NIAGARA, Wis. — I have lived in Wisconsin my entire life without ever really giving much thought to what it means to be a Midwesterner. Those distinctive Midwest characteristics represented simply normal behavior to me because everyone with whom I came into contact embodied them. It wasn’t until I went to college and associated with people from all over the country — and some from other parts of the world — that I was exposed to behavior and personalities that were unlike my own. In fact, I was very surprised when a New York classmate said she “would never trust a Midwesterner because they never say what they mean.” That really surprised me … but, of course, I couldn’t tell her that! I recently received a funny email from my brother-in-law that featured two midwestern guys describing our distinctive midwestern personalities. It gave me a laugh, so today I am passing it on to you.

But first, a few facts. The U.S. Census Bureau defines the Midwest as a group of 12 states located in the northcentral region of our country. They include: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin. Located in the middle of the country, between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains, the early pioneers began their westward journeys from this part of the country.

Our part of the country has several nicknames —

— The nickname “America’s Heartland” originated in the early 20th century as a way to promote the region after World War II. The area is comprised of many small, more rural towns in the center of our country.

— The “Breadbasket” is also used to define the Midwest. This is due to its agricultural importance as a big wheat growing area.

— Part of the Midwest is known as the “corn belt” for obvious reasons: it grows a lot of corn. Corn belt states include: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin.

— Parts of some of the midwestern states also comprise the “Rust Belt.” These include the more industrial parts of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin. These states offered thousands of blue-collar jobs in coal plants, steel and automotive production, and the weapons industry. The proximity to the Great Lakes, canals and rivers allowed companies to access raw materials and ship out finished products. Sadly, this term also became synonymous with regions facing industrial decline and abandoned factories that are rusted from exposure to the elements.

— Those states bordering the Great Lakes — including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin — were also known by the nicknames the “North Coast, “Third Coast” or “Fresh Coast.”

The Midwest is considered to be the broadest representation of American culture. It is associated with mainstream or traditional values, such as economic self-sufficiency, conservative political and religious ideals, and firmly rooted in agrarian life. By one definition, Midwestern values are “an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay, hard work, modesty, your word is your bond, always lend a helping hand, and your name and reputation are your most prized possessions.” I was raised on these values as I am sure most of you were as well. And we have passed them along to our children and grandchildren. I am proud of these values and my heritage.

But everything has a humorous side — which brings me to my brother-in-law’s email. I will share that now because, after all, it’s good to be able to laugh at yourself, too.

We’re Midwesterners because …

— We decide to live where the air hurts our face.

— We’re gonna’ talk about the weather so we don’t have to talk about our feelings.

— It’s not a turn signal, it’s a blinker.

— Our therapists are bartenders.

— We’ll risk our lives on 2 inches of ice for three small perch.

— We’ll fall asleep in a tree and call it deer hunting.

— We like to take long walks through frozen cornfields.

— We’ll lean in your car window when you’re trying to leave.

— We’ll wave at you with our fingers lifted from the steering wheel of our car.

— As soon as it hits 30 degrees, we switch to wearing cargo pants.

— We don’t know if we’re driving on the road or in a cornfield.

— We drive around with sand in the truck bed for traction.

— We don’t judge distance in miles but by time — “We’re fifteen minutes from the bar.”

— We take leftovers home even though we hated the meal the first time.

— It wouldn’t be so cold if it wasn’t for the wind.

— We like to drive around and burn donuts.

— In winter, we drive around with the air conditioning on because we’re wearing so many layers.

— Our stop signs like to dance along with the blowing wind and snow.

Of course, there is another descriptive level we need to address to fully appreciate that part of Michigan in which we all live — the Upper Peninsula, of course. A simple Google search led me to this list of Yooper characteristics —

— Resilience: Yoopers are known for dealing with extreme weather, mosquitoes and black flies.

— Adaptability: Yoopers know how to have a good time and adapt to their circumstances.

— Love of the outdoors: Yoopers enjoy activities like hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and ice fishing.

— Yoopers are known for their bravery, pride, self-sufficiency and a “roll-up-your-sleeves” attitude toward getting things done.

— Yoopers enjoy eating pasties, a regional “delicacy” that originated in Cornwall, England, and followed many a miner into the mines.

— Deer camp is a long-standing family tradition, and local schools close on opening day.

— Flannel is central to the Yooper wardrobe.

— Yoopers are friendly but enjoy a quiet life of solitude as well.

Despite the fact that I reside across the bridge in Wisconsin, I consider myself a Yooper in so many of the ways listed above. I knew I was fully converted to the Yooper lifestyle when I completely agreed with the bumper sticker that read: “What good is tourist season if you can’t shoot them?”

———

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 runs on donations.

Sunday: Catholic Mass on TV, 10 a.m.; Strong Tower Church, 1 p.m.; coloring.

Monday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; small group in activities room, 11:30 a.m.; card club, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Nails, 10 a.m.; word games, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Movie in the dining room, 10 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Pool noodles hockey, 10 a.m.; bunny visits, 11 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; small group in activities room, 11:30 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, 8:30 a.m.; hangman, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with snacks, 2 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9:30; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; web browsing, 6 p.m.

