NIAGARA, Wis. — This past week, a variety of news programs and late-night talk shows interviewed past president Barack Obama and iconic singer, songwriter Bruce Springsteen about their recent collaboration on a book. Titled “Renegades Born in the USA” it is an extension of their podcast, “Higher Ground” and gives a candid description of their formative years, career-defining moments, along with their views on our country’s polarized politics and the growing distance between the American Dream and the American Reality. This book promises to be an insightful read as both men have led full lives and both can write very well — President Obama through his speeches and previous books and Springsteen through the lyrics of his songs.

During the promotional tour of late-night talk shows, Springsteen visited with Stephen Colbert and performed one of his signature songs, “The River.” The song tells the story of a young couple who had often visited the banks of a particular river in their hometown; it was inspired by the marriage of Springsteen’s sister and a young man when they were just 18 years old. Written and first performed when he was only 29 years old, Springsteen sings of young love and early marriage along with the consequences of that combination. As we listened, my husband and I reacted simultaneously to a line in the chorus as Springsteen sang: “Now those memories come back to haunt me. They haunt me like a curse. Is a dream a lie if it don’t come true or is it something worse?” Wow, powerful words indeed! And they deserve some discussion to be sure.

We all have dreams when we are young. Whether they are about a future career with the benefits and income level that come with it, a home of our own, a life partner, a family, or travel to exotic places, these dreams solidify into goals as we get older, and we work toward attaining them. We form a strategy that may include an education beyond high school. If we are fortunate, our dreams come true, and we eventually live the life we had planned and dreamed about when we were younger.

While much of that eventual life depends upon our own vision and perseverance in working toward our goals, a lot of luck and no small amount of timing play a part as well. What is needed to make a dream into a reality? Most of us would agree that a vision is needed first, followed, in short order, by a plan to bring that vision to fruition. And, because most of us have had a bit of experience at life and how it has a tendency to throw us a curve from time to time, we can all agree that it is always wise to have a Plan B just in case our Plan A goes awry. We know to expect delays and to not be surprised or disheartened if our life does not come together as quickly as we would have liked. And, last but not least, we need to put in the effort and time that it takes to build our dreams into reality.

When I was in high school, my dream of a future life included a good husband. Since my own father had died when I was only four years old, I chose my college English professor as my role model along with his family. I was fortunate to have baby sat his four children and saw how he and his wife interacted with each other. They provided me a very valuable vision of family life. I wanted to own a home since my family always rented. I wanted a college degree so I could eventually become a high school English teacher. Financially I only desired enough money to pay all of my bills every month with a little left over for some fun. Most of all, I wanted to have what I envisioned to be a “normal” life. Oh, and last but not least, all of this would happen within five years of my college graduation!

Such are the dreams and plans of youth before the challenges of real life arrive. I cannot complain too much, though. After having one child, I decided two would be plenty. I did graduate from college but searched for a Plan B career when Plan A did not happen. I married a good man, and we will be celebrating 50 years of marriage next month. We own our home in Niagara which we have renovated over the years. And, after many more years than five, we finally have enough money to “pay the bills with a little left over.” So, my life does not fit Springsteen’s lyrics.

But I am sure there are many folks in the world whose dreams never materialized or were, at the very least, dramatically changed as they tried to make their way through life. How and why does this happen? How did their dreams become Springsteen’s lyrics “lies or something worse?” Shortly before my brother died this past January, he became very reflective and freely shared his thoughts with me about his life and why it had never materialized the way he had dreamed. He said to me, “All the while I was waiting for my life to start, it was happening all around me.” His words nearly broke my heart. The key word there, of course, was “waiting.” Nothing happens when we just wait; we have to be actively seeking and building a life. My mother was always fond of saying “wait broke the wagon” and my father-in-law always told my husband that “wait sunk the ship.” I wished I had known years ago that was part of my brother’s problem; I could have helped him.

What other obstacles might exist? Self-esteem issues get in the way of success in life. We need the self confidence to believe that we can achieve. What else is needed? I would argue that patience and persistence are right at the top of the list. Both will get us through life’s obstacle course and prevent us from giving up or veering off the tracks as we work toward our goals.

