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Seniors

Have you ever heard of Swedish Death Cleaning?

NIAGARA, Wis. — When I recently happened across an article titled “Swedish Death Cleaning,” I knew I had to save it for use in this column. Maybe it is not an unheard-of concept for many of you who have grown up in this area or who are of Swedish ancestry. But being of German heritage myself, and surrounded by others with either German or Polish backgrounds and customs, the phrase just jumped off the page at me. My first thought was, “Wow! I have heard of really getting into the nitty gritty at this time of year, but cleaning yourself to death?” Obviously, that is not what it ...

We find happiness by taking baby steps of joy

NIAGARA, Wis. — We all want to be happy. For most of us, we easily remember the happiness of our childhoods when our parents took care of us and worried about all the big problems. Our biggest problems back then were the perceived “unfairness” of losing at a game of kickball, going to bed much earlier than we believed necessary, or not being allowed to go see a movie our classmates were all going to see. As we got older, we may have believed a particular grade given to us by our teacher was unfair. Older yet, and we blamed our girlfriend for “stealing” a boyfriend. We ...

Treats to celebrate spring

The Norway-Vulcan Women’s Club made a special delivery to residents at Evergreen Meadows Assisted Living in Norway on the first day of spring. Members prepared treat boxes that came with a message, “Bringing you sunny little wishes for a most delightful spring.” During their March ...

St. Patrick’s Day: Leprechauns and other myths

NIAGARA, Wis. — We just finished celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, a day associated with the color green, shamrocks... and a wee bit ’o drinkin’. My husband and I have always gotten a kick out of the fact that when we first meet people, they assume he is Irish with a name like Killian. His first name of Patrick seems to confirm that assumption. His heritage is, in fact, a blend of German, Dutch and Luxembourger. We named our oldest son Timothy Patrick, so he really enjoyed this holiday as a student at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Whatever bar he entered that evening, he found ...

Dickinson County sheriff at Golden K

By JOAN JOUPPI For The Daily News KINGSFORD — “Top o’ the morning to you” was the greeting on Monday as the Golden K seniors gathered together. Everywhere one looked green was the color of the day except for the grass. The aroma of corned beef and cabbage was in the air for St. ...

Stars, hills, valleys and moments of grace

NIAGARA, Wis. — There is no question that we are living through a unique period of our national history. And, depending on how you voted in the most recent election, you may be using a different adjective to describe this time. But today’s column is not about politics, but rather how each of us manages to navigate periods of uncertainty in our lives. How is it that some of us will crumple when things get difficult while others will find their way through to a brighter tomorrow? The answer is resilience, or adaptability. How does one acquire this ability? Today, let’s explore this ...