The times they are a changin’ — appropriate words for today
NIAGARA, Wis. — Many of you who, like me, came of age in the ’60s will recognize the title of today’s column as lyrics from one of Bob Dylan’s songs. And many of you, like me, may be experiencing no small bit of anxiety over the results of the presidential election, as well as feelings of helplessness over the uncertainty with which we now view the future of our country. So, how do we approach the next four years? Can we affect change or is it too late? The country has voted, and there has been a peaceful transfer of power as is our democratic process. But how will that power manifest itself in the hands of this president?
As my husband and I watched “CBS Sunday Morning” this past weekend, we felt some encouragement from a segment authored by Mo Rocca. As we now know, one of President Trump’s goals is to “clean house” by making it easier to replace or eliminate current federal employees, along with the positions they have held. And, judging from his cabinet appointments, we know he intends to surround himself with political loyalists regardless of qualifications. Depending upon individual political beliefs, this action represents a major mistake or an action that has been a long time coming. Rocca’s reporting shared the history of such actions.
Back in the 1800s, it was common practice for each new president to eliminate everyone from their positions and to replace them with those who were loyalists and had been instrumental in helping the new president get elected. Andrew Jackson began this custom, and it became known as the “spoil system” — derived from the phrase “to the victor belong the spoils.” Eventually, the practice was hotly debated. One of the biggest critics was author Mark Twain, who wrote, “We will not hire a blacksmith who has never lifted a sledge. We will not hire a schoolteacher who does not know the alphabet … But when you come to our civil service, we serenely fill great numbers of minor public offices with ignoramuses.” Presidents Rutherford B. Hayes and James Garfield both opposed the practice but were unable to change the policy. President Chester A. Arthur, who had ironically come into office benefiting from the spoil system, was the one to get the system changed through the implementation of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act.
Today, we face the possibility of returning to the old spoil system. And there are other highly debatable policies taking effect or that are in the works: immigration, elimination of policies that could free our country from harmful energy practices, and the resignation from collaborations with other foreign countries aimed at benefiting the global economy and keeping all of us safer from predatory nations. The serious proposed changes in existing policies, of course, are only some of the changes being proposed. They take their place on the list alongside such whims as renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America, and Denali — the highest peak in North America — would once again become Mount McKinley. Additionally, Canada would be welcomed as our 51st state, we would retake the Panama Canal, and purchase Greenland. These proposals are unnerving and range from being completely ludicrous to downright scary if we allow ourselves to fear the worst.
Where does one go to find encouragement in times like these? Or how does one find restful nights in the face of such lunacy? Personally, I found it in another song. Written by Pete Seeger and performed by The Byrds in 1965, the song “Turn, Turn, Turn” offers up hope by reminding us that things do change. The chorus says it perfectly: “To everything turn, turn, turn. There is a season turn, turn, turn. And a time to every purpose under Heaven.”
Throughout our history as a nation, there have been any number of very scary times — serious, complicated periods through which we have found our way to brighter, productive, happier years. And we became a stronger nation as a result of the struggle. Our country has survived two world wars, the Great Depression, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. We survived the Nixon presidency along with the double-digit interest rates during President Carter’s term. We have found our way through every crisis and every conflict and have emerged a stronger nation as a result. It was not easy, nor was it enjoyable at the time, but we did it. If you think of it, our nation was born by pulling together through two extreme crises: the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.
In pondering this, I searched for the formula that has allowed us to work through every crisis and to emerge even stronger having survived the flames of controversy and division. I found an answer through a different segment on the most recent “CBS Sunday Morning” program. There is a new Broadway musical titled “Redwood” that helps to explain our resiliency as a nation, and it comes at a time when we all need reminding of our “roots.”
Directed by Tina Landau, the production stars actress Edina Menzel, who plays the lead character, a role loosely based upon the life of Julia Butterfield Hill. Hill is noted for her activism back in the 1990s that grew from her love of the giant redwood trees of northern California. She was, quite literally, a “tree hugger” in that she actually lived at the top of one of those glorious trees for two years in an attempt to save it from being cut down. Her action was successful. It drew national attention to the glory of this product of Mother Nature. Her tree was spared along with other redwood forests.
In the course of the interview with the director, we learn that despite its towering stature, the roots of the giant redwood only grow to a depth of 7 or 8 feet. We would expect that the roots of such a towering tree must extend much deeper to keep it upright. Its secret is that the roots of each individual tree turn to join with the roots of neighboring redwood trees, and together they can stand tall and form an entire forest of strength. Allow yourself to ponder the significance of this fact for a moment.
