NIAGARA, Wis. — Maybe it is because I have now reached my seventh decade of living or because I am retired and am not too busy with my own small life to notice, but we seem perilously close to repeating history. And I have to admit, this realization frightens me. Do you feel it as well? When I ponder the approach of this upcoming election year, I feel a heaviness of heart, a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, and a brain full of dread and concern as to the results and what they may mean for our collective world’s future.

I really did not like history class when I was in school. I think most of us learned it the same way: a list of battles, dates, presidents’ names, and a series of events to be memorized and regurgitated so as to get a good grade on a test. Boring. Once that test was over, the memorized data left our brains with little residual learning left behind. It is a shame, really, because there is so much we can — and should — learn from history that we don’t because we did not grow up understanding its importance, and impact upon, the present. And we certainly did not understand how it could actually help to prevent the repetition of mistakes.

Various writers and scholars throughout history have observed mankind’s astounding inability to learn from our collective past. The quote with which most of us are familiar was said by George Santayana — a Spanish American philosopher, essayist, novelist and poet who lived from 1863 to 1952. He stated the phrase with which we are most familiar: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Renowned Irish playwright and political activist George Bernard Shaw’s words echo the same sentiment: “If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must man be of learning from experience.” American author Mark Twain was even more scathing in placing the blame for historical events squarely on us when he stated: “It is not worthwhile to try to keep history from repeating itself, for man’s character will always make the preventing of the repetitions impossible.” Ouch!

There is little hope in that quote. Not only did Twain have zero confidence in man’s ability to avoid catastrophe but cited the cause to be a collective character flaw.

Sydney J. Harris, a former columnist and journalist for the Chicago Sun-Times, was a little kinder when he stated: “History repeats itself, but in such cunning disguise that we never detect the resemblance until the damage is done.”

Here, Harris places some of the blame on history itself. He is willing to acknowledge that world events are complicated and may not always reveal their similarities and consequences until it is too late for human intervention.

Ronald Wright — Canadian novelist, historian, essayist and award-winning author of 10 books — gives us a fair amount of warning as to what is at stake when we fail to learn from the past as he says: “Each time history repeats itself, the price goes up.” What does he mean by this statement? Society does not remain stagnant.

Think about where we are today, for example, compared to where we were when Hitler began his rise to power. World War II was fought with tanks, bombs dropped from planes and boots on the ground around the world. We now live in a world of nuclear proliferation as well as the increasing use of artificial intelligence that makes it more likely than ever before that we have the ability to end life on this planet as we know it. It is a sobering thought.

So, what are we to do? As our world gets more and more complicated and the stakes of making a mistake become higher and higher — and more likely if we are to believe the words cited above — how do we proceed into the future? It has become imperative that we look in the rear view mirror and believe what we see. Consider the following thoughts on looking back on history.

— “Hindsight is illuminating but not always what we want to see.” — Kylie Minogue

— “History changes with each tiny event, shaping an outcome that we can only fully grasp in hindsight. And that view changes as we move further downstream.” — Lynn E. Noel

— “I think it is only in hindsight that you can determine whether something is a mistake or not.” — Scott D. Anthony

— “It’s so difficult, isn’t it? To see what’s going on when you’re in the absolute middle of something? It’s only with hindsight we can see things for what they are.” — S. J. Watson

— “The historian is a prophet facing backwards.” — Friedrich von Schlegel

One of my favorite authors is Erik Larson. He has the unique ability to weave the most intriguing story around actual historical events. Consequently, history comes alive within the pages of his books, and learning its lessons becomes much easier.

One of his most compelling books is titled “In the Garden of Beasts” and tells the story of Hitler’s rise to power in pre-World War II Germany. It takes place in 1933 Berlin and is told through the experiences of William E. Dodd, America’s first ambassador to Hitler’s Germany. Dodd, a mild-mannered professor from Chicago, brings along his family — a wife, a son and his daughter.

At first, life in Berlin is quite interesting and exciting until a series of incidents reveals Hitler’s true intentions. It was a very intentional, well-orchestrated endeavor that began in the rural areas of Germany with the recruitment of a group of followers known as the “brown shirts.”

They believed Hitler’s rhetoric and were more than happy to carry out his wishes. The more sophisticated city dwellers in Berlin dismissed Hitler, giving him no credibility until it was way too late. Dodd telegraphs his concerns to a largely indifferent State Department back in America. All the while, he witnesses first-hand Hitler’s rise to power. And, the rest as they say, is history. How different might our world have been if those early warning signs had been heeded?

Fast forward to today. Recall the events of Jan. 6, 2021, and the assault on our Capitol to prevent the certification of a legitimate election that had not turned out the way the sitting president had wanted.

Look at the events that continue to ramp up the closer we get to our next election. Notice the bumper stickers and the yard signs, and listen to the news reports of rallies around the country. Listen to the words being used in the many speeches given at those rallies.

There is a graphic being circulated on Facebook that is quite frightening. It shows a life-size lit match — with a yellow flame that bears a striking resemblance to the hairstyle of a particular politician — standing behind a podium. This lit match is addressing a huge crowd of bombs bearing angry faces and as-yet unlit wicks. Take to heart the message of this graphic for it foretells just how precarious our current situation is … and how quickly our future could be drastically changed.

