NIAGARA, Wis. — We all have certain hopes and dreams about how our lives will turn out, and no one lives to old age without learning that those hopes and dreams are not always realized. Our hopes may extend beyond our own lives to the times in which we live. For example, we may have had hopes about the results of our recent election. We did our part by voting, but maybe our candidate of choice did not garner enough support from the rest of the country. Now we may be left with not only the disappointment of a lost election, but feelings of uncertainty over what the future may hold for our country and our individual lives. How do we deal with these feelings? I found an interesting article written during the pandemic by Christine Carter, PhD which will help us find answers to dealing with life’s disappointments.

It is human nature to crave information about the future because our brains perceive the unknown as a threat. So, we work very hard to create certainty in our lives. But there is no such thing as real certainty in life for we all know that the unexpected can happen at any time no matter how well we prepare. As mathematician, John Allen Paulos, expressed it: “Uncertainty is the only certainty there is. Knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.” Yikes! That does not sound the least bit comfortable so read on to learn seven strategies to help accomplish this.

1. Don’t resist. Resistance will only prolong pain and discomfort during these trying times. There is real truth in the adage that what we resist persists. Instead, we need to practice acceptance of our current situation. Acceptance is about meeting life where it is and moving forward from there. The country has voted, votes were fairly counted, and the result is what it is; there is no changing that. And, really, that is the very basis of our democracy so we would not want it any other way. Acceptance is not the same as resignation for we can always work to make our country and our lives better. It’s just that in this moment in time, this is the way things are.

2. Invest in yourself. When we are dealing with major disappointment in our lives, it is important to remember that as individuals, we can still contribute to our life and the world around us. We are our best asset so it is important that we stay healthy. Despite our disappointment, we need to continue to live our lives — enjoy our family and friends and participate in activities that bring us happiness. Do not confuse self-care with being selfish. Selfishness is an unhealthy concentration on self alone — our own desires and goals — at the expense of caring for anyone else in our lives. A healthy level of self-care will bring personal growth and help us to find our way through the disappointments of life.

3. Find healthy ways to comfort yourself. When we feel uncertain or insecure about whatever is happening in our lives, our brain gives us a dopamine rush that encourages us to seek rewards which make temptations more tempting. What do you do when you feel sad or disappointed? I find myself eating cookies. My sister chooses another glass of wine. Whatever your guilty pleasure happens to be, you reach for it during disappointing times. To counteract this very predictable behavior, make a list now of healthy activities you can do instead of eating that cookie or drinking that wine. Suggestions would be taking a walk, watching a comedy show on television, writing an email to a friend, or reading a good book. Once your mind is actively engaged with a healthy activity, you will forget all about those leftover Halloween treats.

4. Don’t believe everything you think. In troubling, unsettling times it is best to remember not to believe thoughts that argue for the worst case scenario. It can be helpful to consider the worst case scenario so we can be prepared if that imagined event actually happens. But when we believe our stressful thoughts, we tend to react emotionally as though the worst case is already happening in real life rather than just in our heads. And this sets us up for failure as we tend to react to our imagined threats. So, instead of buying into this negative thinking, actively imagine best possible scenarios. Eventually, we will learn to find the silver lining in any difficult situation.

5. Pay attention. Stop living in fear of the unknown by checking in with ourselves in the present. Notice what emotions we are feeling. Even when it feels like everything is out of our control, we can still control what we pay attention to. We can turn off our alerts. We can choose not to read speculative or over-stated newspaper articles. We can limit our consumption of the news whether written or viewed on television. We can remind ourselves that we can control our negative thoughts and concerns over the future by concentrating on, and being thankful for, what is actually occurring in the present. We can remind ourselves about all of the good that still exists in our lives and cultivate the calm that we need.