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

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; “You be the Judge,” 10 a.m.; parachute, 10:45 a.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; current events, 2:30 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 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: Crazy hat crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; spelling bball, 2 p.m.; crime movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/reminisce, 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: Change your clocks; devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; games or movie, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Harriet Tubman Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; music by Group Therapy, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Alzheimers Association program, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Hope Church service, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; music by Bob Larson, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

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

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; craft or games, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Coffee and corny jokes, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; movie and popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; lunch bunch at McDonalds, 11 a.m.; board games, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; “You be the Judge,” 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Stations of the Cross, 3 p.m.

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

Thursday: Rosary/communion service/Stations of the Cross, 9 a.m.; catch a phrase, 10 a.m.; silly crafters — stamping, 2 p.m.

Friday: Scattegories, 10 a.m.; happy hour with chips and dip and Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

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.; name that instrument, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages, daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; guess the movie and song, 11 a.m.; bowling, 1:45 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 and who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; Uno, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; reading with North Central Elementary, 10 a.m.; resident council, 10:45 a.m.; spa day, 1:45 p.m.; kings in corner, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo/a wee bit O’ Irish humor, 10 a.m.; Bunco, 1:30 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; in to eat, 11 a.m.; 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.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Pancakes, hash browns, applesauce, yogurt.

Wednesday: Beef stroganoff over noodles, mixed vegetables, biscuit.

Thursday: Shredded barbecue chicken on a bun, sweet potato with butter, carrots.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday at noon. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available at 11:30 a.m. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Wet burrito, refried beans with cheese, Mexican rice, Jell-O with fruit.

Tuesday: Brats, potato wedges, corn.

Wednesday: Chili, hard roll, pudding.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied carrots.

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 mac, cornbread.

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes, ham

Wednesday: New item — pizza burger, tater tots.

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

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, vegetable, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Crack chicken penne, vegetable, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Liver and onions (or substitute), roasted garlic potatoes, carrots, garlic and cheese biscuit, pudding.

Thursday: Chicken and wild rice soup, biscuit with butter, spiced pears.

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: Spaghetti with meatballs, vegetable, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Crack chicken penne, vegetable, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Liver and onions (or substitute), roasted garlic potatoes, carrots, garlic and cheese biscuit, pudding.

Thursday: Chicken and wild rice soup, biscuit with butter, spiced pears.

Friday: Ham and cheese wrap, baked potato chips, string cheese, yogurt.

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 with gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetable, fruit cup.

Tuesday: Chicken and broccoli stir fry over rice, Oriental vegetables, fortune cookie.

Wednesday: Philly cheese sandwich with ground beef, baked fries, vegetable.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, vegetable, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Crack chicken penne, vegetable, dinner roll

Wednesday: Liver and onions (or substitute), roasted garlic potatoes, carrots, garlic and cheese biscuit, pudding.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fruit.

Tuesday: Chicken tortellini vegetable soup, grilled cheese sandwich, fruit.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, black beans and rice, bean medley, fruit.

Thursday: Boiled dinner (ham, carrots, cabbage, potatoes), breadsticks, birthday cake.

Friday: Philly cheese steak casserole, broccoli, fruit.

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

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Home-delivered meals will be served Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. There will be no meals delivered on Monday or Wednesday. The dining center is only open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Space is limited. Call the day before to make a reservation to 715-589-4491.

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

This site is closed until further notice.

Home-delivered meals will be delivered Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. No Wednesday meal is available.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

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: Grilled chicken with gravy, mashed potatoes and gravy, Sicilian blend vegetables, whole wheat bread, fruit cocktail.

Tuesday: Beef and macaroni casserole, Malibu vegetables, green peas, whole wheat bread, apple slices.

Wednesday: Barbecued pork chop over rice, Capri vegetables, corn, whole wheat bread, mixed fruit cup.

Thursday: Sloppy Joe on a whole wheat bun, mixed vegetables, potato wedges, fruit cocktail.

Friday: Fish sticks, root vegetable blend, green beans, whole wheat bread, diced pears.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Meals served starting at 11:30 a.m., salad bar available at 11 a.m. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken soft tacos, Spanish rice, vegetable.

Tuesday: Liver and onions (or substitute), roasted garlic potatoes, carrots, garlic and cheese biscuit.

Wednesday: Sloppy Joe with a bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.

Thursday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, peas, dinner roll.

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 is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Chicken breast with peppers and onions, rice pilaf, stewed tomatoes, fruit juice.

Wednesday: Sliced turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetable blend, wheat bread, pears.

Thursday: Shrimp Alfredo linguine, carrots, spinach salad with tomatoes, whole wheat roll.

The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 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: Lasagna, vegetable, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Breakfast bake with hash brown potatoes and sausage.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable.

Thursday: Chicken parmesan over noodles, spinach, breadstick.

Birthdays and bingo on second Thursday each month.

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.

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: French bread pizza, Italian blend vegetables, fresh fruit.

Wednesday: Shepherd’s pie, candied carrots, dinner roll.

Thursday: Turkey and cheese wrap, baked potato chips, string cheese, yogurt, fruit.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, vegetable, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Crack chicken penne, vegetable, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Liver and onions (or substitute), roasted garlic potatoes, carrots, garlic and cheese biscuit, pudding.