The content of today’s column was inspired once again by “CBS Sunday Morning,” a go-to favorite in our household. This week, they interviewed Jeff Daniels who hails from Chelsea, Michigan, and is probably best remembered in our neck of the woods for his production of “Escanaba in da’ Moonlight.” Whether our feelings about that particular project are positive or negative, we cannot deny that Daniels has been a noteworthy actor of both stage and screen.

In the course of the interview I watched, his performance in the political drama “The Newsroom” was highlighted. Created and principally written by Aaron Sorkin of “West Wing” fame, the HBO series ran for three seasons from 2012 to 2014 and chronicled the behind-the-scenes workings at the fictional Atlantis Cable News channel. The show featured Daniels as Will McEvoy, lead journalist and editor, and touched upon the issues of the time.

The clip that was shown in today’s “CBS Sunday Morning” program highlighted his quote in that show, “America is no longer the greatest country in the world. By continuing to believe this, we do not acknowledge our problems. By not acknowledging them, we fail to correct them.” Whoa! My ears perked up at that, and I mulled it over for quite some time before sharing my thoughts via this column.

Certainly, I think we can agree that if any one of us were to make that same statement today, “America is no longer the greatest country in the world,” our patriotism would be severely questioned. I, for one, while I certainly love this country and am very thankful to have been born a citizen, find myself in agreement with Daniels — especially with the second part of his statement. When we “love blindly,” we fail to see the warts; we fail to acknowledge the shortcomings, and consequently fail to recognize problems so fail to pursue solutions. Situations never improve on their own over time; in fact, they most definitely get worse. We have seen this in our workplaces, within families, and definitely in personal relationships.

Most of us, in the course of our decades spent in the workplace, have been exposed to toxic work environments. And even if we have not experienced them personally, we have an idea of what they look like. The most obvious telltale sign is the notorious “revolving door.” There are those establishments that cannot seem to hang on to employees and are constantly in a hiring mode. Sometimes, low pay is to blame and other times it is because the physical work environment is too unpleasant or dangerous.

Granted, certain industries are going to have difficult work environments simply because it is the nature of the work they do. But when employees can see that safety committees are in place and are given credence and that their concerns have actually produced results, they no longer fear for their safety and will continue to work in that environment. Sadly, however, for as many work environments who look for and make process improvements, there are many that continue to turn a blind eye to their problems.

It has been my experience that the most stubborn of workplace issues is when it is a personality problem with a specific employee. That old saying, “one bad apple spoils the bushel,” is so true in this situation. Those in charge, whose job it is to make sure intimidation does not occur, do not want to take the very necessary disciplinary steps required to rectify the situation. Consequently, good people leave, the bad one remains to continue to breed discontent, and the whole company suffers.

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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 currently available.

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 additional information currently is available.

Sunday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic mass, 9 a.m.; coffee and “Family Feud,” 10:30 a.m.; football game in the courtyard, 1 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; “You Be the Judge”, 10:15 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.; evening social, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; creative art, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30; penny ante, 10:15 a.m.; resident council, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic mass, 9 a.m.; uno, 10:15 a.m.; nickel jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Cooking group with Melissa, 9 a.m.; happy hour and entertainment with Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Derby Day, 10:15 a.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

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.; Packers vs. Saints, 3:25 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; crosswords, 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: Exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; music with Jim Edberg, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; tenant meeting, 1:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

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

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

No information currently available.

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: Beef stroganoff, noodles, California blend vegetables, lettuce salad.

Wednesday: Pork chop, baked potatoes, carrots, coleslaw.

Thursday: Spaghetti, green beans, garlic bread, lettuce salad.

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: Baked salmon, rice, mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Chicken Alfredo, mixed vegetables, breadstick.

Wednesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables.

Thursday: French bread pizza, green beans, baked macaroni and cheese.

Friday: Baked fish or barbecue beef sandwich, parsley potatoes.

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: Pork chops, seasoned fries, peas, spinach salad.

Tuesday: Philly casserole, green beans, dinner roll, baby carrots and ranch dressing.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken, rice, Oriental blend vegetables, fortune cookie.

Thursday: Cheese ravioli, Italian blend vegetables, garlic breadstick.

Friday: Ham and cheese sandwich, pea salad, chips, celery sticks and peanut butter.

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: Hamburgers, french fries, coleslaw, watermelon.

Tuesday: Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, California blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Night meal – surf and turf, pasta, peas, breadsticks.

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: Fish sandwich, coleslaw, sweet potato fries, fruit.

Tuesday: Cook’s Choice — entrée, vegetable, fruit.

Wednesday: Pasties, bean salad, fruit, frosted chocolate cake.

Thursday: Beef stew (beef, carrots, potatoes, peas), biscuits, fruit.

Friday: Chicken fettucini Alfredo, broccoli florets, side salad, 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: Cheeseburger, fries, wax beans, fruit, milk.

Tuesday: Philly steak casserole, carrots, roll, fruit, milk.

Wednesday: Chef salad, hard-boiled egg, fruit, milk.

Thursday: Beef ravioli, cauliflower, breadstick, dessert, milk.

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: Lasagna, California blend vegetables, breadstick.

Tuesday: Roast beef over bread, mashed potatoes and gravy, stewed tomatoes.

Wednesday –Two Meal Day: 11 a.m., Finnish pancake, sausage, hashbrowns; 5 p.m., barbecue ribs, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables (note: ribs are pick-up only).

Thursday: Chicken parmesan over noodles, spinach, garlic bread.

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: Chicken Cordon Bleu, mashed potatoes, peas, applesauce.

Wednesday: Hamburgers, coleslaw, baked beans, Mandarin oranges.

Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs, mixed vegetables, breadstick, pears.

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