NIAGARA, Wis. — If, like me, you’ve had a tendency recently to be slightly less than optimistic about our country’s future, I have an antidote for you. Attend a graduation ceremony. My husband and I were fortunate to have had two of our grandchildren graduate from high school this past weekend. Thankfully, celebrations were scheduled in such a way as to allow us to attend both ceremonies. We were impressed by both for many of the same reasons, and it gave us great hope for the future.

Granddaughter, Natalie, graduated from Eagan High School, home of the Wildcats, in Minnesota on a Saturday afternoon. The weather was pleasant, and the bleachers were full. Her class numbered more than 600. Eagan, a St. Paul suburb with a population of about 60,000, is noted for the quality of its schools. The school system has been awarded accolades by U.S. News and World Report, the Washington Post, Newsweek and has been twice awarded the U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Natalie and her classmates were indeed fortunate to have attended such a quality high school.

The ceremony, which was planned by the graduating seniors themselves, featured performances by the band and chorus, a welcome from the principal, and a short address by a representative of the school board. The female student government president officially announced that the senior class gift to the school would be a tree to be planted on campus since they had recently lost so many to disease and storms. A teacher and coach, selected by the students, addressed the graduates in a speech titled “Remember” that took them on a trip down memory lane, encouraged them to always remember their high school years, and to build a meaningful future from those early experiences.

Most impressive about this ceremony was the student who gave the graduation message to his class. Those who were interested in giving the address had to first interview and audition for the honor. The faculty awarded this task to a transgender student who gave an impressive speech titled, “A Teachable Moment: Or What We Taught One Another.” He reviewed his own journey toward first self-acceptance and then acceptance by his classmates and ended by saying they had all begun this journey as individual students and ended by being teachers of each other.

The ceremony’s concluding song, titled “Thankful,” encapsulated how this group of young people saw themselves and their place in this world. A sampling of some of that song’s lyrics speaks volumes to the quality of these young graduates.

“Some days we forget to look around us. Some days we can’t see the joy that surrounds us. So caught-up inside ourselves, we take when we should give. Even with our differences, there is a place we’re all connected. Each of us can find each other’s light. So, for tonight we pray for what we know can be. And on this day, we hope for what we still can’t see. It’s up to us to be the change, and even though we all can still do more, there’s so much to be thankful for.”

Grandson, Oliver, graduated from Green Bay East High School on Sunday evening as one of over 200 students. Home of the Red Devils, Green Bay East boasts a stellar fine arts program which consistently wins accolades in both regional and state competitions. We have attended many concerts and plays over the years when Gabe, our oldest grandson, was a student and participated in many productions. The school has a deep talent pool. Oliver dedicated himself to the basketball program where the players play with a self-described “chip on their shoulders.” Why? Because this school is known for its diversity, and too many within the Green Bay community have decided it is a problem school. The diversity of its student population is exactly the reason why our son and his wife made the decision to send their boys there; all of them have benefited from the experience. Its diversity is, in fact, its greatest strength.

East’s ceremony also included performances by the band and choir in addition to the presentation of the American and Wisconsin flags by the Green Bay Police Department’s honor guard. While speeches were given by both the principal and superintendent of schools, the program was run primarily by the students themselves. The mistress of ceremonies, as well as the three commencement speakers, were all graduating seniors.

The theme of all of the speeches was centered on the class motto, which was the Frederick Douglass quotation, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” These kids have known struggle in their young lives. Their high school years were lived adjusting to the challenges presented by Covid-19. They had to do virtual learning which was difficult for many because they lacked the tools needed to work from home. They also adapted to a combination of virtual/classroom learning. And they had to make the adjustment to returning to school full-time after being isolated at home. High school is difficult enough without the additional hurdles presented by a pandemic. Yet, they each found their way through the struggle, with help from their teachers, and over the obstacles to earn their diploma.

Despite being located miles apart in two different states, these schools, and the young people who graduated from them, shared some important characteristics. First, there was a tremendous amount of diversity. We saw people of so many different nationalities who had names we could not even pronounce. Many wore the celebratory dress of their native lands. No matter our country of origin, we had all gathered on this particular weekend to celebrate the accomplishments of our families. We all shared the same appreciation for the school and the teachers who had enriched the lives of our kids. Second, an atmosphere of acceptance and inclusion permeated each school system. There was room and opportunity for everyone no matter their religion, ethnicity, or gender. And third, the graduates were realistic about the future and their place in it. They did not have stars in their eyes. Yet they faced that unknown and accepted the fact that there was work to be done … and they were prepared to do it.

It was a truly refreshing experience and an uplifting weekend. These young people have learned in their teens what so many of today’s adults have yet to accept: despite our differences, there is a light within each of us that connects us all to a higher purpose — that of working through the struggle to build a better future. Yes, we are in good hands.

——

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.

Sunday: Church on TV, 9 a.m.; crossword puzzle, 10 a.m.; self-activity cart, 2 p.m.

Monday: Let’s tell a story, 10 a.m.; lunch trivia, 11:30 a.m.; shut the box, 2 p.m.; baking group, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Outside group, 10 a.m.; history of the flag/YouTube showings, 2 p.m.; group chat, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee clutch, 10 a.m.; lunch trivia, 11:30 a.m.; lucky 7, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Exercise group, 10 a.m.; lunch music, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; movie, 3 p.m.

