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NIAGARA, Wis. -- A recent segment during the "CBS Evening News with Nora O'Donnell" featured Marquette, along with other cities around the Great Lakes, to illustrate the effects of climate change. The segment resonated with my husband and me because we have long been fans of Lake Superior ever since "moving north" more than 40 years ago. While living this far north and in such a very small town were definitely adjustments for us early on, we soon grew to love our new home town and surrounding area and are now very protective of everything it stands for. As this recent news broadcast demonstrates, we all have reasons to be concerned about our future way of life both directly and indirectly related to the warming of our world.
Marquette's city manager was interviewed in the segment, and the most significant takeaway was his statement, "Mother Nature always wins." The big lake's takeover of Lakeshore Boulevard was discussed along with the city's $3 million investment to reroute this popular thoroughfare that runs from the Lower Harbor to Presque Isle. They did a beautiful job of rebuilding the street at least 300 yards away from the lake and shoring up the coastline against further erosion. Thankfully, the city had the land and the coffers to accomplish the task -- this time. But as the news special pointed out, and as we all know but sometimes do not want to admit, climate change is real and will continue to have devastating circumstances until significant and prompt changes are made to save our planet.
Other people in cities around Lake Michigan were also interviewed. They expressed their concerns over sewer water getting into their big lake and contaminating their drinking water. Other concerns over flash flooding were expressed along with various remedies being employed to slow what is feared to be the inevitable. Returning the man-made concrete gullies, which were built to channel rainwater, to their former more natural stream-like settings are now being employed in an effort to slow the flood runoff.
The segment explained that the water levels in the Great Lakes were always naturally fluctuating; lows and highs were expected. But these levels now vacillate between greater extremes; the lows are lower and the highs are higher. And the storms that characterize Lake Superior especially are growing in intensity; consequently, they are more dangerous and destructive. Still, despite the concerns expressed throughout the interviews, the segment referred to our Great Lakes region as a "haven from climate change."
At one point in the course of this feature, a local Marquette real estate agent was interviewed. She explained that the housing market was "on fire" and that local home builders could not keep up with the demand. When asked how the locals felt about the increase in their city's population, she smiled and said, "Well, that depends upon who you are talking to. Some, having arrived to this area, would like to now close the door behind them and allow no one else to enter."
When I heard this statement, it brought to mind one of my favorite Greg Brown songs. Titled "Boomtown," it summarizes in Brown's signature, if rather cynical, style the results of a population explosion in various parts of the country. He specifically laments how the lifestyles of the locals are forever changed when their beloved area becomes the object of affection for the rest of humanity.
After each of the following stanzas is a chorus that chants, "It's a boomtown, got another boomtown, and it'll boom as long as the boom has room."
"Here come the artists with their intense faces, with their need for money and quiet spaces. They leave New York, they leave L.A. Here they are -- who knows how long they'll stay.
"Here come the tourists with their blank stares, with their fanny packs -- they are the penny millionaires. Something interesting happened here long time ago. Now where people used to live their lives the restless come and go.
"Nice to meet you, nice to see ya' in a sheepskin coat made in Korea. Welcome to the new age, the new century. Welcome to a town with no real reason to be.
"The rich build sensitive houses and pass their staff around. For the rest of us, it's trailers on the outskirts of town. We carry them their coffee, wash their shiny cars, hear all about how lucky we are to be living in a … boomtown.
"The guy from California moves in and relaxes. The natives have to move -- they cannot pay their taxes. Santa Fe has had it. Sedona has, too. Maybe you'll be lucky -- maybe your town will be the new … boomtown."
Cynicism aside, these lyrics hold more than a grain of truth in this era of climate change. Not much has been discussed to date about the very real consequences of population shift away from the most affected regions of our country to places now dubbed "havens." How many forest fires or floods will it take for people of those burned out or washed away areas of our country to simply give up and move to a safer region? Add to this the fact that many people can live hundreds of miles from where they work and still keep their jobs thanks to the evolution of high-speed internet. Relocation becomes not only desirable but amazingly easy, indeed.
I do not consider myself a cynical person, but I can certainly understand the warning lurking within Greg Brown's lyrics. I love where I live, and the older I get the more averse to change I become. I enjoy some progress -- a new restaurant, an industrial expansion to help the tax base, and another place to shop locally are all appreciated. I enjoy meeting new people and would certainly welcome a few new families to town. But I absolutely do not desire to live in anything close to a boomtown! I find cities teeming with people and traffic to be simply overwhelming. So, as complimentary as the news reports are when they call our beloved Great Lakes region a haven, that term comes with a big sign labeled "Beware" for the rest of us who enjoy the peace and tranquility of life in a small town.
