To everything there is a season
Back in 1965, I was a high school freshman. A song entitled “Turn, Turn, Turn” hit number one on the pop charts. Written by Pete Seeger and sung by a British group called The Byrds, it eventually ran its course, like all songs do. It was not until I was older that I realized the lyrics were actually a collection of verses from the Bible — Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3. And it was not until I had lived a few more years that this particular writing came to be so meaningful and helpful to me. When I found it printed on a greeting card, I bought it and put it in a frame. That scripture took up residence on my desk at work and now sits on a bookcase in our home office. It still continues to speak to me after all these years.
I am sure you are familiar with it. In case your memory needs a bit of a jog, and to save you the time of looking it up, here it is in the New King James style.
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven:
“A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to gain, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”
This chapter strikes me as pertinent on a few levels. First, each situation touched upon is a polar opposite and serves as a reminder that our lives will be full of opposing forces with which we must contend. No part of our lives will remain constant; there will always be change to which we must adapt. Second, lest we lose heart, in the majority of situations the challenge comes first and is followed by a resolution to the problem or a happier time. No matter how difficult life becomes, there is a time that is better or easier. Third, there are almost as many situations in which the good comes before the bad. So, do not get too complacent or take your good life for granted. Always appreciate your life in the moment because there will come a time when you will be tested and will need to find the strength to pull through a difficult patch. And, finally, I am always struck by the randomness of these words. When it comes right down to it, we are not in control. Life happens and we have to deal with it to the best of our ability.
And therein lies the rub. Despite all of our preparations and planning and our attempts to get it right, in the end, it is not up to us. How difficult that is to accept! In this country, we live according to that American work ethic that tells us if we plan, play by the rules and keep our nose to the grindstone, we can build a good life; things will work out. After we have lived a few years as adults, we come to realize that hard work doesn’t always guarantee success and that despite our “best-laid plans,” sometimes life throws us a curve ball. My grandmother was so right when she said, “Whatever shall be, will be.”
I worked at a local construction company for several years when I first moved up here; it was my first real job. One of the most influential people I met there was Mac, the plant manager. He had a sixth sense in that he always knew when I needed a boost. He would walk into my office and tell me a joke or offer a piece of wisdom just right for the situation. One such tidbit was, “Hard work does not guarantee success, but you can’t get anywhere without it.” So, at least I could do my part and hope for the best — something I needed to hear at the time.
My husband and I talk often about the historic time in which we are now living. It so reminds us of the 1960s, and we are saddened that in so many respects, it seems as though we have not made any progress at all. The names in the headlines may be different, but the arguments seem to be the same. Racial tensions, political divisions, economic stressors, social injustices and power plays have all reared their ugly heads once again because they have never really been effectively resolved. Leaders have come and gone with different names but the same strengths and weaknesses. As the old saying goes, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” It’s all quite predictable and more than a little discouraging.
After 50-plus years, we are still struggling with the same issues. On the surface we can say that the “enemy” this time around is not a foreign power but an invisible virus. But truly, in this great American experiment called democracy that promises freedom and certain “inalienable rights” to us all, we remain our own worst enemy.
We may look different — our skin may be a different color, our hair may be wiry, we may be covered with tattoos and riddled with piercings, and we may dress in baggy pants or colorful turbans — but we basically want the same things out of life. We want the freedom to live according to our beliefs, the opportunity to grow to our fullest potential, and a chance at a job, a home and a family. And we should all have the right to determine our future — even if the kind of life we build is different than the life someone else has chosen to build. My choice of a mosque or a synagogue is not wrong because it is not a church or cathedral. My choice to have six children or no children is just that — my choice. We need to remember that our choices will not be the same choices made by our neighbor, our friend, or even a family member … and that is okay!
But we also need to remember that our right to these personal freedoms cannot infringe upon our neighbor’s rights. My desire to express my freedom to socialize cannot place anyone else at risk of catching a virus. The Constitution applies to all of us, so my rights granted by that document are also granted to my neighbor. My quest for “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” cannot prevent or endanger my neighbor’s right to do the same.
I find myself reading Ecclesiastes more often these days. And I need to remind myself just as often that I am not in control. Things tend to get too depressing when I think I am. Nor am I the judge and jury of the actions of others. I strive to be non-judgmental, to live and let live. All I can do is control my actions and my thoughts and then hope for the best … hope for the seasons to change. As promised in both the Bible and in Pete Seeger’s lyrics, “To everything — turn, turn, turn — there is a season — turn, turn, turn — and a time to every purpose under heaven.”
And, for good measure, do as The Mamas & the Papas remind us in 1967, “Whisper a little prayer for me, my baby, because it’s hard for me, my baby, and the darkest hour is just before dawn.” Let’s pray for the sun to rise … soon.
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NURSING HOMES
The usual senior living activity calendars and senior center menus are not being published to avoid confusion. Due to the coronavirus and the vulnerability of the elderly population, daily life in the senior living facilities and senior centers has changed dramatically.