Friday: Gardening Club, 10 a.m.; lunch trivia, 11:30 a.m.; Father’s Day party-fire, cheese, crackers, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Color fireworks, 10 a.m.; word search, 2 p.m.; watch “Antiques Road Show,” 6 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; smart shoppers, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; bonfire, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; Book Club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass video, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; Garden Club, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/puzzle time, 10 a.m.; Gibson Lake, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m., current events, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; United Lutheran, 2 p.m.; happy hour with music, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Memory books, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Father’s Day games in the pavilion, 2 p.m.;

Saturday: Puzzler/room visits, 9 a.m.; Hangman, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

ProMedica (formerly Manor Care)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is now open for visitation. There is no longer a need to call in advance of your visit.

Sunday: “Family Feud,” 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; peanut butter cookies, 1 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 2 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; resident council, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; Flip-O, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; porch time, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Saturday: “Go Fish,” 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 1 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

(715) 251-3172

Church services are five days each week. Visitation is allowed as long as all infection control guidelines are followed including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Book Club, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Help Your Neighbor, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; Bob Larson, 10:15 a.m.; resident council, 2 p.m.; bingo, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Devotionals, 10 a.m.; court yard camp fire, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Uno, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass with Fr. Albert, 1 p.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Pictionary, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: “Family Feud,” 10 a.m.; court yard kick ball, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

(formerly Golden Living Center)

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. 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. There are no group activities at the present time.

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.; ladder ball, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Pastor Jim; 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Communion with Deacon Don, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; planting, 2 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.; games and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Cards, 10:30 a.m.; reminiscing, 2 p.m.

Monday: Resident Council, 10:30 a.m.; painting, 2 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Shopping outing, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Baking group, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; cribbage, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Shopping cart, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; room visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; spa treatments, 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; Yahtzee, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Resident choice, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; rosary, 3:30 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

This center remains open. The only change is that the Iron River Center will cook and deliver the meals each week. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Ham, mashed potatoes, gravy and mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Enchilada casserole, rice and Mexicorn.

Thursday: Cabbage rolls, mixed vegetables, breadstick and dessert.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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

Monday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Beef hash, potatoes and carrots.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and California blend vegetables.

Thursday: Tater tot casserole, green beans and spiced applesauce.

Friday: Fish, baked potatoes and baked beans.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Rocky Scarlassara

906-875-6709

The center is now open and is once again serving meals for dine-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. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. –call ahead and leave a message with your phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Pork chops and mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Rigatoni with meat sauce and garlic bread.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235.

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

Monday: Broccoli cheese soup, biscuit and salad, fruit.

Tuesday: Cheese tortellini, buttered corn and garlic bread.

Wednesday: Scalloped potatoes and ham, carrots and dinner roll.

Thursday: Tater tot casserole, spiced applesauce and green beans.

Friday: Lemon pepper fish, coleslaw and Brussel sprouts.

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 is:

Monday: Spinning spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Les Artistes’ Art Club, noon to 4 p.m.; wood carvers, noon to 4 p.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Card cost is .25 per card, 10 games are played.

Thursday: Cards — Pinochle, noon to 4 p.m.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

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

Monday: Pork chops, fried cabbage and oven-browned potatoes.

Tuesday: Spaghetti, green beans and garlic bread.

Wednesday: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and carrots.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week –

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

Tuesday: Cook’s Choice – entrée, vegetable and fruit.

Wednesday: Pasties, coleslaw, fruit and birthday cake.

Thursday: Italian baked chicken, baked sweet potatoes, broccoli and fruit.

Friday: Baked chicken, black beans and rice, squash 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, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Bingo on Thursday – 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Now open. Lunch served Monday through Friday. Contact the center for menu.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating – serving at 11 a.m. — salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Hot dogs, macaroni and cheese and baked beans.

Tuesday: Ham, mashed potatoes, gravy and mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Enchilada casserole, rice and Mexicorn.

Thursday: Cabbage rolls, mixed vegetables, breadstick and dessert.

All meals served with milk or juice and a serving of fruit.

Niagara Senior Center / Café

715-251-1603

Now open for dine-in eating — dinner is served at noon. Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Due to staffing shortages, the Red Brick Inn will prepare and deliver all meals to the center. Suggested donation is $4.50 for those older than 60 and $7 for those age 60 or younger. Bingo played on Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Hamburger on a bun with lettuce and tomato, potato salad, macaroni and cheese and cookie.

Tuesday: Sweet and sour chicken, fried rice, chow mein noodles, ramen salad and tropical fruit.

Wednesday: Father’s Day dinner – steakette with mushrooms, sweet potatoes, potatoes, mixed vegetables and éclair dessert.

Thursday: Turkey bacon wrap, chicken noodles soup, cottage cheese and fruit. Ice Cream Social after lunch.

Norway Center

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski

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. Let staff know if you are dining in or picking up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken parmesan over noodles, breadstick and spinach.

Tuesday: Cod, scalloped potatoes and carrots.

Wednesday: Two meal day: 11 a.m.: chef salad with vegetables and meat, breadstick and 4 p.m.: Barbecue ribs, mashed potatoes, vegetables and soup.

Thursday: Enchiladas with toppings, rice and refried beans.

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

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 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

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 applesauce.

Wednesday: Stuffed green peppers, white rice, corn and mixed fruit.

Thursday: Chicken Caesar salad, breadstick and pears.

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