Climate change is not coming -- it has arrived. And with it will most certainly come its consequences not only in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, but also in the shift in population centers as people seek higher, safer ground. It will become more and more difficult to preserve the natural beauty of our region as more and more homes are built and other physical development replaces forests and stresses the environment. It will become more and more difficult to hear wind in the trees, the call of the mourning dove or whippoorwill, or the gurgle of woodland streams as increased traffic noise will drown it out.
The life we love will cease to exist unless we all commit ourselves to combat climate change with unrelenting determination. Pay attention and vote for those who can help pass the legislation that will reverse our climate crisis.
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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
Church services take place five days each week. Please note that scheduled visits are conducted in the front living room or outdoors and are by appointment only. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.
Sunday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; coffee and "Family Feud," 10:30 a.m.; tailgate party -- Packers vs. Bengals, 2 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.; Bob Larson, 10:15 a.m.; resident council, 2 p.m.; bingo, 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30; Protestant service, 9 a.m.; penny ante, 10:15; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.
Thursday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; Uno, 10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.
Friday: Bowling, 10:15 a.m.; happy hour - entertainment Jim D., 2 p.m.
Saturday: Derby Day and coffee, 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.; Packers vs. Bengals, noon; Bible study, 1:30 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 with Pastor Jim, 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.; left-center-right, 2 p.m.
Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.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
Sunday: Mass (channel 66.1), 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.
Monday: Bus ride and resident council, 10:30 a.m.; ice cream social, 2 p.m.; bunco, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Bingo, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Omelets, 8 a.m.; painting, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday: Bingo, 10 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; room visits, 6 p.m.
Friday: Shopping, 10:30 a.m.; rosary on radio 66.1, 2:30 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.
Saturday: Bingo, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; room visits, 3:30 p.m.
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: Meatballs, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and lettuce.
Wednesday: Pork chops, baked potatoes, corn and coleslaw.
Thursday: Beef stew, pea salad and dinner roll.
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 chicken, cheese ravioli and California blend vegetables.
Tuesday: Philly cheese sandwiches, fried potatoes and Brussel sprouts.
Wednesday: Beef stew and biscuit.
Thursday: Bratwurst, macaroni and cheese and baked beans.
Friday: Baked fish, mashed potatoes and corn.
Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.
Crystal Falls Center
906-875-6709
The center is now open and is once again serving meals for dining in or take out -- call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place your order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include salad bar, homemade desserts, coffee, tea, or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pick up for take-out meals is 4 p.m. -- call ahead and leave a message with phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week --
Tuesday: Brats, cheesy potatoes and vegetables.
Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and vegetables.
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: Smothered chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and dinner roll.
Tuesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, mixed vegetables, garlic bread and brownies.
Wednesday: Turkey divan, cranberries, carrots and dinner roll with butter.
Thursday: Ground bologna on croissant, chips, cucumber salad and cookie.
Friday: Chili, cornbread, cucumber and dill sandwich and pudding.
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: Shepherd's pie, corn and breadsticks.
Tuesday: Potato pancakes, eggs special and fried ham.
Wednesday: Chicken/vegetable alfredo, dinner roll and California blend vegetables.
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: Taco pasta salad, corn bread and fruited Jell-O.
Tuesday: Hamburger stroganoff, egg noodles, Brussel sprouts and fruit.
Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fruit and cookies.
Thursday: Brat and sauerkraut on a bun, German potato salad, beet salad and German chocolate cake.
Friday: Chicken strips, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, three-bean salad 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: Boiled dinner, string cheese, dinner roll, fruit and milk.
Tuesday: Breakfast casserole, yogurt, hash brown potatoes, fruit and milk.
Wednesday: Grilled cheese, vegetable soup, fruit cocktail, fruit and milk.
Thursday: Stuffed baked potato casserole, cabbage, roll, dessert and milk.
Norway Center
Director: Michelle DeSimone
906-563-8716
Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Take-out meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Menu for the week --
Monday: Pork chop, mashed potatoes and gravy and island blend vegetables.
Tuesday: Sloppy Joes, tater tots and green beans.
Wednesday: Liver or burger and onions, mashed potatoes and gravy and Brussel sprouts.
Thursday: Cranberry chicken wrap, sweet potato fries and broccoli.
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: Philly steak and cheese casserole, carrots and mixed fruit.
Wednesday: Lasagna, garlic bread, mixed vegetable and peaches.
Thursday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn and pears.
All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.