NIAGARA, Wis. — There is no doubt that we are living through a troubling period of our collective history. One needs only to listen to the news for five minutes to get a review of the most disturbing problems. Newspaper headlines echo the same issues. It is tempting to believe that our current period is unique.

But a closer examination of today compared to history recent enough to remember reminds us that humankind has survived far worse and moved on to a better future. How were we able to move from those troubling times in the past to the brighter futures we experienced not that long ago? And how soon before we can start living through happier times again?

A brief review of some relatively recent history reminds us that humankind is a resilient bunch. The history surrounding the rise of Nazi Germany is chilling as we recall that awful war and the horror of the concentration camps. I read a book, titled “The Nine,” that told the remarkable story of nine women’s experiences in one of those camps, how they managed to escape from their own death march, and make their way to the front line to be rescued by American troops.

Despite conditions far worse than any of our own imaginings, they found the power within themselves to rise beyond their own misery and to help each other. One fact I found especially memorable is that they recited verbal cookbooks to each other from the depths of their own starvation. This actually gave them the sensation of eating and encouraged the belief that they would once again be seated around a happy table with their loved ones enjoying a holiday feast.

We probably have more personal memories of the Vietnam War era and of losing brothers and friends to battles deep in the jungles and far from home. We certainly remember the unrest that war created back home: demonstrations on college campuses, disagreements within families, marches on our Capitol, and political stalemates as more young men lost their lives.

Young men survived as prisoners of war and persevered through personal battles, even after they were home, to eventually lead productive lives once again. As a nation we worked together until troops were brought back home, the war was finally over, and our country healed.

Our more recent history shows us the war in Afghanistan. The movie, “Covenant,” playing now locally at the theater in Quinnesec, shows how one man took it upon himself to go back to bring his interpreter out of that war torn country to safety in the United States. His interpreter had saved his life and now he could not rest until he had repaid that debt.

I am currently reading a book, titled “Hope Is A Decision,” that addresses the importance of believing in the individual power of hope. It is a collection of essays written by Daisaku Ikeda who has, for over 60 years, dedicated himself to spreading teachings of hope and strengthening the foundations of a culture of peace. Ikeda believes that each individual has immense potential and that a great change in the inner dimension of one individual’s life has the power to touch others’ lives and transform society. Everything begins with a change in the heart of the individual. One person becoming wiser, stronger, more compassionate is “the essential first turn of the wheel toward realizing peaceful coexistence and fulfillment for the whole human race.”

Ikeda states that hope is a decision. It is the most important decision we can make for it is the force that enables us to take the action needed to make our dreams come true. As he states, “Hope is a flame that we nurture within our hearts. It may be sparked by someone else… but it must be fanned and kept burning through our own determination.

Most crucial is our determination to continue to believe in the limitless dignity and possibilities of both ourselves and others.” He further explains that we can unleash the great power of hope by keeping faith in the essential goodness that exists in each person and by cultivating this goodness in ourselves.

We already know that hope can prove to be an elusive commodity sometimes. And Ikeda acknowledges this fact, but stresses that is precisely when we need to dig deep inside for the slightest glimmer of light to get us through the darkness of despair. Find a reason to keep going. Focus our vision on the future or on examples from our past history — individually and as a society — where times have been better; where we have made good things happen. And we need to remind ourselves that if we could do it then, we can do it again.

He states that it is far better to pursue a remote, even seemingly impossible goal than to cheat ourselves of the forward motion that goals can provide. As he says, “I believe that the ultimate tragedy in life is not physical death. Rather, it is the spiritual death of losing hope, giving up on our own possibilities for growth.”

America is a very individualistic society. Historically, we have prized rugged individualism, survival of the fittest and maxims such as, “To the victors belong the spoils.” But we all have times when we do not feel very victorious; times when we just feel like survival itself is going to be a challenge. Consequently, too often we fail to see that each of us impacts the next person. Our personal efforts can transcend us as individuals and impact our neighbor, our community, our world. Our individual attitude can inspire. Our individual effort can produce positive change. One person can make a difference. Life is not hopeless as long as I can keep my own little glimmer of light alive to inspire someone else.

From this realization, it is not a big leap to acknowledge that life on this earth is not just about me. I was put here for a reason, and my actions matter. I can make a difference. I can inspire. I can help. I can give another person hope by having hope — and belief in something better — myself.

Ikeda acknowledges that the problems we face in our world today are, indeed, daunting in their depth and complexity. And he realizes that it may be hard to see where — or how — to begin. But he stresses that we cannot be paralyzed by despair.

We must all embark on the challenging journey of creating a new reality by setting goals for improvement and taking action toward meeting them. And, most important, take others along on this journey. Be like the pebble thrown into an expansive pond of water that causes all of the circles of waves from its single, small splash.

And know that the only thing stopping each of us on our journey toward change and the hope for a better future is that first leap into the pond…

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Group activities are ongoing, and doors are unlocked for visits. They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV/find the difference, 10 a.m.; devotional reading.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; room visits, 1:30 p.m.; coffee chat, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Bible study, 10 a.m.; jam workout, 10:30 a.m.; horse racing, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Gardening, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; Uno, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Uno, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; arts and crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Coffee hour, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Crosswords/self-activities.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; pass the prize, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Planting, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; bowling banquet, 11:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; blackout bingo, 2 p.m.; trivia and drinks, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Spa day, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; wildlife film, 1 p.m.; beer tasting, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Name That Tune, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Gramma Groomers, 1 p.m.; drive-in movie, 1:30 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling for dollars, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with music, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Prize wheel bingo, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; resident appreciation celebration, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/reminisce, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare (formerly Manor Care/ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is open for visitation. There is no longer a need to call in advance of your visit.

