NIAGARA, Wis. — Life in America has begun to change at an alarming rate. Every day the news brings us reports of yet another freedom that seems to be in danger of slipping away. The newspaper features editorials from educated people who warn us that the fabric of America is changing quickly. And we begin to fear that we may be in danger of losing our beloved country to forces beyond our control. We feel helpless in the face of such a huge threat. What can we do? A review of our collective history may give us some positive perspective, and a strong dose of hope may give us some comfort while we collectively work our way through the changes that may or may not be inevitable.

My husband and I received a large dose of hope a couple of weeks ago when we went to see the movie, “Hamilton.” It is the musical that tells the story of how our country came to be; of how and why the colonists decided to break away from England’s rule. It is a serious story that is masterfully sung in a humorous manner. We see the character flaws of our founding fathers, the petty squabbles between them as different personalities collide and a variety of opinions cause disagreements. Pride, personal ambition, competition, and a clash of values are all present along with no small dose of fear. Yet, a belief in what America could become without England’s influence and a unifying desire for life free from King George’s rule serve as motivating forces to forge a new nation; a new land that guarantees individual rights and prevents a government from trampling all over them.

We all know the story of our country’s beginning and of the men who chose to rise to the occasion no matter the difficulties. What the movie demonstrates so well is that these were ordinary men — like you and I and our neighbors today. They shared a common belief that their individual colonies could — and should — come together to fight for a “more perfect union.” We have all been taught about the Revolutionary War that accomplished this: the battles that were fought, the blood that was shed, the sacrifices that were made, and the many lives that were lost.

Our forefathers emerged victorious and thus began the never-ending journey of our country; a country that would grow to become a world leader, a country to where many would travel to build a better life, and a country that would need to be ever vigilant against foreign and domestic threats to its land and the independence of its people. Over the course of nearly 250 years, we have fought countless wars to preserve our freedoms — and those of our allies — and to defend ourselves from tyrants who would seek to destroy this great land as they sought to advance their own belief systems and personal desires for power. And we have prevailed over our own internal enemies to remain free and to continue to enjoy those freedoms guaranteed to us by our Constitution.

Time and time again we have cared enough to stand our ground when our rights have been threatened. Our history books are filled with the accounts of these struggles: the Civil War, World War I and World War II, the Korean Conflict, and more recently the Gulf War and Afghanistan. We stood up against Russia during the Cuba Missile Crisis, which led to a years-long Cold War that threatened our nation’s safety. I can remember being in sixth grade gym class and feeling like bombs would begin dropping at any time. We even had civil defense drills in both elementary and middle school as if getting under our desks or taking shelter in the gym locker rooms would save us. And we survived the internal betrayal of leadership during the McCarthy era and the Watergate scandal. We can and should take comfort in this history for it shows our resilience as a nation and the wisdom of our leadership in critical times.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has a Memory Cafe – a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Catholic Mass in dining room on YouTube, 10 a.m.; relax, coloring, 2 p.m.

Monday: Book reading with Crystal in the west lounge, 10 a.m.; trivia, 10:30 a.m.; dice club, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Bible study, 9:30 a.m.; nail spa, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Bible study, 10 a.m.; chair workout, 10:30 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Resident council meeting,11 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.; bunny/dog visit, 2 p.m.

Friday: Chitter chatter group, 10 a.m.; LCR game, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzle packet, 10 a.m.; “The Wall” on Game Show Network channel, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; reminisce, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Cooking, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; DT luncheon, 11:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; “Name That Tune,” 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/Sunshine Club, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; travel 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.; volleyball, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Room-to-room bingo/smart shoppers, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Sunday devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; movie/games, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Biscotti Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; after dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; afternoon tea, 2 p.m.;

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9 a.m.; International Coffee Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; desserts and conversations, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; doctor pol, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Halloween craft, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 pm.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; afternoon coffee, 1:30 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Scattegories, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; movie and popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.; Packers vs. Cowboys, 7:20 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; coffee trivia with flavored coffee, 2 p.m.; Baptist Church family sing along, 5 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Catch A Phrase, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; witch’s brew and 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.; silly crafters, part one, 10 a.m.; board games, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3:30 p.m.

