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Respect for black lives and for the blue can co-exist

NIAGARA, Wis. — Once again, I turn to the “CBS Sunday Morning” program for my inspiration for this column. Recently, the theme centered around issues of policing in America. It was a well-balanced look at the inside of our American police departments, using police officers themselves to tell the story — both good and bad, rewards and challenges — so was a very personal overview of what has become quite a touchy subject. I found the program especially helpful because it came directly from the mouths of the officers who were currently on the job; the only journalistic editorializing being the order in which the segments were presented and a few concluding summary points.

Among the events that happened in 2020 was the death of George Floyd as a police officer knelt on his neck until he died right before our eyes. The image was so horrific that it began the Black Lives Matter movement, which led to demonstrations in the streets of cities across America the likes of which we have not seen since the anti-war and civil rights marches of the ’60s and ’70s. It also sparked a counter campaign that was pro-police as “We Back the Blue” signs cropped up in front yards across the country.

I found the juxtaposition of these two campaigns problematic because it diminished the power of each message and its importance to our society. It gave us all the impression that we had to make a choice between one or the other. If we supported black America, we must hate the police. If we supported the police department and the important work they do for all of us, we did not value the black segment of our population. Simply put, it created even more division in our society and exacerbated two already explosive and complex problems. There is no reason why we cannot both support the police and value black people; they do not have to be mutually exclusive.

CBS interviewed a black police officer who candidly spoke about how much more difficult his job had become since the death of George Floyd. He cared deeply about his profession, having served as a police officer for more than two decades, but now he was looked upon as a threat to the very people he was trying to serve. It saddened him, and he was not sure how much longer he would be able to continue doing the job. When asked if he thought there were some officers who should not be policemen, he very tactfully answered, “It is true that some wearing the badge should be in another line of work.”

This situation is by no means isolated to law enforcement. As any of us thinks back upon the jobs we have had, we can certainly say the same thing. We can remember looking at the schedule and, when seeing we were on duty with a certain person, we knew we would have to work twice as hard on that shift. Or we can remember being placed on a committee with someone who we just dreaded having to work with; they either did not contribute or would run away with every meeting pushing their own views and agenda. And we certainly have memories of bad bosses and the misery they could inject into our lives. In short, one bad employee just like one bad policeman, does not mean the entire organization — or police department — is bad.

Also interviewed was a mother who had lost her son at the hands of law enforcement. He was young, black, wearing a hoodie and unarmed. His was a needless death. His mother was still full of anger; who among us, had it been our son in a similar situation, would not feel the same way? She vowed she would not rest until the officer who was responsible for killing her son was brought to justice. Statistics continue to show the disproportionate number of black citizens who are arrested, or killed during an arrest, compared with white citizens. We cannot deny the unfairness of this situation. Black lives do matter, just as much as ours, and they deserve the same protection from police as whites.

Several interviews offered suggestions for improving the current situation. One officer interviewed was also a minister. He stressed the need for compassion in both of his careers. Bill Bratton, who served in law enforcement his entire life, stressed the need for a longer training period and more education for police officers. It was also pointed out that we are a big country with diverse environments that need different types of law enforcement. The police force in New York City is necessarily going to look a lot different than the police force in Niagara. With such diversity, it is nearly impossible to have national standards that govern the actions of law enforcement.

The segment of the program that really hit home with me was that despite the diverse needs of each state and city within that state, one thing remained true of all police departments: They were all expected to respond to every 911 call received, no matter what emergency existed. It ran the gamut, from a cat up a tree, to a suspicious-looking homeless man on the street, to a missing child, to a domestic disturbance, to gun violence. Basically, everything that life unexpectedly throws at us can end up the reason to call a police officer.

In short, police are expected to deal with any type of life emergency, even when no law has been broken. The program stressed that systemic problems within society — racism, homelessness, and mental health issues, especially — are not solved effectively by a police presence. In fact, the presence of a police officer can often complicate the situation in any of these instances. San Francisco was used as an example of how to better handle mental health issues. There, specially trained professionals are summoned by the 911 dispatchers to handle the situation. It has worked beautifully, in that the problem is managed more effectively by people with mental health training; it does not escalate, people are better served, and it costs less.

This brings us to the phrase that I dislike most of all: defund the police. That particular wording leads us to believe that police departments will lose resources so how in the world can they continue to do their jobs? It simply refers to a redirection of funds to agencies that are better able to handle specific situations. This will free up police officers to do what they do best — enforce the law when a law is actually being broken. It will keep us safer while allowing other problems to be dealt with more effectively.

So, if I was one of those folks who liked to put up yard signs to proclaim my beliefs — which I am not — I would have two signs in my yard. I do believe that black lives matter, that black people deserve the same protection under the law as I receive and they do not deserve to be judged hastily because they are black. And I do back the blue. I respect and am thankful for a police presence to guarantee my safety and to respond when I need help. I know it is a job that I would not enjoy and could not perform. I respect those fine people who have chosen law enforcement as their profession. Support of black people and respect for police can co-exist in this country … and I believe it is high time we all strive for that balance.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

906-774-1530

Freeman has resumed small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly with screening and COVID-19 testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal; however, they are all looking forward to a great get-together when it is safe to do so.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; trivia teasers, 10 a.m.; car races, 2 p.m.

Monday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; crafts, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1 and 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; throw away bingo, 9:30 a.m.; garden club, 1:30 p.m.; reminisce, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; faces and places, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; bowling, 9:30 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Friday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.; cooking, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; monthly birthday party, Jim Clement.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/hangman, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; high rollers, 2 p.m.

Manor Care

906-774-4805

Limited visitation has resumed for family and friends. Appointments must be made in advance by calling the center.

Maryhill Manor

715-251-3172

Scheduled visits are being allowed in the facility’s living room. Call ahead to reserve. The weekly Happy Hour and bingo have resumed for residents only.

Sunday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; coffee and “Jeopardy,”10:15 a.m.; courtyard social-root beer floats, 2 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Protestant service, 9 a.m.; you be the judge, 10:15 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Men’s breakfast, 7 a.m.; rosary, 8:30 a.m.; church service, 9 a.m.; coffee/cookies and trivia, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; church service, 9 a.m.; kick ball, 10:15 a.m.; monthly birthday party, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; short stories, 10:15 a.m.; nickel jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Bowling, 10:15 a.m.; happy hour and entertainment, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10:15 a.m.; Netflix movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Golden Living Center

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed in designated areas only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 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. Residents have resumed some small group activities.

Victorian Pines

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; left-center-right, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

No information at this time.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Carry-out only. Call ahead for Tuesdays through Thursdays. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Pepper steak, rice, cauliflower and lettuce salad.

Wednesday: Pork roast, mashed potato, corn and salad.

Thursday: Ham, potato salad and tomatoes.

Note: All meals include milk, bread and butter, fruit and dessert.

Breen Center

906-774-5110

Carry-out only — call ahead. Meals are once again available on Fridays. Menu for the week —

Monday: Spaghetti, meat sauce, garlic bread and green beans.

Tuesday: Egg bake and bacon.

Wednesday: Baked fish, rice and baked beans.

Thursday: Polish sausage, fried potatoes and broccoli.

Friday: Chicken alfredo, noodles, corn and bread.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head cook: Lucy Korhonen

906-875-6709

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-239-0278

Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Swedish meatballs, noodles and broccoli.

Tuesday: Goulash, mixed vegetables and dinner roll.

Wednesday: Chicken noodle soup, cottage cheese, crackers and cookies.

Thursday: Fish sandwich, macaroni and cheese and carrots.

Friday: Ham and cheese wrap, side salad and chips.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carry-out meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Omelets, sausage and biscuit.

Tuesday: Chef salad, dinner roll and fruit.

Wednesday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Restrictions have lifted at some centers. Menu for the week —

Monday: Goulash, dark green salad, green beans, garlic bread and fruit.

Tuesday: Italian baked chicken, mashed potatoes, stewed tomatoes and fruit.

Wednesday: Pulled pork on a bun, baked sweet potato, cauliflower and fruit.

Thursday: Cheese burger, ranch potato wedges, broccoli, three-bean salad and fruit.

Friday: Taco salad, cornbread, salsa and lime Jell-O with pineapple.

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

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

For meal reservations, call 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

For meal reservations, call 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only. Now open — serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Tipler Town Hall

For meal reservations, call 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

For meal reservations, call 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only. Now open and serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carry-out meals also are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Barbecue pulled pork sandwich, potato wedges, cauliflower and fruit.

Tuesday: Fish, macaroni and cheese, green beans and fruit.

Wednesday: Turkey wrap, chips and fruit.

Thursday: Lasagna, California vegetables, garlic bread and dessert.

All meals include skim milk or juice.

Norway Center

Director: Michelle DeSimone

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: Cheeseburger, baked beans, potato salad and fresh fruit.

Tuesday: Philly steak sandwich, tater tots, peas and carrots.

Wednesday: Liver or burger, onions, mashed potatoes and gravy, onions and broccoli.

Thursday: Chicken bacon alfredo, noodles, breadstick and green beans.

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

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carry out meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Pork enchiladas, corn bread, carrots and peaches.

Wednesday: Chicken bake, broccoli, white rice and pears.

Thursday: Breaded pork chop, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and apple slices.

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

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