Our collective history is there to show us the way forward if we take the time to look. We believe what we see, and we take action based upon what we have learned. Let past mistakes guide us to making better choices, which will allow us to build a brighter future. I will leave you with the words of Robin Sharma, Canadian writer and leadership expert. He says, “The real trick in life is to turn hindsight into foresight that reveals insight.”

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church with Lisa, 10 a.m.; trivia/residents’ choice, 1 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; baking, 1:30 p.m.; Skip-Bo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Church with Lisa, 10 a.m.; jam with oldies, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; art, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: For the love of nails, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag throw, 2 p.m.; basketball, 2:30 p.m.; coffee time, 3 p.m.

Friday: White board game, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Guess the song, 10 a.m.; ice cream, 1 p.m.; resident choice, 3 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; “Name That Tune,” 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Green Bay Packer tailgate, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Sunshine Club, 9:30 a.m.; casino, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; smart shoppers, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Just friends’ coffee social, 9:30 a.m.; travel club, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Christ United, 1:30 p.m.; Oktoberfest with Jan and Gino, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bell choir, 1 p.m.; balloon toss, 2:30 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/room visits, 9 a.m.; puzzle time, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

(formerly Manor Care/ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Morning mixer, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; manicures, 1 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; resident council, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafting, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; who’s that? 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bowling, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Men’s social, 9:30 a.m.; devotional, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; balloon volley, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Visitation is allowed. Family members are also invited to daily scheduled activities.

Sunday: Coffee and news, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; exercise-stretching, 10 a.m.; Soundz of Time with Jan and Gino, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, bag toss, 10 a.m.; baking cupcakes, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Monthly birthday coffee clutch, 10 a.m.; C&R happy hour with Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Morning mingle/“Price Is Right,” 10 a.m.; action 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 and refreshment, 1:30 p.m.

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

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; flu shot clinic, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Communion with Deacon Don, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshment, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Mind joggers, 10:30 a.m.; wine and cheese, 2 p.m.

Monday: Outside social, 10:30 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Bus ride, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; Scattegories, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; bunco, 2 p.m.; trivia, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Fall color tours, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; sensory, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 2 p.m.; kings’ corners, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday: Pictionary, 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. Thursdays, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes with gravy and mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Chicken salad wrap, baked beans and potato salad.

Thursday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, candied baby carrots and dinner roll.

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: Meat loaf, baked potato and buttered corn.

Tuesday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian blend vegetables and breadstick.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy and candied carrots.

Thursday: Goulash, buttered peas and dinner roll.

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 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: Spaghetti with Italian sausage.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Chop suey with chow mien noodles.

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

Monday: Fish sandwich, french fries and baked beans.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe casserole, dill carrots and biscuit.

Wednesday: Broccoli cheese soup, side salad and dinner roll.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meatballs, winter blend vegetables and garlic bread.

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: Fish sandwich, french fries and baked beans.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe casserole, dill carrots and biscuit.

Wednesday: Broccoli cheese soup, side salad and dinner roll.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meatballs, winter blend vegetables and garlic bread.

Friday: Chef salad, cottage cheese and yogurt.

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: 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.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

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

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

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: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes with gravy and green beans.

Tuesday: Chili, grilled cheese sandwich and Jell-O with fruit cup.

Wednesday: Pork stir fry, fried rice, broccoli and fortune cookie.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Fish sandwich, french fries and baked beans.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe casserole, dill carrots and biscuit.

Wednesday: Broccoli cheese soup, side salad and dinner roll.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Broccoli cheese soup, ham sandwich with lettuce and tomato and fruit.

Tuesday: Chicken tater bake, spinach salad and fruit.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, squash, fruit and cookies.

Thursday: Brat and kraut on a bun, German potato salad, beet salad and Black Forest cake.

Friday: Tuna noodle casserole, baked beans, tomato juice 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, serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Reservations for a meal onsite need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

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, 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: Baked ham, scalloped potatoes, Brussel sprouts, fruit cup and whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Shepherd’s pie, green beans, fruited Jell-O and whole wheat breadstick.

Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken, white rice, Oriental vegetables, wax beans and tropical fruit.

Thursday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, boiled potatoes, corn, whole wheat bread and fruit cup.

Friday: Beef pasty, rutabagas and fruit cup.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

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

Monday: Chili dogs, buttered corn and potato wedges.

Tuesday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian blend vegetables and breadstick.

Wednesday: Hearty beef stew, cornbread and applesauce

Thursday: Chicken marinara, spinach bake and garlic bread

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Marinated pork with sauerkraut, winter squash, green beans and pudding.

Tuesday: Baked cod, potato wedges, broccoli, rye bread and fruited Jell-O.

Wednesday: Sliced turkey, dressing with gravy, mixed vegetables, bread and butter and pumpkin dessert.

Thursday: Brats with sauerkraut, German potato salad, baked beans and apple crisp.

The center will have bingo on Mondays and Wednesdays this month.

A flu clinic is set for Wednesday.

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 is 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: Sloppy Joes, tater barrels and vegetables.

Tuesday: Ham, baked potato and vegetables.

Wednesday: Spaghetti or polenta, garlic bread and vegetables.

Thursday: Chicken bacon Alfredo, garlic bread and vegetables.

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 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: Chili, cornbread and cheese sticks.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, garlic mashed potatoes and carrots.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, buttered egg noodles and asparagus.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Fish sandwich, french fries and baked beans.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe casserole, dill carrots and biscuit.

Wednesday: Broccoli cheese soup, side salad and dinner roll.