Friday: Silly crafters, part two, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Uno, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was available.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

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.; the rare exotic, 2:30 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; men’s group, 10:45 a.m.; listen and learn, 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 2 p.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/who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; the writer word game, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 1:45 p.m.; rummy, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles, DeBecker food truck, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo, 10:30 a.m.; off to the races, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; Thursday night football, 7 p.m.; daily chronicles; fall ride.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; pondering prompts, 11:15 a.m.; Oktoberfest, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; Friday night movie (The Long Game), 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; chair exercise, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 11 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; daily chronicles, activity packets. 

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Italian cheddar bake with noodles, Italian vegetables, fruit cup.

Thursday: White chicken chili with beans, hard roll, pudding parfait.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday at noon, salad bar at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots, biscuit.

Tuesday: Beef ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread.

Wednesday: Celebrating all October birthdays — Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, carrots, dinner roll.

Thursday: Lemon chicken and rice, Brussel sprouts, applesauce.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Easton Anderson

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke (Mondays) and Jess Anderson (Tuesdays / Wednesdays)

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. Deliveries to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Sloppy Joes, tater tots, baked beans.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy.

Wednesday: Reuben sandwiches, potato salad.

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: Baked pork chops, rice pilaf, green beans, applesauce.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, baked potato, green beans, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Lemon chicken and rice, roast squash, applesauce.

Thursday: Chili with beans, hard roll, pudding parfait.

Friday: Cheese tortellini with meat sauce, wax beans, garlic bread.

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 3 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.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.; chess, noon.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Head cook: Joan Wickman 906-246-3559

Program president: Lisa Casey 906-282-7899.

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available. Delivery offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Soup and egg salad sandwich.

Tuesday: Deluxe cheeseburger with fries.

Wednesday: White bean chicken chili, cornbread.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken noodle casserole, dark green salad, breadsticks, fruit.

Tuesday: Amish breakfast bake, dark green salad, fruit.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, broccoli, peach cobbler.

Thursday: Clam chowder or tomato soup, toasted cheese sandwich, spinach salad, fruit.

Friday: Soft shell tacos with lettuce, tomato, cheese and salsa, refried beans, tropical fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Florence Community Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon Wednesday only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

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: Turkey ala king, mashed potatoes, biscuit, tropical fruit.

Tuesday: Tortellini in red sauce, country trio vegetables, side salad with cheese and tomato, breadstick, warm cinnamon peaches.

Wednesday: Ham meatloaf, root vegetable blend, diced carrots, pineapple tidbits, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Chicken stew, green beans, sweet potato tater tots, biscuit, diced pears.

Friday: Hobo dinner, sliced carrots, sliced potatoes, vegetable, fruit cup, whole wheat breadstick.

Milk available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11:30 a.m., with the meal served at noon a.m. No night meals are available. Meals can be prepared for carryout.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Baked pork chops, rice pilaf, green beans, applesauce.

Tuesday: Chicken cacciatore over rice, carrots, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Shepherd’s pie, corn, biscuit.

Thursday: Turkey dinner, mashed sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, brownie

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 for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo is played on most Wednesdays. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Tuesday: Pork chop, wild rice, peas, carrot raisin salad, blueberry dessert.

Wednesday: Sloppy Joe with bun, sweet potato fries, green beans, raspberry sauce.

Thursday: Cheesy beef casserole, green peas, side salad, warm spiced peaches.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:30 a.m. Salad bar available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. hose attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes, gravy, applesauce.

Tuesday: French dip sandwich with au jus, fries, Jell-O.

Wednesday: Pepper steak, rice, Oriental vegetables.

Thursday: Turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes.

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. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Cost for dine-in meal is $5 and takeout meal is $6. Reservations are required. Call 906-542-3273 and specify if you want to dine-in or take-out. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Lasagna.

Thursday: Roasted pork shoulder, sweet potato casserole .

The center will offer a fall color tour bus ride on Oct. 13. Those interested can call 906-221-1332 or see Nancy or Monica.