All living facilities have closed their doors to public visitation, and the activity calendars have been modified to allow for one-to-one room visits only and individualized activities to keep residents engaged and active as much as possible while remaining within the health and safety guidelines provided by state health experts. Group games are being substituted with individualized activities residents can do in their respective rooms. Staff are providing supplies as well as “overhead announcement bingo and trivia” games and “hallway games” that can be played in individual rooms or by sitting within individual room doorways. YouTube and DVDs are being utilized to provide religious services. A big dose of gratitude and appreciation goes out to all senior care staff for their creativity, caring and perseverance through a difficult situation.
All senior centers have also been closed to any center-based activity. Until they re-open, no information is being published that talks about activities typically available at these centers. Meals continue to be delivered. Some centers also are preparing meals to be picked up. Menus are printed below for those centers who are either preparing take-out or providing home delivered meals. Questions can be directed to the individual centers at the numbers all listed below.
SENIOR CENTERS
Alpha-Mastodon Center
906-875-3315
Amasa Center
906-822-7284
The Amasa Center is a curbside pick-up-only kitchen for now. Call ahead for Tuesdays through Thursdays.
Breen Center
906-774-5110
Now open with limited seating from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Menu for the week —
Monday: Spaghetti, meat sauce, green beans, garlic bread
Tuesday: Chicken Alfredo, California blend vegetables
Wednesday: Hot pork sandwich, mashed potatoes, gravy, broccoli
Thursday: Chili dogs, macaroni and cheese, baked beans
Crystal Falls Center
Head cook: Lucy Korhonen
906-875-6709
Crystal Lake Center – Iron Mountain
906-239-0278
Home-delivered meals only. Menu for the week —
Monday: Spaghetti and Italian sausage, corn, breadstick
Tuesday: Chef salad, pudding
Wednesday: Cheeseburger, tater tots, peas and carrots
Thursday: Cabbage rolls, stewed tomatoes, biscuit
Friday: Barbecue pork sandwich, potato wedges, broccoli
For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.
Felch Center
906-246-3559
Now open with limited seating from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. The menu for the week —
Monday: Chicken and rice casserole, carrots, dinner roll
Tuesday: Sloppy Joe, green beans, chips
Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, California blend vegetables
Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.
715-528-4890
Director: Tiffany White
Home-delivered meals only. Menu for the week —
Monday: Sub sandwiches with lettuce, tomato and onion, pasta salad, fruit
Tuesday: Ribs and sauerkraut, sweet potatoes, fruit
Wednesday: Swedish meatballs over buttered noodles, carrots, apple spinach salad, fruit
Thursday: Picnic Day – Chili cheese hot dog, potato salad, baked beans, watermelon and lemonade
Friday: Baked salsa chicken, black beans and rice, side salad, fresh fruit
Fence Center/Town Hall
715-336-2980 — RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372
Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.
Florence Community Center/Town Hall
RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261
Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.
Tipler Town Hall
715-674-2320 – RSVP for meals.
Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.
Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora
715-589-4491 – RSVP for meals
Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.
Hermansville Center
Coordinator: Pam Haluska
906-498-7735
Iron River Center
906-265-6134
Now open with limited seating 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Home-delivered and/or takeout only on Thursdays. Menu for week —
Monday: Biscuits and gravy, peas
Tuesday: Spaghetti and meatballs, cauliflower, rolls
Wednesday: Smoked sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, gravy
Thursday: Lasagna, cauliflower, garlic bread
Niagara Northwoods Senior Cafe and Center
Meal site manager: Corrie Maule, 715-251-1603
Senior center director: Jill Anderson, 715-251-4154
Norway Center
Director: Susie Slining
906-563-8716
The center will remain closed; however, takeout meals will be prepared for pick up — must call ahead and wear a mask when picking up. Menu for the week —
Monday: Ham and cheese sliders, stewed tomatoes, fruit, juice, milk, bread, dessert
Tuesday: Fourth of July dinner – Barbecue chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, fresh fruit, juice, milk, bread, dessert
Wednesday: Bourbon steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, fruit, juice, milk, bread, dessert
Thursday: Salmon, scalloped potatoes, creamy spinach, fruit, juice, milk, bread, dessert
Sagola Center
906-542-3273
Now open with limited seating from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Menu for the week —
Tuesday: Chicken-fried steak, gravy, noodles, peas, pears
Wednesday: Baked fish, Brussel sprouts, rice pilaf, pineapple
Thursday: Baked chicken, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, mixed vegetables, apple
FARM TO FAMILY PROGRAM
The food box pick-up schedule —
— Kingsford: 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at 621 N. Hooper St. (across from Trico);
— Sagola: noon to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, senior center parking lot;
— Felch: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Felch Community Center on M-69;
— Iron River: noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, Iron River Senior Center parking lot.
— Crystal Falls: 11 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, Crystal Falls Senior Center.