NIAGARA, Wis. — As I write this column today, I find myself between two events that are unfolding simultaneously: our nation observed national Flag Day on June 14, while the House has convened to begin presenting testimony regarding the Jan. 6 insurrection that stormed the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. At first glance, these two events seem to contradict each other. How can something as patriotic as our nation’s flag be so honored while an event as unpatriotic as the Capitol uprising co-exist in the same country? So, let’s take a closer look.

The American flag as we know it today did not begin with the stars and stripes design. When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists were a rag-tag group of settlers who simply wanted to be rid of British control. They fought mainly under unit or regimental flags. One popular flag at the time featured a coiled rattlesnake with the slogan “Don’t Tread on Me.” In June of that year, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and created a united fighting force known as the Continental Army. Our first flag, believe it or not, did indeed contain the thirteen stripes of red and white we know today. But, instead of the stars in the upper left corner, there was a Union Jack — a British symbol! Two years later, by 1777, the Union Jack was gone. History states that, “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

The northern states popularized the flying of the Stars and Stripes at the start of the Civil War in 1861. Prior to that year, individuals did not fly the flag at all as it was used only by the military. In 1912, President Taft standardized the design of our nation’s flag eliminating the odd proportions and the stars with six or eight points. President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation officially establishing a nationwide observance of Flag Day on June 14. In 1949, President Truman signed the observance into law.

Today, we take pride in our country’s flag. Many of us fly it from our front porches. It is present at many celebratory functions across our country. It is so very representative of our country’s history: one stripe for each of the 13 original colonies and 50 individual stars — one for each state — separate yet grouped together on a field of blue. It also represents a challenge to us today — the responsibility we have to maintain our individuality without losing our sense of unity. It also represents a promise that must be kept; a promise to preserve the union our forefathers fought so diligently to create and every veteran has fought to protect ever since.

Another important legacy our forefathers created for us is at the very heart of our democracy. They wanted to be sure America would remain free from a single, sovereign leader — no king, no dictator, no single ruler would ever be in charge of the American people. Each American would vote for their leader, and in so doing, would be responsible for their own destiny as well as the collective destiny of our country. The voice of every American citizen was to be heard through their right to cast a ballot. This single action is at the very heart of our democracy. When the American people have had their say, and the votes have been counted, there is to be a peaceful transfer of power from the outgoing president to the incoming candidate chosen by the people.

On inauguration day, every president since George Washington has taken the Oath of Office; a solemn pledge to the American people. It reads as follows: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Every president has taken this oath. Every president has fulfilled his duty to uphold the Constitution. Every president has followed the will of the people as his term has ended because of their votes. Every president has honored his country — our country — by relinquishing control and welcoming the next president. Every president — but one.

My husband and I have been watching the hearings. I am old enough to remember the Watergate hearings, and they do not come close to what we witnessed this past week as we watched an angry mob storm the Capitol. The invasion was so much more than the destruction of property, and even more than the actual loss of life. The uprising sought to destroy the very heart of our democracy — that which makes this country so special. It sought to exert its will against the will of the people, the will of the voters who had cast their ballot in good faith believing that their voice would be heard and respected. That democracy would be upheld. That power would be transferred peacefully because it was what they had wanted when they cast their ballot.

One brave female member of the capitol police described it as a battle scene, a field of combat for which her training in “crowd control” was nowhere close to being adequate. As she said, “There was blood everywhere; I was slipping in people’s blood.” The most awful camera shot was that of gallows, complete with noose, that had been erected with the Capitol in the background. It was chilling… and very sad. I admit, I cried.

We have all taken oaths, made promises, throughout our lives. We may not always like the rules, but most of us follow them. We promise to follow the rules our parents have established for us and have followed the rules of the schools we have attended. There is a pact between employer and employee; we promise to do out best work in exchange for the pay and benefits the company promises us. We make marriage vows, promising our spouse to be faithful and supportive no matter what comes our way. By having children, we promise to do our best to raise them. If we do not keep our promises, we suffer, society suffers, our democracy suffers. Life becomes a lot more difficult when promises are broken.

On “Face the Nation” this week, John Dickerson remembered President Dwight Eisenhower’s warning that “in managing national affairs, you can’t let urgent matters eclipse important ones.” He said, “The nation’s leaders faced a test of that theory this week. In the urgent category is inflation, up 8.6 percent compared to May a year ago, a 40-year high. In the important category, the House hearing about the attempted overthrow of the 2020 election. Eisenhower’s advice was aimed at a truth. If you only attend to the urgent, important problems will become urgent soon enough, and you won’t be prepared.”