6. Stop looking for someone to rescue us. When we behave as though we are powerless, we get trapped into believing that we are helpless and stuck in our lives. This makes us vulnerable to well-meaning friends and relatives who want to help rescue us from our current situation. These “rescuers” tend to give us permission to avoid taking responsibility for our own lives. However, emotionally supportive friends and relatives help us to see ourselves as capable of solving our own problems. When we are faced with a problem, we need to drop our fixation on the difficulty and focus on the outcomes we desire for our lives. This change in focus will help us develop a plan to reach those goals despite the difficulty of the moment.

7. Find meaning in the chaos. Meaning comes to us when we feel our lives have purpose, value, and impact. As humans, we are best motivated when we know our lives have significance to others. We will work harder and longer — and feel happier — when we know that someone else is benefiting from our efforts. Research supports this phenomenon. When we see something that needs improvement, our next step is to recognize what we can personally do to be part of the solution. Meaning and purpose are wellsprings of hope. When the world feels scary, having a sense of purpose and an ability to make a positive difference can help ground us more than anything else.

So now, let’s set disappointment aside. The election is over. We cast our ballot, and our candidate of choice may or may not have won. We must live with the results for the next four years. We cannot do anything to change that result, but we can control our reaction to it. The next four years will pass quicker when we can control our attitude and remember that hope springs eternal. Our country has experienced great challenges throughout its history and has survived. And we have a better chance of not only surviving but thriving when we remember that this country belongs to all of us, for we are all Americans. And America — our country — needs us to stand as one people to meet our challenges head on… together.

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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.; ice cream sundaes for staff and residents, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; dice club, 2 p.m.; reminisce, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: International men’s day, 10 a.m.; bean bag toss, 10:30 a.m.; spin and get bingo number, pick-up and get prize, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Movie hour, 10 a.m.; crafts,1:30 p.m.

Thursday: World’s TV Day trivia, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 10:30 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: White board words, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11 a.m.; 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.; story telling, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; Packer tail gate, 1 to 3 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.; name that tune, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/travel club, 9:30 a.m.; parachute, 10:45 a.m.; puzzle time, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Jim, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; volleyball, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/you be the judge, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; craft time, 1 p.m.; social hour with special guests, 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.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bean bag toss, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; name five, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; chair yoga, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; movie, 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: Packers vs. Bears, noon; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; Packer tailgate, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Rosary and communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; coffee and better your brain quiz, 10:15 a.m.; hangman, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; cooking with Bob — pistachio cranberry truffles, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; scattegories, 10 a.m.; silly crafters – red mitten ornaments, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Men’s breakfast, 7 a.m.; lunch outing, 11 a.m.; C & R happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Scrabble, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.; Wisconsin deer hunting opens

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Let’s bake cookies, 10 a.m.; book club, 10:30 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Let’s play Monopoly, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Exercise/parachute, 10 a.m.; book club, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; painting, 10:30 a.m.; brain teaser, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion, 10 a.m.; coloring pages, 10:30 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; room visits, 2:10 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; church services, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; tail gate party, 1 p.m.; coloring pages, daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; who-what-where, 11 a.m.; manicures, 1:45 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Resident Council, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Ted Williams, 11 a.m.; blues, booze and tattoos, 2 p.m.; reminiscing and daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; early bird bingo and trivia, 10:30 a.m.; music with Marian Linder, 2 p.m.; domino cover up, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation, Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; “Jeopardy,” 11 a.m.; happy hour with Vicky and Dave, 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.; 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: Mushroom Swiss burger, oven baked fries, baked macaroni and cheese’

Wednesday: Creamy chicken and gnocchi soup with spinach, grilled cheese slider, candied carrots’

Thursday: Lasagna, green beans, garlic French bread’

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: Scalloped potatoes with ham, Brussel sprouts, pudding cup.

Tuesday: Chicken teriyaki bowl, white rice, low fat cottage cheese, Mandarin oranges.

Wednesday: Cheese burger, baked fries, baked beans.

Thursday: Fish with summer vegetables, baked fries, garlic cheese biscuit, brownie.

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: Beef tips over mashed potatoes.

