NIAGARA, Wis. — Last week I wrote, and complained, about the negative political ads that would have us believe we were in dire straits as a nation. I used the Great Depression as a comparison to the times through which we are currently living as a way of encouraging us all to keep things in perspective. Keeping our present-day challenges in historic perspective would help to prevent us from blaming candidates who may otherwise have something positive to offer us if they won their bid for office.

Today I want to talk about how very important it is for us to fully appreciate our system of government; the democracy we have all been born into and may have begun to take for granted. In fact, in light of how divisive our current state of affairs is, we may be tempted to blame the very government we should be supporting. We may decide that our vote doesn’t matter, so why bother to go to the polls in the first place. Thoughts and feelings such as these begin a journey down a very dangerous path, for it is through difficult times such as these that our country demands the most from us. And, as citizens, we owe our nation our full attention to, and participation in, its government. Apathy is both dangerous and unacceptable.

None of us was around in 1776 when our forefathers won the war against the tyranny of the king of England. We did not experience the dissension among the citizenry as our Constitution was written. Consequently, we cannot appreciate the upheaval and disagreement that must have been brewing as our new nation tried to establish itself as an independent country and a fledgling democracy. Going it alone, free from what many still believed to have been the much-needed protection of England, must have been a very scary proposition and cause for much argument.

However, knowing deep in their hearts that the split with royal rule was absolutely necessary if our nation was ever to be free to grow and prosper, our forefathers forged ahead despite the dissent. They wrote the Bill of Rights and our Constitution establishing our democratic government that has lasted almost 250 years. They were alive to know what it cost them and how difficult a battle it was to win, but they persisted. The framework devised so many decades ago has served us through world wars and battles within our country as we have struggled throughout our history to perfect this imperfect union.

That fight still continues and demands our attention and our participation. We find ourselves a divided nation today. No matter the question asked by the latest nationwide poll, answers are nearly split right down the middle. And each side blames the other for the current state of affairs. It does not seem to matter which party was in office when the problem began, the party currently holding office when the train goes off the track gets the blame.

This attitude begs the question, “Does someone have to be blamed?” We all know from the events of our own lives that sometimes, despite our best efforts and the use of our best judgment, life simply does not turn out the way we had anticipated or hoped. Sometimes the best we can hope for is to learn from our mistakes so that the next time we are confronted with similar circumstances, we know to make a better decision or to choose a different path.

Also, depending upon the situation’s complexity, it may not be able to be corrected as quickly as any of us might like. Time is needed to fully assess the root cause of a problem and then to make a determination of the best solution. And, we need to recognize that we may benefit from the expertise and experience of others to help us make a decision for our lives. In the end, it is our life and we must live with the decision we make, but there is no harm in getting the opinion of others who may have traveled the same path in their own lives.

Applying these thoughts to our democracy would accomplish a few things. First, we would be reminded that our choice of a leader is critical. We need someone with experience. The attitude that a political career should actually disqualify someone is, quite frankly, short sighted at the very least. But that is not to say that different ideas brought to the table by a less experienced candidate are not welcomed. Certainly, there is room for both, and the resulting solutions would offer a combination of the tried and true and fresh thinking. We also need a leader who can think beyond his or her individual needs and focus on what is best for our entire country. That leader also needs to remember the diversity of this country and make decisions that provide for everyone. And we need to remember that individual character matters. The heart and soul of the individual we choose to lead us and our country into the future will be born out in the decisions he or she makes and will determine the path of our collective history.

Second, we need to remember that our forefathers, in all of their wisdom and experience, set forth our Constitution so as to assign distinct and important duties and responsibilities to each of our three branches of government. The executive, legislative and judicial branches were kept separate for important reasons, not the least of which was to avoid a dictatorship. It is important for any elected official to know both his or her responsibilities and boundaries within their respective branch.

Third, and most important, is to remember that we the people get the democracy we deserve. A healthy and effective democracy demands our participation. We have to continue to care enough to know and understand the issues that are impacting our nation and its people — everyone, not just ourselves. This requires us to believe the facts surrounding the issues and not go surfing the internet until we find something that agrees with what we already believe. We need to keep our minds open and look beyond our own needs. We are a large, diverse nation comprised of people who need help in different areas to varying degrees. What is good for us individually may not be of any help to our neighbor; our thinking must become more inclusive. So, we must open our minds, become more informed and open to new thinking, and we must vote.

We live in politically difficult times. But we will only find our way through them together. We cannot afford to relinquish our responsibilities. Our country needs us, our democracy needs us, and we need them. It is time to step up and reclaim the nation our forefathers fought so valiantly to establish before we lose the promise of its bright future.

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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.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; lunch, noon; “Antiques Roadshow,” 6 p.m.