If ever there was a time to multi-task, it is now. We must be able to “hold the line” when the heart of our democracy is at stake. These hearings will help us hold that line… will remind all of us what is at stake… will help us all remember just how fragile our democracy is. And they will underscore the fact that it takes work to remain the country our forefathers began and that our flag still represents — a “new constellation” of hope and promises kept.

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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.

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.; lunch music, 11:30 a.m.; “Uno,” 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.; arts and crafts, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3 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.; senior bball, 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/current events, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m., monthly birthday party with Bob Larson, 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.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Friday: Cooking, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; faces and places, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzle pack/room visits, 9 a.m.; Pictionary, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 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: Uno, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Father’s Day social, 1 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 2 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; root beer floats, 3 p.m.

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

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

Thursday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; porch time, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Friday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; crafting, 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/trivia, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; courtyard social, 2 p.m.

Monday: Protestant service with Pastor Steve; you be the judge, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; beach party, 2 p.m.

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

Thursday: Pink crafts, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass with Fr. Albert, 1 p.m.; joker-eno and pink lemonade, 2 p.m.

Friday: Pictionary, 10 a.m.; happy hour/monthly birthday party with Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10 a.m.; court yard Yahtzee, 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.; Yahtzee, 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.; popsicles on the porch, 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: Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 2 p.m.

Monday: Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; crafts, 2 p.m.; karaoke, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

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

Wednesday: Tea party, 10:30 a.m.; wine and cheese, 2 p.m.; Sorry, 3:30 p.m.; board games, 6 p.m.

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

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; float decorating, 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; mind joggers, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Ladder ball, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 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.

Tuesday: Chicken-a-la-king, biscuit, peas, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Chef’s salad, hard-boiled egg, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, dessert and milk.

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: Beef stir-fry, rice and carrots.

Tuesday: Sub sandwiches, potato wedges and coleslaw.

Wednesday: Ham, scalloped potatoes and Brussel sprouts.

Thursday: Meat ravioli, wax beans and garlic bread.

Friday: Fish or sausage, boiled potatoes and green 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 an 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 phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chicken pot pie with biscuit topping.

Wednesday: Chili mac casserole.

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: Mushroom Swiss burger, French fries and baked beans.

Tuesday: Chicken sandwich, buttered noodles and five-way vegetables.

Wednesday: Chef salad with croutons, yogurt and grapes.

Thursday: Meat ravioli, wax beans and garlic bread.

Friday: Taco spaghetti, spiced pears, cauliflower and treat.

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: Omelets, sausage and biscuits.

Tuesday: Chef salad, dinner roll and fruit.

Wednesday: Polish sausage, mashed potatoes and sauerkraut.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

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

Monday: Mushroom Swiss burger, oven fries, beet salad and fruit.

Tuesday: Beef noodle casserole, vegetable medley, dark green salad and fruit.

Wednesday: Smothered pork chops, au gratin potatoes, mixed vegetables, fruit and brownies.

Thursday: Sub sandwich, pasta salad and fruit.

Friday: Fish tacos with coleslaw, salsa, tomatoes, olives and onion, baked beans and fruit.

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

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

SVP 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.

Bingo on Tuesday — 12:30 to 2 p.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.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Now open — information coming soon.

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: Breakfast bake, sausage and hashbrowns.

Tuesday: Chicken-a-la-king, biscuit and peas.

Wednesday: Chef’s salad and hard-boiled egg.

Thursday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn.

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

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

The Center is open, and dinner is served at noon on 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: Pork cutlet, mashed potatoes and gravy, Monterey blend vegetables and pudding.

Tuesday: Crispy chicken filet, rice pilaf, cauliflower/broccoli with cheese, Jell-O.

Wednesday: Swiss steak, boiled potatoes, vegetables and peaches with topping.

Thursday: Beef and mac hot dish, creamed corn, dinner roll, fresh fruit and chocolate cake.

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: Cabbage roll casserole, biscuit and sugar snap peas.

Tuesday: Bourbon steak over noodles and Italian blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Fish patty on a bun, macaroni and cheese, glazed carrots.

Thursday: Ham, mashed potatoes with gravy and carrots with onions .

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: Pork enchilada, corn bread, carrots and peaches.

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

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

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