NIAGARA, Wis. — I told myself as we entered this most recent phase of our country’s history that I would pay more attention than I did back in the 1960s and early 1970s — the last time I remember such turmoil — so I would better appreciate and understand the passage we were all making. But I must confess, that I am finding it so very difficult to stick to this plan. I find that I cannot begin my day with the CBS morning news because it casts a shadow over the rest of my day. Nor can I end the day watching the national nightly news because it adversely affects my sleep. So, for the sake of my mental and emotional health, I have resorted to the local news out of Green Bay in the early evening … at least I can get an undisputed weather report. I rely on my husband’s “news in brief” to keep me up to date. He knows my level of tolerance.

I have always sought peace and harmony in my life. I never liked confrontation and have required a calm environment with a level of stress that I can at least control. I try to surround myself with pleasant people. That doesn’t mean that I cannot be friends with those who may not share the same point-of-view, but I do need differences to be communicated in a civil manner. And, while I do not require agreement, I need my opinions and beliefs to be at least considered and respected.

A recent Facebook post from a friend got me to thinking about our current national state of affairs. She posted a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt that defined the word liberal: “Long ago, there was a noble word, liberal, which derives from the word free. Now a strange thing happened to that word. A man named Hitler made it a term of abuse, a matter of suspicion, because those who were not with him were against him, and liberals had no use for Hitler. And then another man, McCarthy, cast the same opprobrium on the word. … We must cherish and honor the word free or it will cease to apply to us.”

My first reaction was one of agreement. And, quite frankly, how could any American disagree with her statement? Are we really that different from one another? Have we moved that far apart? So, I looked up the origins and definitions of both the words liberal and conservative.

The term liberal does, indeed, derive from the Latin word “liber” which does mean “free.” Liberalism is explained as a political or moral philosophy based on liberty, consent of the governed and equality before the law. It explained further that liberals hold a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but they generally support individual rights (both civil and human), democracy, secularism, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion and a market economy. The word conservative derives from the Latin word “conservativus,” which means to protect from harm or waste or to prevent. Conservatism is defined as the cultural, social or political outlook that values the conservation or preservation of existing things, which are held to be either good in themselves or better than the likely alternatives — or at least safe and familiar — and the objects of trust and affection. It went on to explain that conservatives in our Western culture seek to preserve a range of things such as organized religion, property rights, parliamentary government, family values, the natural environment and historical architecture.

The more I thought about these definitions, the more I came to believe that there are no villains in either camp. Certainly, there are differences in the philosophies of each. Liberals believe in secularism, which is adherence to the separation of church and state and the acceptance that man is free to choose his faith or none at all. Conservatives believe in organized religion, so there could be a bone of contention here. Where liberals seek ways to adapt to change, conservatives seek to hold on to what has been traditionally revered and what has worked in the past. Again, fodder for disagreement here because our world keeps changing. As change occurs, new problems demanding creative and new solutions develop. So, yes, more disagreement is certainly possible here, too.

But I really do believe that both liberals and conservatives want the very best for our country and its people. Certainly, based upon the above definitions, both “sides” value our country and its democratic principles. Both value our freedoms. Both seek happiness and security for themselves and the next generation. Both seek the best for their families, although may disagree upon what constitutes a family unit. So, maybe the rub comes in the approach preferred by each in solving our country’s problems. And maybe the best way through this is to acknowledge that fact, and that fact alone, without demonizing each other. When we can focus on a difference in process instead of a difference in personality, we are much more likely to discover a solution.

As humans, we live in a stressful, complicated world with many problems. Solutions will not be found by either-or thinking or by making demands and drawing lines in the sand. Resolutions are more easily found when we keep to the facts of the situation and leave emotions and personalities out of the fray. We know from our own experience that we are never going to agree on everything. Life is a messy business. Relationships can be complicated and, consequently, messy as well. We have learned, hopefully sooner rather than later, that arguments can get very muddled when we bring emotions into them. We learn through our marriages that it is important to “fight fair.” And we know that fighting fair is much easier said than done. But we do it to protect each other and our family and to preserve our relationship. We find our way through our disagreements out of love.

