NIAGARA, Wis. — Grocery stores. Churches. Schools. Work places. Shopping malls. Concerts … and now even Fourth of July parades. All have been scenes of random shootings in our country … this year. Take a moment and let that sink in. We still have nearly six months to go before year’s end. How many more lives will be lost to this violence? What is happening in our country? What is happening … to us? I am angry, bewildered and saddened.

For the first time, I felt I needed to call my brother to see if he was safe. He lives in a Chicago suburb near Highland Park where their Fourth of July celebration ended in violence and panic. He and his daughter and son-in-law had planned to go to a parade, but I could not remember which one. Thankfully, it was not their suburb; he was safe at home — this time. Their parade, however, had been cancelled as a precaution.

My husband and I recently attended our grandchildren’s high school graduations. One was outside in a large football field, and the other was in a large multi-level auditorium. We had attended a high school graduation three years ago in that same auditorium when our oldest grandson received his diploma. At all three celebrations, I found myself scanning the crowds and taking notice how far away I was from the nearest exit. I caught myself thinking that an event such as this would be ripe for a mass shooting, and I was disappointed with myself for having those thoughts. This year, the Green Bay police department’s honor guard walked the flags to the stage; they, along with fellow officers, stayed for the ceremony. I watched them watching the crowd. I was saddened that their presence was necessary yet relieved that they were there.

Not too long ago, I had an errand to run in Norway. As I drove the short distance down the highway from Niagara, I found myself behind a large, white pick-up truck flying an American flag from its rear bumper. There were decals of eagle’s heads all over the truck. The rear window displayed a seal that said something about Second Amendment rights, a large eagle’s head with two revolvers crossed above it, and the words “Come and take it” above the guns. All of that was on top of a large decal of the American flag that covered the entire rear window of the vehicle. It made me angry. “No, this is not America,” I thought to myself. This is not what our flag represents!

But anger and sadness do not help fix the problem. I do not want to be afraid to go to the grocery store. I want to enjoy those events that have defined our culture for decades no matter how large the crowd. I do not want to be suspicious of, or angry at, a guy in his truck driving down the highway. I want to understand. I need to be part of a solution, but I do not know where to begin.

In mid-June, I listened to an episode of Sunday morning’s “Face the Nation,” which gave me information that has helped me to better understand the complexity of the gun violence in our country; both how it is caused and how we can intervene. John Dickerson was the host that day and interviewed Dr. Jillian Peterson and Dr. James Densley, co-founders of “The Violence Project.” About five years ago, they had begun looking into the life histories of perpetrators of mass shootings in an effort to understand if they had characteristics in common. They wanted to better understand any shared life experiences to ascertain if interventions early enough in their lives could prevent their eventual violent behavior. The data base that they developed included 180 perpetrators going back 50 years to look for patterns in their lives that eventually led to their violent actions. They were able to identify a four-step pathway to violence as follows:

1. Early childhood trauma for which no help had been given. Without assistance in the aftermath of some pretty horrific situations, children stayed wounded and unhealed.

2. Unresolved trauma is internalized, living to rear its ugly head later in life when it becomes a flashpoint. Mass shooters are in crisis; they are not living their best selves and are questioning their place in the world. Many are suicidal, and the mass shooting is intended to be a final act.

3. People in crisis are looking for answers, seeking meaning in life. They go searching for other mass shooters to see how they handled their lives. They only need to go as far as chat rooms on the Internet to locate other people in pain where they become radicalized by reading the manifestos of those who have gone before them.

4. At this final stage, all that remains is access to firearms. It was stressed that appropriate intervention at any one of these four points can avert violence. Right now, we are all looking at stage 4 and trying to legislate away access to assault weapons. We need to do more; we need to start looking earlier in the process.

It was also pointed out that society tends to view the perpetrators as evil monsters lurking out in the world just waiting to do their deadly deeds. As Dr. Peterson explained, “Yes, their actions are monstrous. But before they do it, they are our classmates, our nieces and nephews, our neighbors … children going to school.” They are, in fact, people like us who have terrible, unresolved issues.

It is far more beneficial for all involved to provide help before they act rather than punishment after the fact. It is way too late for anyone at that point. Densley continued, “We are talking about (prevention) measures with a broad diffusion of benefits. … It’s about trying to capture any student who’s struggling in a classroom, or anybody in the work environment who is feeling out of place. … we’re trying to prevent not just mass shootings but also accidental shootings or suicides and other forms of gun violence. We’re trying to ensure that people are thriving in their schools and in workplaces.”

So, we have choices to make and actions to take as a society and as individuals. At the societal level, we can provide more counselors for students in schools and training programs to help teachers and students recognize classmates in crisis. School safety goes beyond metal detectors and armed guards and extends to smaller class sizes and more mental health services, so problems can be found earlier and intervention provided. As a society we need to have a much bigger safety net with more readily accessible mental health services.