Monday: Coffee chatters, 10 a.m.; music, 11:30 a.m.; horse shoe, 2 p.m.; group reminisce, 2:30 p.m.; room visits, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Work out jam, 10 a.m.; devotions, 10:15 a.m.; trivia, 10:30 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee chatters, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 a.m.; left-center-right game, 1:30 p.m.; Thanksgiving decorating, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee chatters, 10 a.m.; music, 11:30 a.m.; arts and crafts, 1:30 p.m.; make a fun story, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass with Father Joe, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; in-room visits, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Coloring fun, 10 a.m.; word search, 2 p.m.; in-room self-activities, 3 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; storytelling, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; tailgate party and Packers game, 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; high rollers, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; Norway Center, 10 a.m.; Resident Council meeting, 10:30 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; pass the prize, 2 p.m.; mystery movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/current events, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; getting pretty, 1:15 p.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; men’s club, 2:30 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler/bowling, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Friday: Shoe box crafts, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; veterans program, 1 p.m.; room visits, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 8 p.m.

Saturday: “Price Is Right,”/room visits, 9 a.m.; faces and places, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

ProMedica (formerly Manor Care)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is now open for visitation. Visitors no longer need to call in advance.

Sunday: Cookie break, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; resident council, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; manicures, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Po-ke-no, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; reminisce, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; Veterans Day craft, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; veterans bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Coffee break, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Visitation is allowed as long as all infection control guidelines are followed, including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Book club, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; tic tac trivia and hot cocoa, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary and communion, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; Bob Larson, 10:15 a.m.; resident council, 2 p.m.; bingo, 2:30 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary and communion, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 9 a.m.; Scrabble, 10 a.m.; care package project, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Hot cocoa and Uno, 10 a.m.; rosary and communion, 1 p.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim D., tribute to our veterans, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. 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. There are no group activities at this time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Packers vs. Lions, noon; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time., 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; ladder ball, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday: Communion with Deacon Don, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; music with Crystal, 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10; exercise, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 1:30 p.m.

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

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Phase 10, 10:30 a.m.; social circle, 2 p.m.

Monday: Coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; “Family Feud,” 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Decorating, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Shopping outing, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; trivia, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Pictionary, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

This center remains open. They welcomed a new cook who prepares meals on site.

Tuesday: Chicken cacciatore on rice and California blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Pork chops with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes and green beans.

Thursday: Potato soup with ham and sloppy Joes.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Open for dine-in eating Monday through Thursday, serving at noon. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chili and grilled cheese sandwich.

Tuesday: Brats on a bun, macaroni and cheese and baked beans.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and mixed vegetables.

Thursday: Baked French toast, fried potatoes and breakfast sausages.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Rocky Scarlassara

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is 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 your phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Baked chicken and rice pilaf.

Tuesday: Pork chops and mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Beef tips over egg noodles.

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: Barbecue chicken, macaroni and cheese and five-way vegetable blend.

Tuesday: Hamburger soup, dinner roll and butter.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and California blend vegetables.

Thursday: Biscuits and gravy, hashbrowns and spiced fruit.

Friday: Chef salad, yogurt and fruit.

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 is:

Monday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 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.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played; Happy Quilters, 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday: No activities at this time.

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: Shrimp Alfredo, egg noodles and peas.

Tuesday: Ham-Swiss sub sandwich, coleslaw and potato chips.

Wednesday: Pasty pie, carrots and salad.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

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

Tuesday: Centers are closed for staff training.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, spinach salad, breadsticks, fruit and pudding.

Thursday: Chicken and stuffing bake, squash, green bean medley and pumpkin pie.

Friday: Sloppy Joes, baked beans, baked French fries 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, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

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. Now open, 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 for those who are homebound is available.

Contact the center for weekly menus.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m., salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week –

Monday: Pizza burger, French fries, stewed tomatoes, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Tater tot casserole, carrots, dinner roll, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Cold tuna-noodle salad, string cheese, chips, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, cooked cabbage, dessert and milk.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon on Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $4.50 for those older than 60 and $7 for 60 or younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Beef noodle casserole, vegetables, biscuit and blushing pears.

Tuesday: Oriental chicken and vegetables, brown rice, chow mein noodles and birthday cake.

Wednesday: Sub sandwich, cottage cheese, chips, fresh fruit and dessert bar.

Thursday: Sausage and cheese egg bake, hash browns, fruited muffin and orange juice.

Come in for bingo on Wednesday this week.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski. 

906-563-8716

Open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if planning to dine in or if picking up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, red potatoes and broccoli.

(Continued from 6-A)

Tuesday: Stuffed green peppers, stewed tomatoes and baked potato.

Wednesday: Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy and squash.

Thursday: Cod, scalloped potatoes and green beans.

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

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101, 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, 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Open for dine-in eating – call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe, French fries, green beans, and mixed fruit.

Wednesday: Chicken parmesan, egg noodles and broccoli.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn and pears.

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