Finally, what may Springsteen be referring to when he sings “or something worse?” What is worse than a lie? I can only imagine that it is what is faced by so many in our country who try their hardest and cannot get ahead; it is the system, intentionally built, to keep out ethnic minorities. We would like to believe, patriots that we are, that the American dream belongs to every citizen. We think, “Just pick yourself up by the bootstraps and work for what you want; your life is of your own making.” But I am afraid that the “American Dream” — the one that promises you can achieve your goals through hard work — becomes the “American Lie” to many when they find themselves affected by this very unfair system of exclusion.

Sadly, we know that our country does not play fair. The American playing field is still not level after decades of struggle to make it so. Systemic racism still exists as much as we would like to deny that it does. For if we admit that it still plays a part in some people’s efforts to attain their dreams, we would have to acknowledge that we, as white people, are privileged and all play a part in racism’s continuation. It is a hard pill to swallow. But swallow it we must so that the disease that is racism can be cured, and every American has an opportunity to attain the life of their dreams.

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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 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 held 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 to be for residents only.

Sunday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; spooky stories and candy corn, 10:30 a.m.; Halloween movie, 2 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; help your neighbor, 10:15 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

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

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30; Protestant service, 9 a.m.; penny ante, 10:15; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; uno, 10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Bowling, 10:15 a.m.; happy hour with music., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Derby Day and coffee, 10:15 a.m.; rummage bingo, 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.

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.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; trivia, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Jim Edberg, 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

Sunday: Mass (channel 66.1), 11 a.m.; sensory, 2 p.m.

Monday: Coffee social, 10 a.m.; Halloween costume picture judging, 2 p.m.; trivia, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Bingo, 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; room visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Spa treatments, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; baking group, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Bingo, 10:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Yahtzee, 10:30 a.m.; rosary (channel 66.1), 2:30 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo, 1030 a.m. and 2 p.m.; room visits, 3:30 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

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

Tuesday: Chop suey, rice, Oriental vegetables and lettuce salad.

Wednesday: Barbecue pork with bun, baked beans and cucumber-tomato salad.

Thursday: Pasties, mixed vegetables and coleslaw.

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

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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

Monday: Ham, scalloped potatoes and broccoli.

Tuesday: Beef stroganoff, noodles and carrots.

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

Thursday: Cuban steak, mashed potatoes and corn.

Friday: Fish or barbecue pork sandwich, potato wedges, pork and beans.

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

Crystal Falls Center

906-875-6709

The center is now open and is once again serving meals for dining in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place your order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include salad bar, homemade desserts, coffee, tea, or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pick up for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Baked ham, potatoes, vegetables, salad bar and homemade dessert.

Wednesday: Special lasagna, garlic bread, vegetables, salad bar and homemade dessert.

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: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, peas, fried potatoes and fresh fruit.

Tuesday: Italian sausage soup, crackers, spinach salad and cheese sandwich.

Wednesday: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, carrots and dinner roll.

Thursday: Sloppy Joes, tater tots, corn and yogurt.

Friday: French toast, applesauce, hash brown potatoes and 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 are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Taco bake, tortilla chips and refried beans.

Tuesday: Beef stew, cornbread and salad.

Wednesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes, gravy and cabbage.

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: Sub sandwich with lettuce and tomato, butter beans, macaroni and cheese and fruit.

Tuesday: Tater tot casserole, carrots, garlic bread and fruit.

Wednesday: “Deer Camp” pasties, coleslaw, bananas and pumpkin bars.

Thursday: Chicken vegetable soup, spinach salad, bread sticks and fruit.

Friday: Smothered pork chops, mashed potatoes, broccoli and fruit.

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. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken and dumplings, dinner roll, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Stuffed shells, winter blend vegetables, dinner roll, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Chicken soup, ham and cheese on a bun, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Pepper steak, rice, corn, dinner roll, dessert and 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. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Menu for the week —

Monday: Turkey burger, bun, tater tots and carrots.

Tuesday: Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy and squash.

Wednesday: Biscuit and gravy, baked potato, carrots and onions.

Thursday: Enchilada, rice, refried beans and veggies for toppings.

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

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

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

Tuesday: Chicken cordon bleu, mashed potatoes, peas and peaches.

Wednesday: Chili, cornbread, carrots and mixed fruit.

Thursday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes, corn and pineapple.

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