As individuals, we need to care for each other. We need to take notice of those in need. I remember how an elderly neighbor used to hug each neighborhood child as they walked down the hill on the first day of school. Maybe that hug helped a child get through school that day. When my brother, now deceased, lived in urban Chicago, he noticed a particular homeless man in his neighborhood. He left him quarters every day on a window ledge so he could at least buy a cup of coffee. I used to think he was crazy … now I think he had the right idea. If we all put our minds and hearts to it, each of us can find a way to help a child, a neighbor, a stranger feel more a part of the community … more cared about. We can help them realize that if one person cares enough, maybe they have value after all, and their lives become worth living.

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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: Coffee time, 10 a.m.; lunch trivia, 11:30 a.m.; Uno, 2 p.m.; hall visits, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Current events, 10 a.m.; lunch music, 11:30 a.m.; story making, 2 p.m.; trivia, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Current events, 10 a.m.; lunch trivia, 11:30 a.m.; Scrabble, 2 p.m.; hall visits, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 10 a.m.; lunch music, 11:30 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.; bingo, 4 p.m.

Friday: Gardening club, 10 a.m.; lunch trivia, 11:30 a.m.; art, 2 p.m.; hall visits, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Morning chat, 10 a.m.; word search, 2 p.m.; “Antiques Roadshow,” 6 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; trivia, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass (video), 10 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; garden club, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/puzzle time, 10 a.m.; Gibson picnic, 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.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; happy hour with music, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9-10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; pavilion games, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 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. Visitors no longer need to call in advance.

Sunday: Uno, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; flip-o, 1 p.m.; movie in the lobby, 2 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; outside activity, 2 p.m.; resident council, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; flip-o, 2 p.m.; movie in lobby, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; manicures, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; outside men’s social, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Friday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; move your body, 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 lobby, 2 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

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.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; help your neighbor, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 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: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; devotionals, 10 a.m.; courtyard campfire, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Uno, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 1 p.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

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

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10 a.m.; courtyard bag toss and popsicles, 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.; left-center-right, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Pastor Jim, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Communion with Deacon Don, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; birthday party, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Jim Edberg, 1:30 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, 10:30 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.; cookout, 11:30 a.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; Yahtzee, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Rosary, 10:30 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: Sloppy Joes, tater tots, mixed vegetables

Wednesday: Tater tot casserole, carrots, dinner roll

Thursday: Cheese ravioli, broccoli, breadstick

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating Monday through Thursday – serving at noon. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Sausage, sauerkraut, carrots

Tuesday: Spaghetti and meat sauce, green beans, garlic bread

Wednesday: Chicken stir fry, rice, mixed vegetables

Thursday: Scrambled eggs, sausage, toast, hash browns

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 dining in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or 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 telephone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. The menu for the week –

Tuesday: Party chicken with rice

Wednesday: Baked ham and cheesy potatoes

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

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

Beginning July 6, Friday meals will be delivered on Wednesdays. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. The menu for the week —

Monday: Calzones, marinara sauce, spiced peaches, broccoli cheese

Tuesday: Taco salad, salsa, refried beans, tortilla chips

Wednesday: Hamburger and potatoes, buttered carrots, roll and butter

Thursday: Barbecue chicken, baked beans, french fries, ketchup

Friday: Pickled bologna, chips, Jell-o, veggie cup

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:

Monday: Spinning spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Les Artistes’ art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, noon to 4 p.m.

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

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 4 p.m. Cards cost 25 cents; 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. The menu for the week —

Monday: French toast, strawberries, sausage

Tuesday: Italian pork bake, garlic bread, carrots and peas

Wednesday: Country-fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots, salad

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

The menu for the week —

Monday: BLT sandwiches, tomato soup, picnic bean salad, fruit, cookies

Tuesday: Homemade pizza, dark green salad, fruit

Wednesday: Liver and onions or chicken breast, cheesy potatoes, tomato salad, fruit

Thursday: Chef’s salad, breadstick, cottage cheese, watermelon, chocolate chip cookies

Friday: Tater tot casserole, dark green salad, breadstick, 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 Wednesdays 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.

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 is available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week –

Monday: Ham sandwich, pasta salad, chips

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe, tater tots, mixed vegetables

Wednesday: Tater tot casserole, carrots, dinner roll

Thursday: Cheese ravioli, broccoli, breadstick

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

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

The center is open, and meals are 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: Chicken Alfredo, linguine noodles, Samoa blend vegetables, dinner roll, cookie

Tuesday: Lemon herb baked fish, twice-baked potatoes, coleslaw, rye bread, brownie

Wednesday: Kielbasa, German potato salad, dinner roll, fruit, dessert

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, noodles, gravy, succotash blend, fruit torte

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 planning to dine in or pick up. Menu for the week –

Monday: Ravioli, winter blend vegetables, breadstick

Tuesday: Salmon, sweet potato fries, creamed corn

Wednesday: Philly steak sandwich, potato wedges, green beans

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and carrots

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

Center activities 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 906-563-5587 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

Thursday, July 21: Board meeting at 1 p.m.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

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

Tuesday: Cobb salad with turkey and bacon, breadstick, Mandarin oranges

Wednesday: Patty melt, potato wedges, corn, applesauce

Thursday: Sweet and sour pork, rice, stir-fry vegetables

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