I remember another time of crisis in our country’s history. I was in junior high during the Cuban Missile Crisis and expected a nuclear bomb any minute. I still remember the fear and uncertainty that engulfed our country and how we practiced civil defense drills in school in preparation for an eventual disaster. Thankfully, it was diverted. After the resolution, John F. Kennedy said these memorable words: “So, let us not be blind to our differences, but let us also direct our attention to our common interests and the means by which those differences can be resolved. And if we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. For in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.”

Truer words were never spoken. So, let us begin to find and agree upon solutions, with respect for our differences, based upon what we have in common. The next generation, along with our planet, are depending upon us.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Freeman’s has resumed small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly with screening and COVID-19 testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal; however, they are all looking forward to a great get-together when it is safe to do so.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

No information available for the first week of August.

Manor Care

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Limited visitation has resumed for family and friends. Appointments must be made in advance by calling the center.

Maryhill Manor

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Scheduled visits are being allowed in the facility’s living room. Call ahead to reserve. The weekly Happy Hour and bingo have resumed for residents only.

No information available for the first week of August.

Golden Living Center

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed in designated areas only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. Residents have resumed some small group activities.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music on the porch with Crystal, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Lutheran Bible study, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Jim Edberg, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

No information available at this time.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11:30 a.m. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Pepper steak, rice, cauliflower and lettuce salad.

Wednesday: Barbecue pork, baked beans and cucumber salad.

Thursday: Pasties, mixed vegetables and coleslaw.

Note: All meals include milk, bread and butter, fruit and dessert.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at noon. Carry-out meals also are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Spaghetti, green beans and garlic bread.

Tuesday: Tuna mac, peas and dinner roll.

Wednesday: Night meal — Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and cauliflower.

Thursday: Beef stroganoff, mixed vegetables and dinner roll.

Friday: French toast, hash browns and peaches.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head cook: Lucy Korhonen

906-875-6709

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235.

Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Ham and au gratin potatoes, green beans and dinner roll.

Tuesday: Cheeseburger, tater tots, peas and pickles.

Wednesday: Pepperoni pizza, breadstick and Italian blend vegetables.

Thursday: Reuben slider, baked beans and fries.

Friday: Ham and cheese sandwich, Jell-O and baby carrots.

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

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carry-out meals also are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Hot dogs/brats, potato salad and baked beans.

Tuesday: Beef stew, cornbread and salad.

Wednesday: Ham and egg bake, hash browns, grapes and biscuit.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Restrictions have lifted at some centers. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken broccoli rice casserole, side salad and fruit.

Tuesday: Homemade pizza, buttered peas, dark green salad and fruit.

Wednesday: Smothered pork chop, mashed potatoes, vegetable Normandy, fruit, cherry dump cake with whipped topping.

Thursday: Chicken patty on a bun, lettuce and tomato, broccoli, cowboy caviar with chips and fruit.

Friday: Philly cheese steak casserole, candied carrots and 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, home-delivered only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Now open — serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Tipler Town Hall

715-674-2320 – RSVP for meals

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

715-589-4491 – RSVP for meals

Same as ADRC menu. Now open — serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m. Carry-out meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: No menu.

Tuesday: Cabbage rolls, Italian vegetables, roll and fruit.

Wednesday: Brat, Italian pasta, salad, baked beans and fruit.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, noodles, corn, roll and dessert.

All meals include 8-ounces skim milk or juice.

Norway Center

Director: Michelle DeSimone

906-563-8716

Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11 a.m. Take-out meals will remain available for pick-up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheeseburger, macaroni and cheese and coleslaw.

Tuesday: Chicken chop suey over rice and Oriental vegetables.

Wednesday: Spaghetti or polenta, breadstick and broccoli.

Thursday: Beef stroganoff over noodles and Brussel sprouts.

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

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carry-out meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, green beans and Mandarin oranges.

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo, egg noodles, mixed vegetables and mixed fruit.

Thursday: Pork, mashed potatoes, carrots and pears.

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