Sunday: Mother’s Day social, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Mother’s Day craft, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; trivia, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; religious craft, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; current events, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; First Lutheran Church service, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Table talk, 9:30 a.m.; devotional, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bracelet making, 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: Flower arrangements, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; Mother’s Day prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; crossword challenge, 10 a.m.; block party-banana split, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; Bob Larson, dance party, 10 a.m.; silly crafters-painting rocks, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; seed planting, 10 a.m.; grillin’ and chillin’ at courtyard cabana, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; making candy with Bobbie, 10 a.m.; tea party, 2 p.m.; Bible study, 3 p.m.

Friday: Apples to apples, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 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.; 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.; tasty Tuesday, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Pastor Jim, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; left-center-right, 2p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10; exercise, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Cards, 10:30 a.m.; Mother’s Day Tea, 2 p.m.

Monday: Movie: “A League of Their Own,” 10:30 a.m.; tailgating snacks, 2 p.m.; Skipbo, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee and doughnuts, 10:30 a.m.; big bucks bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; sensory, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: ’50s, ’60s, ’70s trivia, 10:30 a.m.; Cal’s Country Classics, 2:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Bingo, 10 a.m.; tropical drinks and karaoke, 2 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; Pictionary, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour with Rosemary and Wayne 2 p.m.; trivia, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

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

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

The center, at 415 Main St., is open four days a week, serving soup and sandwich meal from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Their new cook prepares meals on site.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, oven potatoes, green beans and salad.

Wednesday: Sausage and egg biscuit, hash browns and fruit.

Thursday: Lemon pepper flounder, fried potatoes and coleslaw.

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: Beef brisket, oven browned potatoes and chef choice vegetable.

Tuesday: Bratwurst or Italian sausage, steak fries and baked beans.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and peas.

Thursday: Lasagna, corn and garlic bread.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Bitsy Peryam

906-875-6709

The center is open on Mondays and 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 phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken parmesan over spaghetti noodles and garlic bread.

Tuesday: Cheese burgers, tater tots and baked beans.

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo and garlic bread.

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

Monday: Sloppy Joe, fries and baked beans.

Tuesday: Spaghetti, peas and dinner roll.

Wednesday: Ham and egg McMuffin, hash browns and applesauce.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, brown sugar carrots and dinner roll.

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: Sloppy Joe, fries and baked beans.

Tuesday: Spaghetti, peas and dinner roll.

Wednesday: Ham and egg McMuffin, hash browns and applesauce.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, brown sugar carrots and dinner roll.

Friday: Chef salad, breadstick and pudding treat.

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: 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: Blueberry bake and sausage.

Tuesday: Fish or Salisbury steak, oven brown potatoes and broccoli with cheese sauce.

Wednesday: Evening Meal: Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn bake.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Sloppy Joe, fries and baked beans.

Tuesday: Spaghetti, peas and dinner roll.

Wednesday: Ham and egg McMuffin, hash browns and applesauce.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

(ADRC) of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Cook’s choice — entree, vegetable and fruit.

Tuesday: Pasty, coleslaw and fruit.

Wednesday: Spaghetti and meatballs, spinach orange salad, breadsticks, fruit and iced chocolate cake.

Thursday: Oven baked fish, baked sweet potato, broccoli and fruit.

Friday: Soft shell tacos with lettuce, tomato and salsa, Mexican chopped salad, refried beans 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 is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Breaded chicken breast, hamburger bun, oven potatoes, Cook’s choice vegetable and peaches.

Tuesday: Turkey slice over dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy, carrots, cranberry Jell-O and dinner roll.

Wednesday: Beef fritter with brown gravy, au gratin potatoes, green beans, pears and whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Pork chop, boiled potatoes, cream corn, fruit pudding and whole wheat bread.

Friday: Shepherd’s pie, Brussel sprouts, fresh fruit and breadstick.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now 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: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and broccoli.

Tuesday: Chicken breast sandwich, sweet potato fries and corn.

Wednesday: Fish, roasted potatoes, coleslaw and dinner roll.

Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, Chef choice vegetable.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

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 $5 for those older than 60 and $7 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Brat patty on a bun, homemade potato salad, baked beans and cookie.

Tuesday: Roast pork, sauerkraut, potatoes, carrots and banana.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, mixed vegetables, bread and frosted fudge brownie.

Thursday: Liver and onions, parsley buttered potatoes, corn and Jell-O poke cake.

Join us for Bingo on Wednesday this week.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook: Brian Gutkowski

906-563-8716

Open for dine-in eating 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 pick up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Lasagna, breadstick and vegetable.

Tuesday: Chef salad with meats and hard-boiled egg and bread stick.

Wednesday: Two-meal day: 11 a.m., salmon, tater tots, vegetable; 4 p.m., barbecue ribs, mashed potatoes and vegetable.

Thursday: Corned beef, cabbage, baked potato and carrots.

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

Note: Bob Larson will be playing music on Monday.

Note: Board Meeting at noon on Thursday.

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

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

Tuesday: Smoked sausage, cabbage, roasted potatoes and fruit.

Wednesday: Pepper steak, rice and green beans.

Thursday: Chicken pot pie and peas.

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

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Sloppy Joe, fries and baked beans.

Tuesday: Spaghetti, peas and dinner roll.

Wednesday: Ham and egg McMuffin, hash browns and applesauce.