in simply watching it snow.

Facing the winter with a positive mindset and engaging in the outdoor activities mentioned above can raise our spirits and help us beat the sad feelings that may creep in during this time of year. There are also a few activities that are not as physical that can be enjoyed during this time of year. Now is the time to get out those soup and stew recipes and invite friends over to share a hearty meal. The salads can wait for summer. You can also catch up on reading the books you left untouched all summer. Grab a book, put on a pair of fuzzy socks, and hunker down in your favorite chair for a nice warm read in front of the fire.

Still not convinced? Consider the fact that Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark rank among the top 10 coldest countries in the world, yet their residents are consistently named some of the happiest people on Earth. In fact, Finland has claimed the title of happiest country in the world for six consecutive years. Obviously, the citizens of these Nordic countries have found ways to embrace and find joy in the cold weather.

If the winter blues have you feeling down this season, let the following quotations work some magic.

— “The earth is resting, and I am in need of rest, too. In winter, I feel at home in the silences of the world.” — Margaret Renkl

— “It seems like everything sleeps in winter, but it’s really a time of renewal and reflection.” — Elizabeth Camden

— “Summer friends will melt away like summer snows, but winter friends are friends forever.” — George R.R. Martin

— “In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.” — William Blake

— “No animal, according to the rules of animal etiquette, is ever expected to do anything strenuous, or heroic, or even moderately active during the off-season of winter.” — Kenneth Grahame

— “Once we stop wishing it were summer, winter can be a glorious season in which the world takes on a sparse beauty and even the pavements sparkle … Doing those deeply unfashionable things — slowing down, letting your spare time expand, getting enough sleep, resting — is a radical act now, but it is essential.” — Katherine May

If you are not yet convinced that these winter months can be glorious, consider these encouraging words by Percy Bysshe Shelley: “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has a Memory Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; have fun with the weekend packet, 6 p.m.

Monday: Coloring in dining room, 10 a.m.; movie in dining room, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; yarn club, 11 a.m.; early bird bingo, 1:45 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Reminisce, 10 a.m.; fruit pies, 10:30 a.m.; Bible verse, 11 a.m.; shut the box, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Resident council meeting, 11 a.m.; painting shamrocks on canvas, 2 p.m.

Friday: The Judds chair workout, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Board games in dining room, 10 a.m.; “The Wall” on the Game Show Network, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

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

Monday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; mystery ride, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 3 p.m.; music trivia, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; book club, 9:30 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; smart shoppers, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Puzzler/volleyball, 9:30 a.m.; parachute, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: Bowling, Bible study, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; Iron River Bible concert, 2 p.m.; happy hour with Jim, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Crafts with Bea, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; throw away bingo, 2 p.m.; activity council, 3 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Room-to-room bingo/trivia teasers, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.  

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Pamper with manicures and hand massages, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; afternoon coffee, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Resident council meeting, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; after dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; World Wildlife Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; board games, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; magazines, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; music and entertainment by Bob Larson, 1:30 p.m.; desserts and conversations, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; current events and news, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; St. Patrick’s Day craft, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Oreo Cookie Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; afternoon coffee and movie, 1:30 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 social, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; popcorn and movie, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Uno, 10 a.m.; music with Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; current events, 10 a.m.; Pictionary, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Five second rule, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Daily word puzzle and second cup of coffee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; read a book

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was available.

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; bean bag toss, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; giant pandas, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Cranium Crunch, 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 2 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 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/who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Uno, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; hangman, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; pondering prompts, 11 a.m.; Kerplunk, 2 p.m.; picture this, 4 p.m.; drama club; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo, 10:15 a.m.; joke of the day; Jerry Beauchamp, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; Bible studies, 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 –

Monday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans almondine.

Tuesday: Smothered chicken on wild rice, vegetable, wheat bread.

Wednesday: Bratwurst, potato salad, skillet corn.

Thursday: Egg bake, bacon, cottage cheese, mini bagel.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating at noon Monday through Thursday. Carryout meals, soup and salad bar are also available. Friday meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Ham, au gratin potatoes, mixed vegetables, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Baked chicken, buttered noodles, California blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots.

Thursday: Lemon baked fish, baked potato, acorn squash, cake.

Crystal Falls Center

906-875-6709

The center serves 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: Pulled pork sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw.

Tuesday: Baked chicken quarters, mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Beef tips with mushroom gravy and potatoes.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 244

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pancakes, sausage, hashbrowns, applesauce.

Tuesday: Ham and potato soup, biscuit, pudding cup.

Wednesday: Fish with vegetables, roasted potatoes, whole wheat dinner roll, Jell-O with fruit.

Thursday: Hearty pork stew, beets, biscuit.

Friday: Barbecue pork, sweet potatoes with butter, green beans.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Sarah VanMarter at 906-774-2256, ext. 244.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 3 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.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.

Friday: Cards – Smear, noon to 4 p.m.; chess, noon.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Head cook: Joan Wickman, 906-246-3559

Program president: Lisa Casey, 906-282-7899

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available. Delivery offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.

Menu for the week –

Monday: Chicken ala king over noodles.

Tuesday: Fish tacos, french fries.

Wednesday: Egg salad sandwich, soup.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Goulash, green beans, breadsticks, fruit.

Tuesday: Sub sandwich, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries, fruit.

Wednesday: Polish sausage, steamed cabbage, parsley potatoes, fruit, birthday cake.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fruit.

Friday: “Empty the pantry” soup, egg salad on a croissant, broccoli salad, fruit.

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

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving on site Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m. RSVP by calling 715-589-4491. Homebound meals will be delivered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Florence Community Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon Wednesdays only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

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: Sweet ‘n’ sour meatballs, brown rice, Prince Charles vegetables, peas, pineapple-orange mix.

Tuesday: Chicken stroganoff, Scandinavian vegetables, Brussel sprouts, diced pears, whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Beefy tater tot casserole, corn, warm cinnamon peaches, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Salmon croquette, garlic mashed potatoes, diced carrots, fruit cup, whole wheat bread.

Milk available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal served at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, salad bar opens at 3:30 p.m., with the meal at 4 p.m. Meals can be prepared for carryout.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken Parmesan sandwich.

Tuesday: Two tacos, beans, rice.

Wednesday: Biscuits and gravy, sausage links and boiled egg.

Thursday: Open face hot chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo is played on most Wednesdays. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Bingo on Tuesday and Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe with bun, roasted potatoes, baked beans, pears.

Wednesday: Liver and onions, garlic mashed potatoes, mixed vegetable, wheat dinner roll, cherry dump cake.

Thursday: Minestrone soup, egg salad sandwich, romaine side salad, fresh banana.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:30 a.m. Salad bar available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. — those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal. Menu for the week —

Monday: Finnish pancakes, sausage, hash browns.

Tuesday: Brats, sauerkraut, oven-baked potatoes, Brussel sprouts.

Wednesday: Pizza burger, sweet potato fries, corn.

Thursday: Spaghetti with Italian sausage, garlic bread, cauliflower.

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. Dine-in meal is $5 and takeout meal is $6. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal with us — all are welcome — any age. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, Rice-A-Roni.

Thursday: Open-face turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy.