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Problems must be faced in order for solutions to be found

EDITOR’S NOTE: A portion of this column was accidentally left out of last week’s edition of The Daily News, so it is running again in its entirety.

The content of today’s column was inspired once again by “CBS Sunday Morning,” a go-to favorite in our household. This week, they interviewed Jeff Daniels who hails from Chelsea, Michigan, and is probably best remembered in our neck of the woods for his production of “Escanaba in da’ Moonlight.” Whether our feelings about that particular project are positive or negative, we cannot deny that Daniels has been a noteworthy actor of both stage and screen.

In the course of the interview I watched, his performance in the political drama “The Newsroom” was highlighted. Created and principally written by Aaron Sorkin of “West Wing” fame, the HBO series ran for three seasons from 2012 to 2014 and chronicled the behind-the-scenes workings at the fictional Atlantis Cable News channel. The show featured Daniels as Will McEvoy, lead journalist and editor, and touched upon the issues of the time.

The clip that was shown in today’s “CBS Sunday Morning” program highlighted his quote in that show, “America is no longer the greatest country in the world. By continuing to believe this, we do not acknowledge our problems. By not acknowledging them, we fail to correct them.” Whoa! My ears perked up at that, and I mulled it over for quite some time before sharing my thoughts via this column.

Certainly, I think we can agree that if any one of us were to make that same statement today, “America is no longer the greatest country in the world,” our patriotism would be severely questioned. I, for one, while I certainly love this country and am very thankful to have been born a citizen, find myself in agreement with Daniels — especially with the second part of his statement. When we “love blindly,” we fail to see the warts; we fail to acknowledge the shortcomings, and consequently fail to recognize problems so fail to pursue solutions. Situations never improve on their own over time; in fact, they most definitely get worse. We have seen this in our workplaces, within families, and definitely in personal relationships.

Most of us, in the course of our decades spent in the workplace, have been exposed to toxic work environments. And even if we have not experienced them personally, we have an idea of what they look like. The most obvious telltale sign is the notorious “revolving door.” There are those establishments that cannot seem to hang on to employees and are constantly in a hiring mode. Sometimes, low pay is to blame and other times it is because the physical work environment is too unpleasant or dangerous.

Granted, certain industries are going to have difficult work environments simply because it is the nature of the work they do. But when employees can see that safety committees are in place and are given credence and that their concerns have actually produced results, they no longer fear for their safety and will continue to work in that environment. Sadly, however, for as many work environments who look for and make process improvements, there are many that continue to turn a blind eye to their problems.

It has been my experience that the most stubborn of workplace issues is when it is a personality problem with a specific employee. That old saying, “one bad apple spoils the bushel,” is so true in this situation. Those in charge, whose job it is to make sure intimidation does not occur, do not want to take the very necessary disciplinary steps required to rectify the situation. Consequently, good people leave, the bad one remains to continue to breed discontent, and the whole company suffers.

We see it in families as well, and this is especially sad. Sometimes family problems stem from substance abuse, which is a particularly tough issue since the problem rarely gets better without professional intervention that is not always attainable or accepted. And sometimes it has generational roots that have made it part of the family fabric. Other problems stem from communication issues. As parents, we are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of our children. But, as we all know, the amount of parenting needs to be adjusted as those children grow and develop their own thoughts and opinions. The healthiest of families foster an environment in which everyone is entitled to an opinion and is free to express it. Differing viewpoints can be voiced and challenged with the understanding that sometimes an agreement will not be reached. I think one of the most difficult things about parenting is to accept the fact that, in the end, our child’s life is his or her own to live. We can guide, encourage, and mold their character for just so long, and then we have to let them go — free to make their own mistakes, fall down, and hopefully get back up to try again.

Finally, one of the most challenging of problems can be interpersonal in nature. Hopefully, most of us encounter this along the path toward adulthood as we seek a mate for life. If we are lucky, we experience the “worst relationship ever” before it becomes permanent, we learn from it and never make the same mistake again. As the old saying goes, “we have to kiss a few toads before we find a prince.” A very wise person once told me that we cannot fully love someone until we love ourselves. We need to understand ourselves, know what we deserve in a relationship, and not accept anything less. As we get ready to celebrate our 50th year of marriage, my husband and I realize how lucky we have been. We married young, had our fair share of problems but thankfully grew up and together rather than apart.

Sadly, life is full of those who suffer the consequences from not facing and dealing with their problems. No one has a clear path through life; we all have hurdles to overcome and a price to pay when the right path is not selected along our life’s journey. Shortcuts are rare. Tolls can he high, indeed, but they must be paid if we are to continue on our way. Lessons must be learned. My husband attended Catholic school from first grade until he graduated from high school. Along the way, one of the nuns told the class that “life was one damn thing after another.” He looks back on that now and laughs, but it really is true. Success in life depends upon how each of us handles that “one damn thing.”

Going forward, our beloved America seems to be at a crossroads at the moment. Our country is faced with many challenges: climate change, systemic racism, gun violence, poverty, an ever-increasing economic divide, deep divisions, and a pandemic. As Americans, we have an important choice. Do we continue with our heads in the sand, ignoring the issues and our part in complicating them? Or do we help our country out of its current mess by acknowledging the problems and working together to find solutions? These are very important questions, indeed, and we have critical choices to make. I pray we collectively choose wisely.

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NURSING HOMES / SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Freeman’s 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

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

No information currently available.

Manor Care

Kingsford

906-774-4805

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

Maryhill Manor

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Church services are conducted five days each week. Please note that scheduled visits are in the front living room or outdoors and are by appointment only. Daily scheduled activities continue for residents only.

Sunday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic mass, 9 a.m.; coffee and “Jeopardy,” 10:30 a.m.; whammo, 2 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Protestant service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10:15 a.m.; tailgate party — Packers vs. Lions, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; coffee and short stories, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30; kickball, 10:15 monthly birthday party with Jan & Gino, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; short stories, 10:15 a.m.; nickel jokereno, 2 p.m.; evening social, 6:30 p.m.

Friday: Bowling, 10:15 a.m.; happy hour and music, 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

Iron Mountain

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.; Packers vs. Lions, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Pastor Jim, 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: Exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; left-center-right, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.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 currently available.

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SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11:30. Menu for the week —

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

Wednesday: Poor man’s lobster, oven-browned potatoes, peas, coleslaw.

Thursday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes, Brussel sprouts, corn relish.

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

Breen Center

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at noon. Night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carry-out meals also are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Turkey and stuffing sandwich, broccoli, fried potatoes.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, sweet potatoes, corn.

Thursday: Pork roast, baked potatoes, chef’s choice vegetables.

Friday: Baked fish or pork chop, rice, peas.

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

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235.

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

Monday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, broccoli, dinner roll, butter packet.

Tuesday: Loaded baked potato, peas, spiced peaches, sour cream.

Wednesday: Polish sausage and sauerkraut, fried potatoes, carrots, cottage cheese.

Thursday: Country-fried steak, corn, mashed potatoes, biscuit and butter.

Friday: Egg salad sandwich, apple cranberry coleslaw, string cheese, cookies.

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

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

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: Blueberry French toast bake, sausage, hard-boiled egg.

Tuesday: Philly cheese sandwich, chips, three-bean salad.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans.

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: Cabbage roll casserole, broccoli Normandy, fruit.

Tuesday: Split pea and ham soup, egg salad on croissant with lettuce and tomato, fruit.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, spinach salad, garlic bread, fruit, brownies.

Thursday: porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, fruit.

Friday: Tuna noodle casserole, green beans, carrot salad, fruit, cookies.

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, home-delivered only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Now open — serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

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. Now open — 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 — serving at 11 a.m., with salad bar available. No night meals. Carry-out meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Smoked sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and gravy, fruit, milk.

Tuesday: Shepherd’s pie, roll, fruit, milk.

Wednesday: Pepperoni pizza, side salad, fruit, milk.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas and carrots, dessert, milk.

Norway Center

Director: Michelle DeSimone

906-563-8716

Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant-style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Take-out meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Menu for the week —

Monday: Ham and cheese sliders, tater tots, peas and carrots.

Tuesday: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, Italian blend vegetables.

Wednesday : Liver or burger and onions, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots

Thursday: Cod, cheesy potatoes, carrots and onions.

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: Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, corn, mixed fruit.

Wednesday: Beef enchiladas, corn bread, carrots, pineapple.

Thursday: Fish sticks, macaroni and cheese, peas, peaches.

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

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