Tuesday: Taco casserole with tortilla chips.

Wednesday: Lasagna.

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

Monday: Cheese omelet with ham, hashbrown potatoes, mini croissant with jelly, yogurt parfait.

Tuesday: Pineapple pork fried rice, Oriental vegetables, whole wheat bun.

Wednesday: Honey mustard chicken, mashed potatoes, cream corn, pudding cup.

Thursday: Liver and onions, roasted garlic potatoes, green beans, pudding.

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: Cheese omelet with ham, hashbrown potatoes, mini croissant with jelly, yogurt parfait.

Tuesday: Pineapple pork fried rice, Oriental vegetables, whole wheat bun.

Wednesday: Honey mustard chicken, mashed potatoes, cream corn, pudding cup.

Thursday: Liver and onions, roasted garlic potatoes, green beans, pudding.

Friday: California cobb salad, biscuit, apple crumble.

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: Pork roast, fried cabbage, sweet potato with butter.

Tuesday: Cheese omelet with vegetables, sausage patty, hash brown potatoes, cinnamon raisin toast.

Wednesday: Evening Meal — Turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, dinner roll, dessert.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Cheese omelet with ham, hashbrown potatoes, mini croissant with jelly, yogurt parfait.

Tuesday: Pineapple pork fried rice, Oriental vegetables, whole wheat bun.

Wednesday: Honey mustard chicken, mashed potatoes, cream corn, pudding cup.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Sub sandwich (ham, turkey, cheese, lettuce and tomato), pasta salad, fruit.

Tuesday: French toast sticks, breakfast sausage, hash brown potatoes, orange juice, warm fruit compote.

Wednesday: Thanksgiving Meal — Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, dinner rolls, pumpkin pie.

Thursday: Cheeseburger, baked beans, sweet potato fries, fruit.

Friday: Toasted cheese sandwich, tomato soup, dark green side salad, fruited Jell-o.

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.

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: Spaghetti with meat sauce, Brussel sprouts, Italian blend vegetables, garlic bread, pineapple tidbits.

Tuesday: Chop suey with pork, rice, Oriental vegetables, Oriental coleslaw, Mandarin oranges.

Wednesday: Congregate Birthday Celebration — Pork chop with cranberry. sauce, boiled potatoes, country trio vegetables, dinner roll, pineapple upside down cake.

Thursday: California medley soup, pickled bologna over lettuce, whole wheat sandwich bread, celery and carrot sticks, pear cup.

Friday: Chicken Alfredo, mixed vegetables, salad, whole wheat bread, fruit cup.

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 stir fry with vegetables, boiled rice, fortune cookie.

Tuesday: Garlic linguine, carrots, whole wheat dinner roll,

Wednesday: Unstuffed pepper bowl, peas, biscuit.

Thursday: Mushroom Swiss burger, oven baked fries, baked macaroni and cheese.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

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: Italian sausage with peppers and onions, potato rounds, spinach salad with tomatoes, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Thanksgiving Dinner — Sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, green beans, pumpkin pie.

Thursday: Baked fish, baby red potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, rye bread.

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. Let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, corn.

Tuesday: Biscuits and gravy, hash brown potatoes, sausage.

Wednesday: Chef salad — lettuce, hard-boiled egg, cheese, ham, turkey, tomato, cucumber, dressing.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, gravy, mixed vegetables.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Board meeting on 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 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 at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Taco salad, fiesta corn, tortilla chips, salsa and sour cream.

Wednesday: Tuna melt sliders (2), creamy tomato basil soup, fresh fruit cup.

Thursday: Chicken cordon bleu minis, baked French fries, baked macaroni and cheese.

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

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Cheese omelet with ham, hashbrown potatoes, mini croissant with jelly, yogurt parfait.

Tuesday: Pineapple pork fried rice, Oriental vegetables, whole wheat bun.

Wednesday: Honey mustard chicken, mashed potatoes, cream corn, pudding cup.