We are a nation of immigrants. Few of us can trace our roots back to the founding fathers. And once settled in the first colonies, we expanded to every corner of our nation. We now live in a variety of climates, make a living in many different areas, and have a variety of challenges based upon the part of this country we call home. Yet, we have all become Americans. We know we have specific inalienable rights guaranteed to us by our Constitution. We have a common history. We share a love for our country and take pride in our collective accomplishments and what America means to the world.
We need to remember — and celebrate — the importance of the things we share for they are our common history. Our history forms our root system. Like the roots of the redwood trees, our shared history will continue to reach out and join us in a common purpose. Those roots, when joined, will continue to provide us with the strength to endure any challenge, overlook any perceived differences, and to grow even taller with each passing year. For we are the people … we are America … we are our strength. We know our destiny and we are prepared to claim it. And we are determined to reach our greatest potential … together.
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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES
Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community
Kingsford
906-774-1530
They welcome anyone who would like to entertain the residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.
On the third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. they host a Memory Cafe – a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program is run by donations.
Sunday: Catholic Mass on TV, 10 a.m.; coloring.
Monday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; small group in activity room, 11:30 a.m.; dice club, 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; brown bag bingo, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: “Price Is Right” on CBS, 10 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.
Thursday: Resident council meeting, 10 a.m.; bunny visits, 11 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.
Friday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; small group in activities room, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Word search, 10 a.m.; family time, 2 p.m.; “Weakest Link” on PBS, 7 p.m.
Iron County Medical Care Facility
Crystal Falls
906-874-1501
Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; Scattegories, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.
Monday: Valentine attire selection, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a. m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; storytelling, 6 p.m.
Tuesday: Just friends, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; Pictionary, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Storytelling 9:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; travel film, 1: 30 p.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m.
Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Jim, 2 p.m.
Friday: Crafts with Bea, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Valentine attire selection, 1 to 2:30 p.m.; balloon toss, 2:30 p.m.; activity council, 3 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.
Saturday: “Price Is Right,” name that word, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.
Optalis Healthcare
Kingsford
906-774-4805
Sunday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; games or movie, 1 p.m.
Monday: Resident council meeting, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; heart month, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Valentine craft, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Alzheimer’s Association, “healthy living for your brain and body,” 2 p.m.
Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Black History Month, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Valentine craft, 2 p.m.
Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafts or games, 1 p.m.
Maryhill Manor Nursing Home
Niagara, Wis.
715-251-3172
Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.
Sunday: Hot cocoa and groundhog fun facts, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; movie and popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.
Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; make pinecone bird feeders, 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; buzz words, 10 a.m.; music with Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; baking cookies, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; Scattegories, 10 a.m.; order takeout from Pit Stop Bar, 11 a.m.; silly crafters, valentines, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Friday: Hedbanz, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Uno, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.
Northshore Healthcare
Florence, Wis.
715-528-4833
Sunday: Independent activities.
Monday through Friday: No information available .
Saturday: Independent activities.
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 refreshments, 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.
Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.
Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.
Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.
Pinecrest Medical
Care Facility
Powers
906-497-5244
Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bean bag toss, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; tea and the ’70s, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages, daily chronicles.
Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Cranium Crunch, 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 1:45 a.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour and who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; schoolhouse score, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Hangman, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday 1:45 p.m.; kings ‘n’ corner, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo/guess the ’60 TV show, 10 a.m.; Bunco, 1:30 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; trivia; Jerry Beauchamp, 2 p.m.; book club, 4:15 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.
SENIOR CENTERS
Amasa Center
906-822-7284
Menu for the week —
Tuesday: Tater tot casserole, candied carrots, croissant, Jell-O with fruit.
Wednesday: Turkey and cheese wrap, baked potato chips, string cheese, yogurt.
Thursday: Spaghetti with meatballs, vegetable, garlic bread, pudding cup.
Breen Center
Kingsford
906-774-5110
Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — salad bar at 11:30 a.m., meal at noon. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —
Monday: Deluxe cheeseburger, seasoned potato wedges, baked beans.
Tuesday: Chicken and spaghetti, vegetable, garlic bread, Jell-O with fruit.
Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables, breadstick.
Thursday: Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable, dinner roll.
Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.
Crystal Falls Center
Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam
Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke and Shannon Stapleton
906-875-6709
The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an order. All food 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 a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —
Monday: Chicken parmesan, garlic bread.
Tuesday: Biscuits and gravy, sausage links and eggs.
Wednesday: Barbecue chicken, rice pilaf.
Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA — independent from above menu) —
Monday: Egg, sausage and cheese, biscuit, tater tots, pears.
Tuesday: Chicken vegetable soup with noodles, bread and butter, Jell-O with fruit.
Wednesday: Garlic parmesan fish, baked potato, vegetable, apple crisp.
Thursday: Sweet and sour pork with fried rice, Oriental vegetables, fruit, fortune cookie.
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: Egg, sausage and cheese, biscuit, tater tots, pears.
Tuesday: Chicken vegetable soup with noodles, bread and butter, Jell-O with fruit.
Wednesday: Garlic parmesan fish, baked potato, vegetable, apple crisp
Thursday: Sweet and sour pork with fried rice, Oriental vegetables, fruit, fortune cookie.
Friday: Ham dinner, mashed sweet potato, candied carrots, dinner roll, pudding parfait.
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: Sweet and sour chicken, fried rice, Oriental vegetables, fortune cookie.
Tuesday: French bread pizza, Italian blend vegetables, fruit.
Wednesday: Cheeseburger, baked fries, baked beans.
Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.
Home-delivered meals —
Monday: Egg, sausage and cheese, biscuit, tater tots, pears.
Tuesday: Chicken vegetable soup with noodles, bread and butter, Jell-O with fruit.
Wednesday: Garlic parmesan fish, baked potato, vegetable, apple crisp.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Florence County, Wis.
715-528-4890
Director: Tiffany White
Menu for the week —
Monday: Homemade pizza, broccoli salad, fruit.
Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fruit.
Wednesday: Hot pork sandwich, baked sweet potato, green beans, fruit, birthday cake.
Thursday: Ravioli with meat sauce, Brussel sprouts, garlic bread, fruit, cookies.
Friday: Chicken strips, potato salad, baked beans, fruit.
Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.
Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center
Home-delivered meals will be served Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. There will be no meals delivered on Monday or Wednesday. The dining center is only open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Space is limited. Call the day before to make a reservation at 715-589-4491.
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
This site is closed until further notice.
Home-delivered meals will be delivered Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. No Wednesday meal is available.
Tipler Town Hall
RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320
Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.
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: Beefsteak with gravy, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, green beans, whole wheat bread, applesauce.
Tuesday: Turkey tetrazzini, tropical fruit, steamed broccoli, steamed cauliflower.
Wednesday: Cheesy egg and ham bake with whole wheat bread crust, breakfast potatoes with peppers and onions, warm cinnamon peaches, tomato juice.
Thursday: Vegetable soup, ham and Swiss sandwich on a hamburger bun, carrot and raisin salad, pineapple.
Friday: Chicken pot pie, green beans, succotash vegetable blend, mixed fruit cup, whole wheat bread.
Iron River Center
906-265-6134
Serving at 11 a.m., salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —
Monday: Hot beef sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable, pudding.
Tuesday: Barbecue chicken legs, baked beans, vegetable, dinner roll.
Wednesday: Ham dinner, mashed sweet potatoes, glazed carrots, dinner roll, apple crisp.
Thursday: Spaghetti with meatballs, vegetable, garlic bread.
All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.
Niagara Senior Center/Cafe
715-251-1603
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.
Tuesday: Tuna noodle casserole with peas and carrots, side salad with tomatoes, fruited Jell-O.
Wednesday: Stuffed pepper soup with wild rice, wheat dinner roll, apple crisp.
Thursday: Super Bowl party – hamburger on a bun, potato salad, baked beans, fruit salad, cookie.
The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.
Norway Center
Director: Alicia Rochon
906-563-8716
Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up.
Monday: Chicken parmesan over penne pasta, marinara sauce, wheat dinner roll.
Tuesday: Biscuits with meat gravy, hash browns, sausage, pudding.
Wednesday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, red potatoes, vegetables, cookie.
Thursday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles with gravy, vegetables, pudding.
Birthdays and bingo on second 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
Dine-in meals served, salad bar opens at 11 a.m., meal at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available.
Menu for the week —
Tuesday: Wet burrito, refried beans with cheese, Mexican rice, Jell-O with fruit.
Wednesday: Ham with scalloped potatoes, peas, dinner roll.
Thursday: Baked turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable, dinner roll.
All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.
Home-delivered meals —
Monday: Egg, sausage and cheese, biscuit, tater tots, pears.
Tuesday: Chicken vegetable soup with noodles, bread and butter, Jell-O with fruit.
Wednesday: Garlic parmesan fish, baked potato, vegetable, apple crisp.